Going to buy my wife a used Sportster. I was leaning toward a 1200 but came across what appears to be a pretty good deal on an '03 883L, low mileage, very good shape. My wife is pettite so the the lowered Sportster is a plus. What other tradeoffs, good and bad, am I making if I go the 883 vs 1200? Tradeoffs that really matter.

Todd

 

The 883 would be a good choice unless she is very throttle happy

 

I wouldn't buy an 03' and under unless it was a REALLY good deal.
No rubber mounted engine, among other upgrades.

 

1200 would be better for lower rpms keeping up with you on the highway (of course and 883 can be bumped up to 1200 for a reasonable amt.) and as mentioned the 03 down models are rigid mounted engine models and tend to vibrate. If you could find a good deal on and 883 or 1200 custom 04 up it will be smotther ride being a rubber mount and fairly low for her as they already have 11.75" shocks. You can also lower the bike more with 11" shocks and front lowering springs if need be. I would imagine that you could find and 04 883-1200 in the neighborhood of $4500-6000 nicely equipped maybe less depending on options.

 

I'll put it this way for you (in my opnion) Although the 1200 is a great bike with plenty of kick, the 883 is also a very effective "Harley" and won't break the bank as easily. Insurance wise and upkeep wise.

Most Sportster riders would only recommend the rubber mounted 1200's with FI and lead you into believing that's the only way to go. I've owned 4 Sportsters from 883's to 1200's from a 94 883; 99 883; 2003 1200; and lastly an 06 1200.. and for me out of them all, believe it or not the 99 883 ended up being my only "keeper"! I was not really overly impressed with the 1200 performance over the stock 883's considering the higher cost difference (for me, just wasn't worth the difference)

On the other hand however, 883's usually end up being "white elephants" as the 1200's have a greater resale appeal... not value, just appeal due to the fact most rider's opt for the 1200's appeal as the top dog of the Sportster group.

My 99 883 Sportster is dependable, a good solid machine with minimal vibration and will easily keep pace with the big twins for local rides.. Smoother shifting then any of the 1200's I've had and sold. Just my opnion..

Besides the Sportster's owned, I've also had 2 Roadking Customs; 1 Heritage; and even an Ultra.. All gone now except for the faithful 883. Yes the big bikes were nice highway rides but uncomfortable and cumbersome for small town to town rides.

 

There you go. Take it from someone that obviously knows?

 

Great feedback from all. Thanks. Any other opinions, please share. I always try to look at things from a fair and balanced perspective, so no single arguement is going to make or break my decision...

Again, thanks...Todd

 

My girlfriend has an 05 883L (of course it's got the rubber mounted engine, so I know it's a bit different than an 03) and she loves it. We live in Colorado, and it's got plenty of power to put in a couple hundred miles through the hills in a day. I've ridden it a few times and was pretty impressed with the bike (I have an 01 night train).

 

An 883 will do just fine. Mine did it just fine, and I was ~200 lbs.

 

Look at it like this, 883 will run highway or backroads all day same as a 1200. 883 is cheaper to buy, 883 is cheaper to insure, 883 gets better gas mileage, 1200 is stronger. those are the major differences. Depending on the year, anything that fits a 1200 will fit an 883.Lastly, since it will be her scoot, why not get the one she wants?