For 4 1/2 years I'd owned a 2006 Street Bob. I sold it when a guy made me an offer I couldn't refuse. For 30k miles I loved the bike. But, I have bad knees that I can't find the time to have replaced yet. I dropped the SB once because of my knees. I will be buying a new HD in March or April. I've always liked the looks of the Sporty models and have a great deal of respect for their engines (883 and 1200). I'm 5'7" tall and liked the Street Bob's mid controls. I did install highway peg mounts & pegs which gave me another position for my feet on long rides. I'll be doing the same on the new Sportster.

Power means nothing to me. I've owned 800cc V-twin metrics in the past and found the engine size to be more than adequate. I'm thinking of either the 883 iron or the 1200 Nightster (I prefer a solo seat). It will be ridden daily during riding season 52 miles round trip to and from work. On Sundays I'll be joy riding with my buddies. We usually do 250-300 miles on the average Sunday.

I need your opinion as to the comfort of those two models for long rides or if you'd recommend an 883 Super Low or 1200 Low instead. The new bike will be a Sporty. I've wanted to buy one for many years but peer pressure always prevailed. This time I'm buying the bike first then letting my buddies know what I bought. Thanks guys.

 

I have an 883 low. None of the sportys have rear shocks worth keeping. I put some RK air shocks on and it, some comfort foam in the seat, and it rides almost as comfy as my bagger.

I got no problems doing 500 mile days on it.

 

I have an 09 883 custom, i'm 6'1" and wanted forward controls and a laced front wheel. My use ofnthe bike is very similar to your needs. The 883 is perfect. With The $ you save over the 1200 you can buy all sorts of other stuff.

 

sportys still top heavy
buy the 1200 and dont look back!

have you ever tried knee braces?

Ride Safe

 

The new SuperLow has a really comfortable seat and suspension. It doesn't corner very well, though, due to lowered pegs. The Nightster and Iron are the same bike, except engine size and gearing. Given that you are doing "longer" trips, you'll be happier with the Nightster. Sportsters aren't even a little bit top-heavy compared to Big Twins, so you shouldn't have any trouble with that.

Best option, IMHO, is to get a Nightster, and put some Road King or Progressive shocks (12.5") on.

 

"have you ever tried knee braces?"
I've tried the neoprene braces but they become irritating after a while.

Thanks for all the advice. I figured I'd need to make a rear shock change because the rear shocks on the Street Bob sucked too.

 

I ride an Iron and I like it a lot. The stock seat has to go though. It becomes unbearable after 100 miles. You will start praying for the "low fuel" light to come on so you can get off the bike.

 

+1 on the SuperLow (still hate the name). It's the only Sporty with decent suspension.

 

I have a 1200C and love it. It's the only bike I've ever had so I dont have anything to judge it against. I took the windshield off, used 10" lowering shocks, changed the speedo mount to a 1200L, put on 16" apes and ride the hell out of it. If its not raining hard Im on it if im not working. I ride it if its freezing cold or africa hot (SC gets both). Sporties are fast and nimble. You will love it! I do plan on changing the seat to a C&C sport tour soon

 

I ride 150 miles a day, 5 days a week.
1200 C. Got no complaints
Sundowner two up seat & drag bars