I have a 2009 XL883C Custom as my main road bike and a 1976 XLH 1000 Sportster as my around town beater. Previous bike was a GL 1100, a great bike, but the Sportsters seriously rock.

 

I have, and have had many bikes. got my first harley about a year ago. a custom softtall with a 107 S&S. sold it, and picked up a used nightster. and yea i like it. go for it.

 

I got a fltr and a 883r to fart around town.... Its nice to always be able to ride if the other one is down.

 

I have a roadglide and two sportys. an '86 and an '03, first and last year of the solid mount evo sporty. Bought them all new, when I had the means, $3995 for the '86! It was the second one they got in at Black Hills H-D, in June of '85, it is a good little bike and is my favorite.

 

The Sporty makes an even better second bike than it does a good first bike, and it makes a great first bike. Can't imagine I'll ever be without a Sporty or two in addition to whatever touring bikes I collect.

 

as soon as i get rid of a cage (not easy in this economy!) i hope to add a coupla bikes to the stable. would love to have a deluxe and an ultra. so then i would have the sporty for round town, deluxe for middle range and the ultra (cvo as long as i am in fantasy land) for road trips...
hey, a guy can dream!!

 

Not me my second ride is street glide

 

Had a Nightster as a 2nd bike(to a FXDC)......then a FXDC for a second bike(to a FLSTN)......now the FLSTN is the second bike(to a Street Glide!).

 

I agree with osco, if you know what mods to make a sportster is all you need for a bike at least mine is and im 6 5, forward controls, progressive shocks and a mustang two up seat

 

Same boat as OP - enjoyed & miss my 05 XL1200C so...look'n into picking up a Iron 883, or 48 in the near future. Gotta get the teens through college 1st