Im trading in my Kwai VN for a Harley, but I can only afford something in the sportster range for now. I shouldn't have wasted money on the VN but hey, we live and learn. Dealers ate offering pretty decent deals and I'm stuck between the following.
An older 1200 with about 7k on the clock and it has the tank I like, downsides are mag wheels, mid controls and standard pipes.
The next is an 883 with about 4k on the clock, it has spokes, forward controls and V&H pipes, downsides are the tank and the engine.
I know I can get the stuff I need for each over time but what sounds like the best option, in my heart I'm thinking it's the big engine but I'm no expert.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Daniel.

 

Compromise got you here. It's not likely that getting the Sportster is gonna yield different results. Many of us here started on Janpanese brands. I still own a couple. Ride the Vulcan and enjoy it until you can get the bike you really want. Then go for that bike.

If I had all the money I ever spent on "it's almost what I wanted" I'd be a rich man.

My advice is worth what you paid for it

 

For me would be no contest .. The 1200 would win .. Fwd controls are no biggie to do .. Although Nomad has a very valid point .. If really wanting another Bike than a Sportster hang on to the vulcan for a while ..

 

I've loved the VN, dont get me wrong and it's pretty tricked out what I've done to it but I was on the verge of dropping some serious cash on a lowering kit, rear fender, bars etc when I realised its a Harley I want.
While I will get a softail at some point I want to build a bobber for a daily ride.

 

I too had this problem.... I owned a Sportster 1200 because I wanted a Harley but only bought it because I couldn't afford a Street Bob at the time. I ended up selling it because I just felt it wasn't big enough and it didn't have forwards etc.
I bought a Honda VTX 1800 which was certainly big enough, however, after a short time I was pretty bored with the comments "nice bike... but its no Harley" and to be honest I agreed! So I did a straight swap for a 883 sportster Bobber Hardtail. This was very cool but again after a short time I felt it was not big enough for me. Luckily financially things improved and I have since sold the 883 and finally got a 2010 Street Bob.
I think you are better to keep your money in your pocket and not spend it on mods to a bike that really you are not happy with and put it towards getting the bike you really want.
Just my opinion of course.