Im in a tight spot, but here is my dilema. I was set on getting a 2005 1200 custom, well the lowest price we could agree on is 5750 is the best deal he will give. Here are the bikes details

2005 Harley Davidson Sportster XL1200C in Orange/Black custom factory two-tone. Bike has 6400 miles, but other than that its completely stock.Will need to be serviced as its but run very little over the last couple years, needs inspection and along with a battery. Price is 5750 plus costs of service and battery putting me at 6k give or take and also this bike is 3 hours away from me as well so the cost of gas and time to go get it.

2001 HD Sportster 1200 Custom, Blue in color that has 10,500 miles. Bike has progressive lowering shocks, lowering kit, brand new tires and brakes, just had 10k service last month, few extra chrome add ons like oil tank etc. It really doesnt need anything to be road ready.Has SE intake and drag pipes. Price is 4400 and I would have the bike looked over to make sure its road worthy but doesnt seem to need much of anything.

The issue comes in, that the first mod im going to do is 12-14" apes to get my arms more comfortable on which ever bike I do go with. With me being 6'1 and around 240 lbs which is more comfortable? I hear the 05's moved the foward controls closer to the rider, by like 1.5-2" back. I really like the 1200 but seems to be outside my 5k price range I set myself for my first bike. I hear the rubber mounted ones ride so much better than the earlier models which makes my decision even harder to decide on. Sorry to bug you guys but I just dont know what to do

 

I've ridden a number of or rigid mounted and rubber mounted sporties, and personally I don't mind the rigid mount engines at all, and i have a rigid mounted 94 sporty. I've grown to like the vibes as I feel more like i'm part of the bike while riding. The only thing i've noticed on some of the rubber mounted bikes is they sometimes will have a certain rpm where the engine will start to oscilate in the mounts causing abnormally high vibrations, although other than that things are pretty smooth. Either way, get what you want. Although if you hold out and keep looking you may find a better deal especially for the rubber mounted years. I live in milwaukee and over the past few months i've been seeing a number of the rubber mounted bikes going for pretty much right at $5000 and some as low as $4000 for a 1200 engine. With this economy and as sad is it is your bound to find a better deal if you find a guy short on his luck looking for a quick sale.

 

That 01 does not sound like too bad of a deal two me, given the options, thats the one I would get.

 

Ultimatley it should come down to comfort since you don't sound like a small guy. Suspension could be a problem on the 2001 because it has been lowered. Depending on what size progressive shocks are on the bike, you could have problems with bottoming out. I would try to sit on them both, ride them if you can, and see which one feels better. Next I would be looking at the color. Don't stress the rubber mount vs solid mount. The vibes aren't distracting in the least bit and the rubber mounts add about 50 lbs to the bike. New tires and brakes are nice, and you could probably sell the progressive shocks if they are too short and go a little taller. Still probably be cheaper than the 05.

 

Ride them both and you will answer your own question.

 

2001, the vibrations are not bad at all, especially if you have never ridden a rubber mount, you wont know what your missing

 

Well here is a twist today. A guy I work with has a 2002 HD Sportster 883 with 8900 miles and he said he knew it was my first bike and id take care of it I could have it for 2800. It has drag pipes, se ac, corbin two up seat and T-bars or whatever you call them and he will throw in a fat bob tank he never end up using. I think im going to have to get that instead

 

Yeah go for the 883, get your riding skills down,.......and then if you want more power you cause upgrade the jugs with a 1200 kit for as low as $500 extra later on. $$2800 is a steal for any year sporty that's in decent shape and running. I'd jump on that before he changes his mind.

 

Definately jump on that 883, the 1200 kit is a no brainer if you have even the slightest mechanical ability. Course, if you have 5k at your disposal, you could just get it done at an Indy and throw in some cams, pipes, pulley, and some headwork and still come out on top.

 

Tough Call but I would go for the 2001