Hello,
I see a lot of posts about the sportster being top heavy, are these posts referring to the models like the 883Iron, 1200Custom, all the models that stand a bit higher. Or is the 883Low top heavy as well??
Thanks

 

The Low is also top heavy

 

The sportster frame is simply a taller, thinner frame then the full size bikes, by raising the center of gravity, you get the "top heavy" feel.

 

I see a lot of talk about the sportster being top heavy, but I've never noticed. Now I am sure this is because the only thing I've ever driven is my Nightster so I don't have anything to compare to. You just have to see what feels right to you. As soon as I sat on my bike at the dealer I knew it fit me perfect.

 

I used to own a 883c with the 4.5 gal tank--that bike felt top heavy to me, and I think it's just a function of the not so wide stock bars and the larger fuel tank.
My Iron with the 3.3 gal tank feels does not feel top heavy at all.

 

I have ridden all sorts of bikes, and don't notice the sportster being top heavy.
I have the 1200 low with the 4.5 gallon tank.

It IS ponderious coming off a 350 LB 1969 Triumph Daytona, which felt like a bicycle almost.

But to me, it just feels heavier (its 200 pounds heavier), not top heavy, and I have raised the bike up from stock quite a bit.

I one foot it even two up without problems.
( I never put both feet down when sober)

Brett

 

The comparison is between a Sportster, where you sit high above the bike, and a Big Twin (Like a Dyna or Soft-tail), where you sit lower down, almost in the bike.

You're looking at two different frame geometries. The Sportster frame is more like the standard bikes that we had back in the 70s and 80s. Bikes like the Triumphs, CB750s, GS750s, and such. It's narrow and tall. The Big Twins, for the most part have frames that are wider and lower. Plus, the larger engine keeps more weight lower to the ground.

It really is what you're used to. If all you've ever ridden was newer American style cruiser bikes, including the Japanese copies, then the Sporty feels top heavy. If you're coming off sportbikes, sport-tourers or dirt-bikes, it won't.