Son wants a Sportster
#1
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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.
#2
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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.
#3
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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.
The newer bikes have continually gotten lower seat heights in stock form, whether the company advertises it or not.
#5
#6
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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
#7
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#8
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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
#9
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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.
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
Last edited by iwantmybeerbackplease; 03-30-2013 at 06:57 PM.
#10
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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.