Dealers also have a bunch on hand. Ask what they have in back. I will bet with as many trade ins they had there are quite a few and just because they have an asking price on them doesn't mean they won't deal.

 

If you want to do alot of engine mods, I would go with the 98 because you will have $$$ for that right away. Otherwise, the 05 gets the nod because of the rubber mounts. Don't think of the 883 as "lesser than", the 1200. Sure the motor IS smaller, but anyone who bashes the 883 in favor of the 1200 is cut from the same cloth as someone who bashes sporties because they have a hard-on for the big twins. You can always bolt on horsepower if you feel so inclined. Lot's of people out there buying up the Iron 883s. Probably the best selling HD at the moment.

 

HDIron,

I'm not sure if you live in Orange County, but Lifestyle Cycles on State College Blvd. just north of the 91 in Anaheim has a number of Sportys for sale-- they run the gamut from older to rubbermount, standard to Custom. They are a great bunch to deal with and the parts guy Swede is super knowledgeable.

http://www.lifestylecycles.com/

http://www.lifestylecycles.com/contact.html

I hope this helps!