I have an 07 low, andI love it. The vibration kicks in at about 75 mph. But it still isn't bad. My old 88 sportster was like riding a jackhammer.
I'm 5'4 also, and at 140 lbs. the suspension is fine for me. I tightened it mid-way to handle a little better. But, that seat has to go! It is painful. I felt it the first day a rode the bike home from the dealer, after about 15 minutes, and a couple of bumps. It's hard. I put a Reach seat on and it is verycomfortable. Thebike isreal easy to manuever around the tight spaces in my yard too.

Cathy

 

I have the 883L also. Same color as the one sportypig has. Love the ride. Agree with others on the need for a better seat. Best investment I made was the windshield though. Lots of wind blowing at you at higher speeds. Plenty of power, especially after mods to the carb. Good feel for the road. I'm 5'5, 175. Height is best for me. Did find when I put on 2 up sundowner that it raised me too much. Only use it when with a passenger. I have the shocks on the middle notchwhich gives me a little softer ride but, still in full control. You will find that the bike is a little top heavy. Takes some getting used to. It teaches you to respect it in a lot of different ways. I'm a happy camper/biker with my 883L.

 

why don't you just save yourself the trouble and get your wife a bigger bike? After riding the 883L for a year she will want a bigger one anyways. Have you considered the 1200L???? I am trading my 883L in for a Softail Deluxe...I need more comfort on the longer rides.

 

I would say takea look at the Dyna Low rideralso if money is not a problem. I really think the Dyna low is a nice bike but at $15K it is to expensive.

 

I've ridden my 883L for two years, and have not felt the need to upgrade.

will eventually I guess, but not for a while. I love the bike.

rob

 

I am (almost) 5'4", and I had a 2007 883 Low. I loved it ... but. I just traded it in forNighster because I felt I wanted a little extra "umph" and the Nightster was what I wanted deep down right from the start. Long story. That said, however except for feeling that the 883 didn't like the inclines in the White Mountains, I did not find it particularly uncomfortable even riding all day, putting 300 miles or more.After the first few days I got used to the seat, and Idid not feel it vibrated that badly at highway speeds. I will say that I had been riding a Jap bike (Suzuki Intruder 800) before that, and did feelthat ran smoother, (and actually a bit spunkier) but I was informed that the Harleys will never "purr" like the Jap bikes, and I quickly got used to the Harley's feel. I DID put forward controls on the 883 L, and I had a windshield. I did feel I was buffeted by the wind more than when I had the Suzuki, but I also had a different shape and height windshield on the 883L that could have contributed to that. Right now I'm riding the Nightster with the regular mid controls and no windshield. I will probably change that as soon as I can afford it, but it isn't bothering me THAT much.Everyone seems to have different opinions. So, that's mine!

 

That is funny, I too spend allot of time in the touring section and now that my wife is gettng a Sporty have spent allot ot time with the good folks over here,great resourse and great people.
We are also at the cross roads, she drove a 1200 and a 883 and felt more comfortable on the 883, the Custom is alittle nicer looking and has a bigger tank and you can put a lowering kit on it to make it the same height as the 883L
I am still pushing for the 1200 so she does not grow out of it too soon, but ultimatly it is her decesion and I will get what makes mama happy... "Happy Wife, Happy Life"

 

I've had my 883L for 2.5 years now and I love it. I also put foward controls (am 5'7 and like the extra leg stretch) and a quick detach windshield on mine (especially helpful on the hgwy behind the big rigs). I have no complaints on it being an 883 vs a 1200.