Son wants a Sportster
#11
03-30-2013, 06:41 PM
Grand HDF Member
#12
03-30-2013, 06:46 PM
Extreme HDF Member
#13
03-30-2013, 07:11 PM
Cruiser
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Michigan
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#14
03-30-2013, 07:11 PM
show him a xl883n Iron. sits low and should be on the cheaper side for a newer used model. most younger people like the stripped down style. not sure of his body weight , but i'm 170 lbs and almost the same height and the iron is a perfect fit. plus you can always upgrade the 883 to a 1250 down the road if he decides the sportster is a keeper. above 07 will get you fuel injection which eliminates the need for carb cleaning and if you live and ride in climates that vary from cooler to fairly hot, i know from experience that efi is better for more even performance in different temperatures.
Last edited by IRON1250; 03-30-2013 at 07:22 PM.
#15
03-30-2013, 07:21 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Orange County Ca
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I'll break ranks here and ask why would you get him a Harley for his first bike? Especially since it is not just his first bike, but it is something he is going to use to learn to ride? I am about his size, but have been riding 24/7/365 pretty much since 7/68.
In addition I am an old man and get the impression your son is young. A person's first experiences on a motorcycle may determine if they are a long, or short, time rider. And I don't only mean survival. Riding a motorcyce, and this depends of factors such as location, may not be as easy as you , or he, think.
I would advise that he get some experience before buying anything. It has been my experience that most new riders don't continue riding after the initial thrill subsides. This is especially true for high traffic areas.
Ron
In addition I am an old man and get the impression your son is young. A person's first experiences on a motorcycle may determine if they are a long, or short, time rider. And I don't only mean survival. Riding a motorcyce, and this depends of factors such as location, may not be as easy as you , or he, think.
I would advise that he get some experience before buying anything. It has been my experience that most new riders don't continue riding after the initial thrill subsides. This is especially true for high traffic areas.
Ron
#16
03-30-2013, 07:24 PM
Road Warrior
He can always lower the shocks on whatever bike he likes. I have a 29" inseam and really liked the feel of the Superlow and the Nightster. Both are very comfortable for people with shorter inseams. My older '95 rigid came with 13" shocks and I couldn't flatfoot it. I changed to either 10" or 11" shocks (I forget which) and have no problem flatfooting it now.
I'd have him go with what feels most comfortable and he likes the best. With lower shocks and a reduced reach solo seat (which will knock another inch or so off the height) and some good boots with a heel, he should have a bike he'll be happy with.
I'd have him go with what feels most comfortable and he likes the best. With lower shocks and a reduced reach solo seat (which will knock another inch or so off the height) and some good boots with a heel, he should have a bike he'll be happy with.
#17
03-30-2013, 07:34 PM
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Illinois
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Thanks for all the suggestions. NDBadlands, I will look into the insurance costs I didn't think of that. I did look for an Iron and Nightster (hell I wouldn't mind having a Nightster) but they are out of his price range. The two bikes we're looking at are in the $4,000 range which I think is a good deal? Hopefully we can take a look at both sometime next week and see which he like, if any.
#19
03-30-2013, 09:06 PM
Road Master
#20
03-30-2013, 09:25 PM
883 by all means... Its the perfect balance of performance, price and insurance cost at any level. I have a carbed that runs perfectly after 7 years but fuel injection is generally more efficient and less upkeep. The insurance cost between 883 and 1200 is substantial. You can always upgrade the 883 to 1200 but the insurance remains that of an 883.