well my friend bought a iron 883 and he regret it a month or 2 later so id say nightster. But dont worry what other people tell you, such as myself just buy what ever u like and fits u well, I dont listen to anyone when it comes to my money, I picked my favorite somthing that I would be excited to ride, Not other people telling me what to ride. if u want comfort take the sand outta your vagina, If you want performance take viagra.

 

+ the 1200 is the way to go, I have a custom 2002 and love it. But like others have said I bought this to break my cherry on a HD. I will be getting a Fatboy later on. I am a big guy 6'3" 275 pounds and I look like I am 3 times that size on it. So my wife is getting the 1200 next year.

But you will find the 883 a little small and it is more sporty then going up the line. Did you look at used bikes it could save you some $$

 

Let me add my reason for going bigger, My wife likes to ride with me and well we both are not smaller people. so Comfort is the reason not speed. Seeing as how I am not a speedster so going fast is not my concern

 

gcal,

I took the msf course here in Ohio 11 months ago. At the time, I told fellow class takers that I was getting a Piaggio X9. Imagine that, a scooter, cool scoot at that. Well, I passed the licensing part of the class, great moment in my life, and was close to buying a friend of a friend's Piaggio. One evening, I just happened to surf upon a local Harley dealer's web page. I scrolled to the pre-owned section and, there she was, a 2009 883 Low in Vivid Black, sissy bar, windshied, all kinds of stuff. I literally said 'that's it, that's my bike'. And a Harley wasn't even a glint in my eye, or mind. But, it just appeared.
When I walked in to the dealership, the manager was trying to persuade me to a 1200 Sporty, for gas tank and two up reasons, all good reasons, power aside. But when I sat on that bike, it was simply all over. No one but me was owning the bike.

Even now, every time I sit on it, every time I start it up, nothing brings a smile, nothing excites my DNA like my sporty. I can tell you that after getting used to riding, you find out what it's gonna take to really 'dial the bike in' to your comfort zone. I recently added forward controls, and my Lord what a huge difference. So, long story longer, you won't exactly know what bike is going to work for you straight away. But, for me, if you see a bike that just takes you away, start there my friend. For me, I'll add a 1200 or 1250 kit for power later. But even still, now, it's all I ever wanted. Do I cringe a bit when those big V Twins pass me by, tearing up the pavement with all that torque and low in grunt that can be heard and felt for miles? Sure. But I didn't take the course and buy the bike with comparisons in mind. I bought it for me, my gal, mostly for me, and accomplishing something I've always wanted to do, in a timely green way. Job done. Pata Pata.

 

That's hot. Now I forgot what I came in here to say.

 

^

Nice

 

Get what you like. I have an iron and love it. Ride on.

 

Back when the first Sportsters were created their purpose was to compete with the Brit. bikes. Obviousely the marketing strategy has evolved since then and Im really not sure what it is. Cost maybe,rider size,manueverability,power.Theres alot of good things to say about sportys,I had an Ironhead and loved it,rode it three years and made 500 on it. I can tell you in the late 60's at my old mans Chevron station a **** load of Hells Angels rolled through riding them and I never saw anyone ask them why they had half a Harley.

 

Can't Go wrong with the test drive to see. And the MSF course is very helpful even if you have been riding and it should get you a discount on the insurance. I was forced to take it being in the military and I did learn alot