We just bought my wife an Iron. We liked the all black look of it as opposed to the grey motor on the Nightster. I will tell you that we got it with forward controls and the Screaming Eagle 1200 swap for about the same as the cost of the Nightster....I have riden a buddy's Nightster and I can say the Iron with the 1200 does feel a bit stronger than the Nightster.....just something to think about

 

I had no experience and I bought the nightster. The course helps ALLOT.
And after a month of riding you may want a bit bigger engine (if you go with the Iron) so I say the Nightster will work. Plus with your discount you should be good with the price of the nightster.

 

Thank you for serving, much respect.

jmho, i'd go with the 1200. AND definitely take the MSF brother, no if's about it...start safe and stay safe!

 

Thanks to everyone for the help. The real reason I like the Iron is cause it's so gritty looking, the all black is just awesome! I've read that the Nightster will pack more power, however, as new rider, I don't know if I should start off with a 1200N. Which of the two will be better for the occasional trip with my wife? I've read that both will do fine, but by my thinking, wouldn't a 1200N be more appropriate since it's more powerful?

I plan on taking the military safety course as soon as I get home, as well as the riders edge HD course. I plan to try and buy over the internet and then pick it up when I get back to the US.

--k&j eglide

Here is the link to the military new car sales: http://www.encs.com/ (for deployed and TDY members)
Check out the HD section. Not sure, exactly how much the discount will be, but I'm guessing it will be between 500-1K. Hope it helps.

 

I have a 2009 nightster (orange & black) that i bought from the local dealer in Texas when i was home for R&R last November.

I thought about the military car sale but just be aware that although you recieve a nice discount from them you still may have to pay fees to the dealer that the motorcycles is delivered to.

 

little advise for two up riding. the nightster doesn't have passenger pegs ($80), you'll need a double seat, i got the badlander for $185, easy to switch back to my solo but get something to protect your fender the plastic will scratch your fender when riding, you will need a sissy bar, tried it without- wife had no leverage and almost flew off the back several times, (also dont get the kuryakn plug n play mount will not fit bobbed fender) i just got detachable side plates. i almost bought new shocks bc forums keep sayin you would bottom out but i never had a problem (even going over railroad tracks) and im not skinny

 

Test ride both if you can. If money is an issue, get the 883 and do the conversion later. Get what you like, you can't go wrong with any of these bikes.

 

Thank you for your service. Regardless of what the administration thinks, the American people support you and appreciate what you do. Keep your head down and your wits about you till you get home.

Thanks again.

 

I have an Iron and faced the same question. Although the 883 is a smaller engine I found that they both have the capability to throw me back in my seat.

The Iron has the alloy wheels, which means tubeless wheels... which is more desirable.

 

I disagree. If you want to black out the Nightster, buy the Nightster and black it out! That's what I did.