Assuming I can get a decent price for a car I am selling I want to get a Harley. I am leaning towards maybe a used Nightster or a new Iron.

Only thing is, I am about 6'2". I weigh about 180 now. Would the Iron be too small for me? I have only ridden friends street bikes or dirt bikes but I can't see the Sportster being less comfortable than those for my height. From what I read I would probably have to do forward controls right off the bat, but I am curious about power.

I am thinking that an Iron would suit me fine, I like the idea of a warranty on a new bike. Maybe do conversion later sometime if I need the upgrade in power? How would a conversion rate against a stock Nightster, in terms of reliability and power?

What's the best deal you can get on a Iron if you pay cash? Can you haggle with them at all? First time bike owner what would I be looking at for insurance? I am 28 with a clean driving record for the last few years.

 

To hit a few of your points. At 180lbs, the 883 will have plenty of power. Your life will definatley be a lot more comfortable with forward controls as well. At the risk of starting a big debate, an 883 with the conversion is going to be quicker than a stock 1200, if only for the lower gearing that the 883 has (ie quicker off the line). Warranties on a new bike are cool, but as a new rider a used bike might be your best bet. People are selling 1-year old nightsters for less than a new Iron, so, I guess it depends on how much you want to spend. There are alot of threads on here with people aking similar questions about these two bikes, try searching around a bit and you will find a ton of opininions about the power, comfort, and price.

 

I highly suggest taking the MSF course

 

Is this your first bike ever? If so, I'd recommend getting a cheap Jap bike for a year or so. You can pick up an early 2000 MY 250/500 (ie Honda Rebel) cruiser/tourer for 2K, ride it for a year and sell it for 1800. It has enough power yet not too much to get you in trouble given your lack of experience. Also, if you drop it while learning, it's not going to be a big deal. Imagine dropping your $8K Iron....not fun.

Anyhow, just my suggestion.

Oh, and take the MSF course!

 

at 6'2 and 180 lbs. I strongly suggest nothing smaller than 1200 with forwards of course. You can go for the 883 but you will want to upgrade eventually. I say do it once and never look back, you will love the N.

 

I'm a huge fan of the N because of the 1200 but also I don't really go for the totally blacked out look of the Iron. I think this is another thing to consider. Yes the Nightster and the Iron have a lot of similarities in style but I think they look a lot different because the Iron is blacked out where as the Nightster is accented with black like other bikes are with chrome.

 

You ususlly make insightful posts, but seriously. Since when is 180 lbs too heavy for an 883, am I taking crazy pills???

 

BTW, your headlight looks SICK midnight!

 

I am guessing that if you convert an 883 to a 1200 you lose your warranty? Can you haggle with Harleys at all if you are paying cash?

 

It will more than likely void your warranty with the MOCO for the motor and anything related to the drivetrain, but you could maybe see if the would dealer "stands by"/warrants their work for maybe a season.