Which one should I buy?

[thebighop]

Fit is the most important aspect to consider. The fastest bike on the planet won't be worth squat if it's too big or too small...
How tall are you? I am just a tad over six foot, 34 inch inseam, at 195 pounds, when I sit on a 883 HD, my knees are up around the handlebars. Not a good fit if you intend to ride any farther than the corner store. On the other hand the Virago's are a mid size frame and fair power for around town, but 250cc is a bit lite for long hiway rides.
If you are hell bent on a HD, and you have some mechanical ability, go with at least the 1200. The frame fits a taller person and the power is there for all types of riding, but the comfort for a long hual on a 1200 sportster leaves a lot to be desired. But at least the 1200 is a small enuff and lite enuff bike to handle easily.
If you are riding in a lot of traffic, you're a lot better off with more power than you may ever need , to get out of the way in a hurry if you have to. Riding to work shouldn't rag you out so bad that you're too beat to do your job when you get there...comfort and power are important. Price is something to consider, but if you buy wise and take care of it, the investment will be well worth it. I bought a 1985 Yamaha Venture new in 85 and drove it 180,000 miles before I traded it in for a 99 Venture. So buy wise and take good care of it, you'll be glad you spent the extra bucks in the end

[BigChickenStrips]

if you take the MSF, i bet you can get some ride time in on a virago, thats what 1/2 of my class used. (i got a Bad "O Ring" dual sport and everyone was quite jelous!) not to mention the insurance discount, and the great techniques they let you practice and get expert feedback on.

good luck whatever you decide. ride safe.

[roscowgo]

Don't forget you need some extra $ for gear too. and insurance. liscensing fees. and do any of the above bikes need maintenance parts? new tires, chains, sprockets, oil changes etc... If all you have is the 4000$ to spend and thats the price you pay for the bike...

i personally would go with one of the viragos. But then again i've been drooling and slavering on anything 2 wheeled and about 250cc's for a few weeks now.

If all else fails though, go spend some time with your butt glued to each bike, find the one that feels right.

[Locopez]

well...the price seems okay...for the miles. But the most important thing to know about the sportsters...is the vibrations...

I had a 1995 1200 Sportster..for my first bike...I thought it was a great bike...of course I had never ever ridden anything else before. Since then I have moved up. But it was a great bike. Here is my 2cents....don't buy a Harley thinking that it is a great investment...especially a late model Sportster..they are a dime a dozen...buy it because you want it! And want to ride.....

Either way get proper safety gear....and have fun...

rubber side down, the chrome side up....!

[DivideOverflow]

I'd get the sportster, personally. Then I'd make it into a dirt-track racer

The sportster 883 doesnt have crazy power either... So you should be fine on that. It is pushing about the same ponies as my 79 KZ650

[The Grinch]

My DL389 form came in the mail last night and this morning I went to the DMV and got my M1 endorsement!

[BigChickenStrips]

congradualtions XM23. its a great feelign having that motorcycle endorsement (at least in TN its just the letter "M" next to the Class on your regular licence.)

ride safe.