First post. I'm in the market for a new bike. Have ridden bikes before, Intruder 1440 and Valkryie. Now that I'm nearing 70 I want to get either an 883 Iron or 1200 Custom. Either will be used. My sons and friends tell I'm crazy to get either. The 883 will be underpowered and the 1200 is a chicks bike. Their words not my. I leaning more towards the 883 Iron. Need honest opinion about performance of the bike. I live in the mountains in Nevada and will be cursing a lot of mountain roads. Thanks for any input.

Stewgotz

 

Since I am 72 I say get the 1200 C, you can stretch out more on it. The 883 will not be under powered but they don't make an 883 C. I have 22,000 miles on my 2007 1200 C and have enjopyed every mile. Even in hail and cold rain. Tell your friends and sons to buzz off on their little buzzby bikes and leave you alone to ride a man's bike.

 

If you're set on Sportsters...get the 1200. If not, look @ Dyna line-up. Good luck!

 

The Iron would be fine, even for Tahoe, but a 1200 would have more power go over the pass. Lot of goodvriding up there, lived in south shore for 10+ years

Ether way both are good bikes

 

If you can get a great deal on a 883, it can always be upgraded to a 1250. The 883 will have plenty of power for you. Its when adding a passenger is where you will find its weakness.

 

Welcome To The Forum From The Great Lakes State.

 

I'd say you should get the 1200 custom, for the comfort factor, you could get a 883 super low which might even be more comfortable than the custom.. but the iron is a really sporty bike, with low bars & mid controls it's almost just like a sport bike, the 1200 will be better on the interstate because it does have lower gearing for high speeds. nothing girlly about a 1200 sportster, that's only said because they are kind of small but the dyna's are not much bigger at all, they just have a bigger front end with more rake on the forks. especially the new wide glides they feel just like a sportster custom to me, except for the bigger motor. the sportsters are nice though because they are light weight. although the dynas are not that heavy either.. the custom or super low is good because you can outfit them nicely & easily for touring..

 

Welcome to the forum.
I hope I can still ride when I'm nearly 70 , I'm a semi broken 55 now.
If you're really asking which one , is easy handling the most important thing ?
I traded a 09 Ultra Classic in on my 48 , mostly for easier , lighter , forgiving handling at a stop.
Out in Nevada , are you always close enough to fuel for a small tank bike?
The 1200 has the range and feels less busy at higher speeds.
The 883 will feel better at a stop light and close in town running.
Can't go wrong with any sportster , pick the one that's whispering to you.
Don't wait too long , life's too short , and there's some riding to do...
Mick

 

Get the bike that is most comfortable to you, doesn't matter what others think. I have a 1200C for the big tank and forward controls. I like that it is light and easy to control at low speed. I have a Road Glide too but with my bad knees I am finding it hard to support. I am planning a decent windshield, touring seat, and sissy bar for my wife, along with a few other things just to make it different.

 

Welcome to the forum.

I'm a little biased on the 1200 Custom. Has bigger tank and to me is more stable at higher speeds. Might be worthwhile to test ride if your dealer has them.