I just purchased my first harley it's a 48, which is a 1200. The only other moto I have ever ridden previously was a 250cc. Go slow take it easy, it does have a whole lot of power but it's not too overbearing. You'll have to play with it a bit to get the throttling down, once you get it, it's the only thing you'll want to do all day every day, it's amazing to get out there. So, from one newbie to the next, go with a 1200 right out of the shoot, that's my two pence. You can change it, modify it, do what ever you want to give it the same appeal of the 883.

 

Well said.

 

My brother in law and I taught my old lady on a 2003 1200 sportster. She had zero experience, not even her riders course yet. She loves it. Get the 1200, and take it slow till your used to it and you will be fine.