Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Welcome back to the sport. That was quite the hiatis you took.

After 40 years of not riding, I don't think you should buy either one of these. The S-83 (with about 1400cc) is considered a good bike in the traditional old fashioned chopper style. (back before choppers had turned into what they have been for the past ten years or so). The S-83 is a somewhat "old-fashioned" bike in that it's been around for a long time (about 20 years?). It does'nt have some of the features like current Japanese bikes do.... check into that. Also, the S-83 is considered a bit of a problem to steer in slow speed environments.

I cant say much about the Sportster 1200, but that is also a somewhat older Harley design, with some considering it a bit on the crude side.

I would get a bike to start on, nothing larger than about an 800cc bike such as Suzuki Blvd C-50/M50 or maybe an S50 (for a smaller version of the S-83)...

I hear that the S-50 and S-83 will soon be removed from the S/Blvd lineup in a year or two.

I ride a 1400 Intruder, which is the same as the s83. It's a good bike with plenty of power. I would recommend it, only ridden a 1200 sprorster once and I liked it too.

Welcome back to the fast side... can't go wrong with the 'HD 1200 custom' (but then I also ride a HD), just my .02.

Welcome to the form.
There are so many good ones its hard to say. I quess your riding style and age will dictate which may be best.

My wife wasn't to comfy on the back of a sportster or a superglide so I finally bought a decker. She is quite happy crossing the country now, so thats what workes for me.

PS. I thought the sporty & Superglide had a bad whine from the belt untill I got something she was comfortable on