I'm purchasing a Harley as my first motorcycle. I'm male, age 47, 200 lbs and plan to ride most trips of 60 miles or less with a few longer trips each year. I live in an area that is mostly rural and provides great opportunities for riding. The Sportster seems to be the obvious choice, and at this point I'm leaning toward a 2005 or later 1200 because of the fuel injection and rubber mounted engine. I'd love feedback on...

- Which model 1200, or would I be better off w/an 883 and then upgrade the engine when I'm more experienced?
- New vs. Used? With the market somewhat soft, I'm leaning toward used.
- How much could I expect a dealer reduce price on a new bike?
- If used, what do I need to look out for when buying? Should I have a dealer do a pre-purchase inspection?
- Which accessories should I consider when I purchase? I would expect to upgrade to another bike in a few years as I gain more experience.
- What should I expect to pay? Prices seem to be all over the place. Mostly due to accessories, I'm guessing.

I appreciate any feedback the group can provide. Thanks for your help...

Bill Harvey
State College, PA

 

Id go with an 07 1200 custom ,you should be able to find a USED ONE FOR 7-9K

 

take a driving class first

 

I agree, take the Motorcycle Safety Course first. Then go to the dealer and sit on all the bikes. Then take a test ride on the ones you like the best.

 

Just for clarification on all Sportsters:

2004 - 2006have rubber mount engines with carbs. 2004 was the first rubber-mount year.

2007 and up are rubber mounted with fuel injection.

 

Well I bought new so I knew what happened every mile that was on the bike and I wanted the warranty after coming off a lemon new bike purchase. I went with an 883 sporty and it runs fine with myself or 2 up. 04 and up rubber mounts are supposedly more comfy and I liked the idea of fuel injection on my 07'. No matter what you pick, you will enjoy it.

 

if its your first bike ever, go for the 883. its still a big ol torquemonster and you can always do a 1200 kit later.

in all honesty, i usually recomend a 250 rebel as a starter. its cheap, easy to resell, and a metric-ton of fun to ride.

 

What he said. Take a class. I bought my previous XL (883) before I took the class. I had a lot of dirt bike experience, but it had been a while and uh... it scared the crap outta me. If you've never ridden before, you may want to start off a little smaller. This is an old video, but here's what can happen...

Can't ride bike. Crash motorcycle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZlAPD67jfQ

 

I started riding 3 weeks ago, fresh out of the riders course. Everyone I knew told me to start out on something small, like a 250... and at the VERY MOST an 883. Three weeks later, I've got my '08XL1200N and I'm buzzing around town no problem. I'm not saying I don't get a tiny bit wobbley every once in a while on a take off, but I don't think the bike is too powerful at all. I really have no idea what people are talking about, I'm perfectly comfortable with my 1200 CC's - not intimidated or overwhelmed at all. I'm glad I didn't waste money on anything smaller.

 

You did it right... took the class first. And hey, don't get too complacent. A little fear is good when you ride. It'll keep you alive.