mine is a 883 and it is fast

i have a hb and se exaust on it ant ir can keep put with the big twins but i ll convet it to 1200 when i can


whatever your decition is ride safe and enjoy

 

That is a tough call.
On the downside, the 883 is looked down on, and has a low resale value I think.
I had an 1986 883 in 1986, and thought it was a great and fun bike, very nimble, and back then it was chain drive, 4 speeds, and rigid motor mount.
I thought it was a blast zipping through heavy traffic like a hot knife through butter.
My big beef was with the small gas tank.
The price is good.

But, you can get a good used bike for much less, a slightly used 883 with upgrades might be much less then a new one, and a used 1200 might be less then a new 883.

Unless you want to run over 80 mph, the 883 would be fine.

Dont forget, you will need coin for maintanance and upgrades, you WILL want a better seat, shocks and fork springs, maybe something to carry stuff for bike camping, gas money, etc.

I personaly don't give one hoot what anyone thinks of my bike, why should I ?
If some guys need a bagger to go to the bar on, thats too bad.
Small light bikes, like small light cars can be FUN!

Get what you like, but think about what you are going to do with it, I don't like style bikes, the ones that look good (to some people) but are no good for a 1000 mile trip or for going to work on every day.

Brett

 

I own an 883 and while I love it and feel that while riding around town or on backroads it is very capable and reliable. The only knock I have against it is the gearing on the highway. I ride with guys that have big twins, and although I can keep up, the motor is pulling some really high rpms to do so. F what people say about 883's, I got mine for the paintjob and don't think I would ever sell it to upgrade to a 1200. Maybe drop in a 1250 kit if I have an extra K laying around one day. People say the 883 has low resale, this is true b/c it is a cheaper bike from day one, and it benefits those looking to pick up a used one, so hardly a con IMO. I didn't buy mine in hopes of a good return when I sell it. Good luck on your search!

 

Have you test ridden either the 883 or 1200?

If you think the 883 is fine after riding it, then go with it. However, you can see the theme here that 883's often get turned into 1200's so if you have any inkling that you may want more power or outgrow it, then maybe you should just get the 1200 straight out. Worked for me.

As for resale... can't speak to that, still trying to sell mine.

 

thanks for the advice and input guys...

i think i will just go with the 1200....i've went and sat on a few of them and they don't feel too bad at all. i go next month to do the MSF class, which i planned on taking that anyway seeing how it has been some time since i've last rode a bike. this will be my first harley, but i'm sure it won't be my last so i don't mind starting on a "small" bike like a sportster and getting the hang of the harley "way of life."

depending on it we move as of now my commute will be ~65miles one way, which i don't think will be too bad.

so with all that said, what are some view points on the Sportster 48? I like that model the best b/c it is the "cleanest" looking one without too much "stuff" and it already takes care of some of the problems like forward controls, mirror reloc, and i like the single seat and chopped rear fender. the only downside i see with that one is the gas tank, i would prolly have to fill up each day almost going ~130miles round trip. but it will still be cheaper than my truck and even my wifes car. with roughly 2gal tank it will only cost ~$5-$6 to fill up.

again thanks for the input guys,

-John

 

Is only gonna have a range of about 80ish miles an If ya like power,,could be less.
XL1200 engines do up near 50 mpg If ya ride easy,,round town in traffic,,,35,,,40mpg at best.
2.2 gal tank ,,reserve is what guys,,, .6 gal sooo 1.6 gal to reserve,,
Range,,,city 50 ish miles,,,hwy 75-80 ish miles.
My 1200R does bout 38 city,,,47 hwy but i like to go bout 75 or 80mph.
My 4.5 gallon tank has a reserve of 1.2 gal. so my fuel light comes on an I add 3.3 gallons,,3.3 X 38 mpg=125 miles,, X 47 mpg=155 miles give er take.

 

883 gets better gas mileage, I may convert mine to a 1200 When I hit 100k but with a top end of over 100 and 55MPg on average I'm good....

 

If you can afford a 1200, do it now. You can do a 1200 conversion on an 883, but in the end you'll spend about the same anyhow. Like others are saying, sit on them. The 48 already has forward controls, which will save you an additional $400.

 

Don't think about a bike to save gas money.
You will pay $9000.00 for the bike, have to buy a bunch of other stuff like shocks, expensive oil, expensive tires, jackets, gloves, helmets, and will spend way more money then if you drove a hummer to work every day.
Plus it sounds like you will need to get gas each way, what a waste of time!

Plus, no back seat to strap something on?
You cant stop on the way home from work and get anything you cant fit in your pocket!

Brett

 

Or you can buy my 1200 sporty and have forward controls and drag bars.