Here's why I ask. I'm thinking about buying one but before I do that I have to sell my Mustang that I really like. I want to make sure this is what I want before the car is sold and I wish I had it back. So I was wondering if an owner of a sportster would come forward and let me look at their scoot and maybe give me the ups and downs of owning one. Rest easy because I wont ask to ride it, I just want to look. After all, I wouldn't let anyone ride mine either.

Before anyone suggests the dealer I'll tell you I have already been there and looked them over and I think an actual owner would be more helpful than someone who is trying to make a sale.

 

You looking for a 883 or 1200?

 

I owned a 1200 Sportster for a while. The problem I have with them is that they aren't "sporty". Granted, I was coming from a sport bike, but it handled slow and you sat straight up on it. I didn't expect it to handle like my sport bike, but I didn't think it handled as well as my dad's Low Rider.

In my opinion, if you are going to buy a Harley, buy a big bike. If you want a Harley that handles, buy a Buell.

 

There is a guy at my work that has one, he seems to like it quite a bit! Any particular reason why you are going for a Harley? Jap counterparts are just as good, possibly better in most aspects, and cost much much less.. Unless you want the name and plan on getting involved in the HD community (meetings / rides / etc)..

I'm guessing you have already decided you want a cruiser-type bike, but you being a mustang owner, that suprises me.. considered anything else? There are plenty of sport / standard bikes out there that aren't supersport bikes.

This is coming from a non-biased perspective.. my dad owns a Duece, bought it new, and it has had no problems whatsoever (10,000 miles or so now), he loves it.. heck I like it

 

I'll probably get the 883 and do a 1212 or 1250 conversion along with a few other things once I own it for awhile. I want a sportster just because it appeals to me. I'm not even considering any other kind of bike. I have had some jap bikes in the past and they were really good bikes (one was a Kawasaki Eliminator), but its not what I want this time around.

It is possible I might get involved in the H-D community. Maybe join up for some charity rides and such. I'll probably hit a few beaches when a bike week rolls around too. I used to ride years ago I guess I just can't fight the urge not to any longer.

 

I know a guy that wants to trade a 883 with some custom work for a mustang. PM me if you want I can give you the details...

 

Be aware of the resale value of a sporty is usually considerably lower than the big bike values. If thats not a concern a sporty is an ok bike especially if youre not a big guy. Im a pretty good sized guy and last year I went riding with a bud who loaned me his 883 while he rode his springer and the sporty was plenty of bike for me to putt around on but unfortunately I looked like an ape riding a piss ant (his description ).

My .02 FWIW.

 

QwkCoupe you have a PM. Whats the details on the 883?

 

my gf's dad has a new 883...i have a few sport bikes,but honestly the 883 is a fun bike to ride,not a harley fan but its a different kinda ride!