Is 1200cc too much for a first time rider?

Message

koji52 · #11 Unread post by **koji52** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 4:48 am

I ride a sporty and I would advise an 883 for your g/f. The difference in torque is definitely noticable between the 883 and 1200. I guarantee that if she gets the 883, at least in the first six months, she'll be fine with the power.

Although most would recommend buying used (as would I), I think the MoCo is still running the sportster trade in at MSRP deal, meaning that you get a new sportster now, a year from now, they will give you a trade-in value of the msrp of the bike. I'm perfectly happy with my 883 so I didn't really look into it, so check it out for yourself.

Keep in mind, the bike is quite top heavy, so it is easy to tip it over if you're not paying attention. Save yourselves the emotional pain and get a used bike for a couple grand. They should be priced pretty well nowadays. Just something to consider.

HYPERR · #12 Unread post by **HYPERR** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 6:21 am

koji52 wrote:I ride a sporty and I would advise an 883 for your g/f. The difference in torque is definitely noticable between the 883 and 1200. I guarantee that if she gets the 883, at least in the first six months, she'll be fine with the power.

Although most would recommend buying used (as would I), I think the MoCo is still running the sportster trade in at MSRP deal, meaning that you get a new sportster now, a year from now, they will give you a trade-in value of the msrp of the bike. I'm perfectly happy with my 883 so I didn't really look into it, so check it out for yourself.

Keep in mind, the bike is quite top heavy, so it is easy to tip it over if you're not paying attention. Save yourselves the emotional pain and get a used bike for a couple grand. They should be priced pretty well nowadays. Just something to consider.

That's not a bad deal at all getting your money back on a trade!

Back to the subject, Koji-san you have to rememeber we are talking about a 5'3" 100# person. I would say even the 883 Sportster would be too much first bike.

koji52 · #13 Unread post by **koji52** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:20 am

HYPERR wrote:
koji52 wrote:I ride a sporty and I would advise an 883 for your g/f. The difference in torque is definitely noticable between the 883 and 1200. I guarantee that if she gets the 883, at least in the first six months, she'll be fine with the power.

Although most would recommend buying used (as would I), I think the MoCo is still running the sportster trade in at MSRP deal, meaning that you get a new sportster now, a year from now, they will give you a trade-in value of the msrp of the bike. I'm perfectly happy with my 883 so I didn't really look into it, so check it out for yourself.

Keep in mind, the bike is quite top heavy, so it is easy to tip it over if you're not paying attention. Save yourselves the emotional pain and get a used bike for a couple grand. They should be priced pretty well nowadays. Just something to consider.
That's not a bad deal at all getting your money back on a trade!

Back to the subject, Koji-san you have to rememeber we are talking about a 5'3" 100# person. I would say even the 883 Sportster would be too much first bike.

I agree...it quite possibly can be too much for her given her size. I've seen some pretty small people on bigger bikes though. It really depends on how she is able to handle the bike. In any event, if she's hell-bent on getting a sporty, the 883 is a better choice than the 1200.

You'd probably be better off getting her started on a 250 though.

MotoEdge · #14 Unread post by **MotoEdge** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:37 am

Timmy S wrote:
When I took my MSF at The riders edge they used buell blasts

Wow, Blasts for the training course?! Man, that would be so much fun!

Ok, back to the topic...is it really the bike or a financial thing? This is a major question and influences many bike purchases especially in the sportbike world. A 1000cc only costs around $2000 max than a 600cc so many justify, hey..I'm going to upgrade so why not save the time and do it now.

It's even more deceptive because these bikes are almost the same in dimension but totally different in power

Back to the Sportster issue, everybody above says the top is heavy and with her height it may be a problem. Do what someone above also suggested, have her sit on it and try to move it side to side while sitting on it.

Maybe it's possible to test ride one in your area? Or do you know anyone with one? Just some ideas

Although I didn't account for the fact that she may be trying to prove something....hmmmm

then no matter what we think, she's going to buy it....good luck

Tennif Shoe · Fri Feb 06, 2009 11:06 am

remeber first bike not last, begin with a small bike (600 cc cruzer is fine for her)

Scott58 · #16 Unread post by **Scott58** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 5:48 am

Get her a Rebel. No need for more deaths in the family.

SBK15 · #17 Unread post by **SBK15** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 3:20 pm

1200cc would be wayyyy to much bike, not just power, but the weight of a 1200cc cruiser. It will be extremley heavey from a noobys perspective. My dad's got an 1800cc VTX, and i dont see how he holds it up!

Start out on a 650cc cruiser, then once shes use to that step it up.

Fast Eddy B · Tue Feb 10, 2009 8:00 am

NNYrider wrote:I

There is no need for a 1200. In all honesty she will not come close to using the full capabilties of an 883. I doubt that the vast majority of riders (experienced or otherwise) would (me included).

Nobody needs a motorcycle, let alone a 883. First time rider on a 1200 Sportster? Prolly too much. Nobody coming close to using an 883 to its limit? Prolly not.

Weight:
In Running Order 583 lbs. (264.44 kg)
Engine Torque:
North America 55 ft. lbs. @ 3500 rpm
Lean Angle: Right: 29° Left: 31°

Ditch about 60kg, pop the torque up to 85-90, and let that b*tch spin up and make some power. Then lets call it a Sportster. Oh, and give it some good effin brakes too please. We have corners here.

Ed

XB08 · #19 Unread post by **XB08** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:01 am

A 1200 sportster is not too much for a new rider. There are some 1200 cc bikes I would tell you they are too much for a new rider, if the rider is young and the bike makes big HP this is not good. Young are fearless and they will push the bike to it's limits, which is way pass theres.

XB08 · #20 Unread post by **XB08** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:06 am

sbk15 wrote

1200cc would be wayyyy to much bike, not just power, but the weight of a 1200cc cruiser. It will be extremley heavey from a noobys perspective. My dad's got an 1800cc VTX, and i dont see how he holds it up!

Start out on a 650cc cruiser, then once shes use to that step it up.

Most 650s weight as much if not more then a 1200 sporty.