883L or 1200L What to do?
#21
01-27-2007, 11:59 PM
Road Warrior
RE: 883L or 1200L What to do?
Go for the 1200cc bike, but with a slight modification: When we were transitioning a motocross racer from 80/90cc bikes to 125 or 200cc bikes, we would install a 1/2 twist throttle for the first few rides. Of course, that was back in the day that the 2 stroke engines had almost no lower end power and the upper end power came on with a huge rush. Most H-Ds come with a 1/4 twist throttle. That is a little fast for a beginner trying to learn to manage all that power. I have no source of supply, but I'll bet that there is a 1/2 twist throttle out there that can be adapted to the Sportster.
Why go for the 1200cc with the 1/2 twist throttle? Because She will wantthe 1200ccs to keep up with youafter about 10 or 12 hours on the bike and you will want it right from the start. When she is ready, go back to the OEM 1/4 twist. Good luck............ BC
Why go for the 1200cc with the 1/2 twist throttle? Because She will wantthe 1200ccs to keep up with youafter about 10 or 12 hours on the bike and you will want it right from the start. When she is ready, go back to the OEM 1/4 twist. Good luck............ BC
#22
01-28-2007, 02:42 AM
RE: 883L or 1200L What to do?
ORIGINAL: ronn39
You might not appreciate these comments, Nellebelle...
Why foks consider a Sportster a "beginner's bike" escapes me. The MSF course, as good as it is, doesn't teach anyone to ride. The XL1200 is a hot rod. Put a rank beginner on a hot rod? I've been riding for a very, very long time (not to give away my age), and going to a 1200 with front controls was a new experience for me. It is not a bike I want to drop and thankfully I got all my falling down out of the way long before I bought this one.
If I could get my wife into riding (wishful thinking), I'd get her something light, like a 250cc or less than 500cc to get proficient with. When she's ready, trade it in on one of these Harley hot rods.
At 340 lbs, you will probably consider a Sportster a little on the skinny side. Besides, if you really want to ride her bike, you'd better be prepared to let her ride yours.
Sorry if this seems a little blunt, but it's my honest opinion.
You might not appreciate these comments, Nellebelle...
Why foks consider a Sportster a "beginner's bike" escapes me. The MSF course, as good as it is, doesn't teach anyone to ride. The XL1200 is a hot rod. Put a rank beginner on a hot rod? I've been riding for a very, very long time (not to give away my age), and going to a 1200 with front controls was a new experience for me. It is not a bike I want to drop and thankfully I got all my falling down out of the way long before I bought this one.
If I could get my wife into riding (wishful thinking), I'd get her something light, like a 250cc or less than 500cc to get proficient with. When she's ready, trade it in on one of these Harley hot rods.
At 340 lbs, you will probably consider a Sportster a little on the skinny side. Besides, if you really want to ride her bike, you'd better be prepared to let her ride yours.
Sorry if this seems a little blunt, but it's my honest opinion.
Good luck, and happy riding to you both!
#23
02-06-2007, 01:49 AM
RE: 883L or 1200L What to do?
Post MSF course, my Girlie went with a used Honda Rebel. It's 250cc, and she can ride it and drop it all she wants until she gets the confidence to handle a heavier bike. It had 1200 miles on it and cost $2K - no big deal. She'll be able to sell it for 1500 easy (assuming she doesn't drop it *too* much).
It's a good way to start - there's no substitute for experience measured in miles ridden. It's some dues to pay, but it's worth it to get the miles under the belt before getting a nice bike. After a thousand miles or so, get the 1200 (or a Dyna, even) and have a ball!
Good luck and good riding together!
-JP
PS: I had to ride that bike 50 miles on surface streets back to her place after she bought it - boy did I look funny (6'4" and 200 pounds) riding that little Honda :-)
It's a good way to start - there's no substitute for experience measured in miles ridden. It's some dues to pay, but it's worth it to get the miles under the belt before getting a nice bike. After a thousand miles or so, get the 1200 (or a Dyna, even) and have a ball!
Good luck and good riding together!
-JP
PS: I had to ride that bike 50 miles on surface streets back to her place after she bought it - boy did I look funny (6'4" and 200 pounds) riding that little Honda :-)
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