My son is looking to buy his first bike and wants a Harley. I have no exsperience with Sportsters. He is on budget and I have found two bikes in his price range and have a question for some of you shorter riders. The two Sportsters I'm looking at is a 2003 1200 XLH and a 2008 XL 883. My son is 5'5 with about a 27" inseam. Of the two bikes which would be lower? Would either be easier to learn to ride on? One better than the other? Both bikes have low miles and are in excellent condition. Thanks for the help.

 

If both bikes are stock suspension/seat then I think they will both be the same height. I've owned an 883 and a couple 1200s, if it was me I personally would go with the newer 883. But I would imagine you guys would go look at them, have him pick which one he likes best, can't really go wrong with either one.

 

I don't think he will have a problem on any Sportster at 5'5''. My ex was 5'4" and she could get the entire front half of her foot down on my bike (only a couple inches shy of flat footing). Mine also has the 13.5" shocks, which are the highest of all Sportsters, and a thicker touring seat.

The newer bikes have continually gotten lower seat heights in stock form, whether the company advertises it or not.

 

I would go with a 1200 he won't grow out of it I'm almost 6 foot and 230 lbs I have a worked 883 and I love it and I'm 26

 

I am 5'4 150 lbs. had other bikes with higher seat heights but riding on my iron. I feel more comfortable on the iron than the others which had seat heights of 29 to 31 inch high

 

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

 

1200 solid mount....get after it! Plenty of evolution solid mounts for 3000 to 3500

 

what a load of $hit!

 

I have an '08 XL883 Standard. I'm 5'-8" and 150 with 30" inseam, I have just enough room to sit flat footed with knees bent just enough to be comfortable. If I were 5'-5" I don't think I'd sit flat footed. I'd say the '08 Standard is the wrong bike. Most other Sportsters are lower than the standard. I'd keep looking. Not sure about the XLH but if it's a standard height bike, he'll have the same problem. I'd look for one of the lower bikes like a 1200 Nightster, 883 Low, etc., assuming they're in his price range.

As for a starter bike, I learned on my new '08 883 and I'm glad I bought it. I don't believe in starter bikes. Anyone can learn to ride any bike. I doubt your son is an idiot. Let him buy what he wants to ride. Just teach him well.

-Beer

 

If the 03 is the anniversary paint scheme I say go for it cause they a beautiful bikes.