Outside of test driving, I'd hit up forum member Parabellum 9X19. He gave me some really good insight on the bike and is someone who came from a sport bike.

 

I too came from a CBR 600RR. LOVED it! I'm 41 years old and bought a VROD. My wife has the IRON 883. There will be days where you will miss the power and agility of the sportbike.

 

Honestly if I had an Iron I'd have to do the 1200. There are days when my 48 feels like it needs more juice. On a test ride you'll love it. After a few weeks it'll get old. Trust me.

 

I also went from sportbikes to a Harley with the 48 being my first. I owned three GSXR 600's and man I loved the power but I honestly got bored with it. It was the same thing when I went out to ride with my buddies and the game was who is faster. I had huge speculations about riding the 48 but when I test rode it I fell in love with the torque and the bike actually handles pretty well. Obviously not as well as my GSXR's but I knew what I was getting into. My last GSXR 600 was dyno tuned with 114hp at the rear tire and obviously the 1200 doesn't put out nearly that much. Your gonna miss the top end pure horse power from a sport bike but realize this: If you daily your bike most of the power your using is the torque from riding around town. You should be fine but like others have said test ride the bike for a nice long cruise going through every gear and you'll notice quick what you want. If it was me personally I'd at least get a 1200 and not the 883 if your coming from sportbikes like I did and like others have.

 

LOL

Been there done that years ago ... good decision.

 

If you like to get on the throttle stick with your crotch rockets but IMO the Iron is one of the best looking bikes out there

 

If the owner won't let you test drive w/o CIH...go to dealer and ask for demo ride on one of theirs so you can get the feel...just an option to pursue - good luck!

 

I never understand these threads where people are asking strangers on the internet whether they will like a certain bike or product.
You are the only one that knows what you like. How would a stranger know what you will like?
Do the smart thing and test ride an Iron before you buy, then you will know.

 

So you don't understand the concept of reviews or why Consumer Reports exists...? What a dumb comment.

Back on topic: I came from a CBR600 to an Iron as well. You're going to miss a lot of things about the stock CBR in the stock Iron.

-CBRs are oh so smooth. The Iron shakes like crazy.
-CBRs have lots of power, and get scary in the upper RPM range. Iron has almost none stock. Seriously - take it for a ride on the highway. Passing power leaves a lot to be desired.
-CBR suspension isn't half bad for a sportbike - the Iron is literally like riding on iron.

NOW, all of these things can be "corrected", if you're willing to make the mods. There are vibration dampeners, 1200 conversion kits, higher quality shocks and seats, etc. to make the Iron much more comfortable and powerful. But do note that this is not how it comes stock.

My 2cents: knowing what I know now, I probably wouldn't have gone for a Sportster, much less the weaker 883, for my first Harley. It was a major step down in most categories from the CBR600. In retrospect, I probably would have preferred a softail of some variety.

That being said, I'm going to make the mods to make it what I want it to be.

Set your expectations accordingly and I think you will be fine either way. That sounds like a really good price.

 

That's what I thought.