Hi All,

I posted this question on the general forum, and it was suggested I post it here too.

I am going to be buying my first HD soon, and it will need to be a used Sportster for budgetting reasons, but hopefully a fairly new one at that.

My question is, should I get the 883 or the 1200. I am a fairly heavy guy, and will want to get the wife on board from time to time so I am leaning towards the 1200.

Am I right is my first question, and if so, what should I be looking for? Is there a distinct change one model year that makes it a better bet than say a previous? I understand post 94 is rubber mounted engines, and post 97 electronic fuel injection.

Is the stage 1 or 2 even worth it? If so, what do they do?

Any help and guiders will be appreciated.


PS I am in the UK, not the USA.

(And if you really want to cry, check out how much HD's cost over here - your eyes will water!)

 

post 2004? is rubbermount.

post 2006? is EFI.

 

My typo mistake! I meant '04 and '07

Thanks for clarifying

 

I see all kinds of posts from people wanting to convert their 883 Sportsters to a 1200.

Don't remember the last time I saw a post from someone wanting to convert their 1200 Sportster to a 883..

Just get the 1200 and be done with it.....

I prefer the rubber mounted (2004+) carb'd Sportsters myself, but that is just a personal preference.

 

If cost is not the main factor, get 1200... no question about it

 

Do what I did and get a used Nightster instead of a new Iron 883.

 

Nightster is a good call, however need to be able to fit the wife on too!

 

My question is, should I get the 883 or the 1200. I am a fairly heavy guy, and will want to get the wife on board from time to time so I am leaning towards the 1200.
Howzit from Cape Town
How heavy is a piece of string(lol)ok!if you are planning on ridding two up and you are a big guy to start with maybe you sould be looking at the Dyna's.
I have a nightster and ride two up regularlly but i'm 86 kilo's and my wifes about 55 sopping wet. Here in SA we get harleys standard with a longer rear sus and I recon 150-160 kilos is about max on these shocks.
The other sporsters have better suspension i believe,but why don;t you go to a dealer and test ride some models.
Price wise try 10 rand to the pound I feel your pain.

 

My 91 1200 sporster rear wheel rated at max 350 lbs. at 40 psi. cold.
The engin don't care but the suspension does.

 

go wit 1200