Hello I'm getting ready to add a Sportster to the stable and I have a few questions.
First is a 883 and a 1200 physically the same size? I think I want the 1200 but I don't have to have it the bike is for my 16 yr old but I will hop on it from time to time. I'd like it to be big enough for me (6' 1" 230 lbs) but not to much bike for my youngster who's about 5' 7"

Second I've only been looking at 2004 or newer bikes because of the motor mounts but I know folks were riding the hell out of sportsters before 04 so is it really that big of a deal?

Third any advice on what to look out for as far as issues with certain years or anything like that? I'm looking to spend no more then 5,500 and not buying a bike with more than 10,000 miles on it. I'm seeing a lot of bike in that price range but I've got about three or four weeks to educate my self so I'll be reading a lot of old threads and probably resurrecting a few so thanks in advance for any advice.

 

they are the same size except for displacement. And some have shorter or taller shocks. 04 and newer or older, you shoudnt spend over 3500 bucks, they are everywhere if you look around.

 

I am no expert but can tell you what I know from my own experience.

I have an 883 2009 Iron and a 1200 2004 Custom.

They are not physically the same size. The Iron is smaller and is lighter.

I have ridden a Sportster without rubber mounts and yes, there is a big difference, especially on mid to long journey's.

Issue I had with my Iron (bought new) were leaking rocker boxes - it took the dealer 3 attempts to correct; both rocker boxes leaked around the seams. The problem occurred from day 1. Check the seams after a ride, even if the bike is new.

My 1200, I bought used (28k miles) but the heads were shot after about 9 months (the bike came with 12 months warranty). Lucky for me, and respect to the dealer, they took real good care of me and did a top to bottom engine rebuild and after a few bugs were ironed out, it runs like new now and I have done some big rides and it is now awesome!

Hope this helps.

 

The frames are the same size.

 

I have a 11 883 superlow and my sister has a 12 1200c. Same size bike. 04 newer in fuel injected and rubber mount so less rattles but they r still a sporty. Hope this helps

 

yeah, must be the difference in height foolin me. Plus, I have non stock bars on both my bikes so that can give the illusion and feel of different measurements!

 

04 to 06 is carb, not injected

 

Personally, anything 2004 and later. Having had 4 Sportsters now in my life, the rubber mounts to me are the best (subjective). I ride my bike about 100 miles to/from work each day on highway/freeway between 65-70 mph. My rubber mount XL1200R is great for this type of traveling.

2007 and later sportsters are fuel injected. I paid $4900 last year for this 2007 with 2200 miles on it at the time. But that was for this area of the country (Hampton Roads, VA).

 

I have an 03 1200c with drag bars (came with it) this is my biggest complaint. not comfortable on longer rides. I paid 4,600k with 6k on it. It's an anniversary model, very clean. I thought this was a good price. i have ridden a rubber mount sporty and I dont see that big of a difference between the two. My 03 is very smooth up until 70mph, then I get handle bar vibes. Good luck!

 

Yep, my 2004 is carb. My 2009 is fuel injected. I like the convenience of the FI, but the carb feels more real, if you know what I mean, I like the tinkering you have to do; and only you know precisely what you have to do to get your bike into the perfect groove.....does that make any sense? Lol.