My name's Matt and I live in Tucson. I'm a full time student at the University of Arizona majoring in Optical Sciences and Engineering!
My girlfriend is a daddy's girl and he rides a Harley so naturally she rides one as well... She rides a 2004 Harley Sportster 883 Custom and they both inspired me to learn how to ride as well!
They taught me how to ride on her Harley and I absolutely loved it!!! I've also enrolled to the MSF course which was so much fun.
Initially I wanted to buy a GSX-R 600 but both of them said no can do and that I have to get a Harley... lol

So here I am, registered on the Harley forums and I'm posting in this section specifically because I would like to start with a 883 Sportster for my first bike. Do you guys think I could get a decent one for $5,000? I don't want to spend a penny more for my first bike...
And also, what's the difference between an 883 and 883L?

I am very excited to be here in this forum, and I can't wait to get my first bike! My girlfriend's father is a road captain every time they go on runs and to be honest I love the whole scene... I think you Harley riders are really great people! Last time we went on a run it was to raise money for children from poor families so that they can have Christmas presents, and we raised over $6,000 dollars in one day for them. So yeah, I confirm... you guys are REALLY great people!!

 

Welcome to the HD Forums from the burbs of Chicago !!!

 

Welcome to the madness from Dayton, Ohio. With 5K you should be able to get a good 1200C. Just check out your local Craigslist or even Ebay. 883 and 883L is the same motor the 883L just sits lower by an inch or so. Good luck and ride safe.

 

 

Welcome from Colorado. I ride a SuperLow 883 and amsolutely love it. Depending on how comfortable you are in riding, you may want to start with a 1200. However, 883s can be punched out later if you want more power. Good luck and ride safe!

 

+2 on the 1200 Custom. It is a bike that you can be happy with for a long time (i.e. forever) and you should be able to find a good one in your price range.

 

Welcome to the forum from NW Mississippi.

5k should get you a nice used sporty.

 

Did her dad give you grief about learning to ride on an 883, since it is a "girls-bike"? I suppose it was true in your situation.

I'm just kidding! I ride an 883 Iron and I don't care what anyone says.

$5K should get you plenty of bike. Go to your local dealer and ride some used ones to figure out which model you want. Maybe you'll find a bike there too.

 

Welcome to the forum. If your willing to travel a little bit to pick up a bike, check craigslist up here in the PHX area. you can find some good deals if you look for a while. I got mine for $2700. I would go with a 1200. And what kind of set up are ya looking for. Bone stock, or something that has been worked on? Mine was stock when I got it.

 

welcome from Cleveland, Ohio.