Hi all, I'm totally new to Harleys and would really appreciate everyones input. I'm finally going to purchase my first bike, after I get my liscence, and am really pulling towards the Sportster 883 due to $$$$ as always. Would one of these bikes do for me and my wife stock for a while, until I could afford upgrades or should I just try and get the 1200.
I am 5'3 and 115 dripping wet with all my clothes on and my wife is 4'11 and 113. Would I need to upgrade the seat also for rides that are about 50 to 60 miles on the 883L or just wait???!!! Help a future brother out PLEASE!!!!!

 

gee with all that weight......! you'll do just fine. you may not be the fastest bike in the crowd after some miles and experience...spend the money for a 1200 kit and you will be cruise'n! good luck!

 

I would go with the 1200 if possible - than you don't have to worry about big engine upgrades later, after you've gotten used to the bike

 

For any two up riding I would definately go with the 1200. Costs a little more initially, saves later on, because you will soon find that you want that extra power.

Regards,

Bill

 

hehehe... I weight as much as both of you together.
With that said, you'll do fine on whatever you choose.

1 last thing, get what you want... they become part of you right away!

 

Either will work but you will want that 1200.

 

Welcome to the Harley web site.
If nothin' else, you and your wife are the smallest on this site My leg is a 115 pownds alone

 

I have an 86' 883 sporty. I weigh 250 and im 6'1". My wife weighs about 130 and is 5'10". My 883 does pretty well. About the only thing custom on the engine is some chrome and custom pipes. The only thing it doesnt have is the extra excelleration the 1200 has. Its all personal preferance and what your wallet will allow you to get in my opinion. Cruisen around 65-70 mph is fine for me. If I wanted to go faster I would have bought a crotch rocket rice burner. I will say that I will probably move up to a 1200 in a couple of years, but I'm enjoying the 883 as my first Harley.

 

I think the 883 would be just fine if that's the bike you want. I'd advise you to get what you want instead of worrying about getting something for now then not liking it and wanting to upgrade right away. Try renting the bikes after you get your license to get a feel of them.