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With spring here and summer coming, I want to get me a bike. And with gas prices like they are i'd like to have something to get around town and to work on, plus i'd like to have something to ride around for fun. This will be my first bike,but i'm going to take it slow and get used to whatever I buy. That being said, I have looked at buying a new bike but I have found 3 used bikes for sale locally.

The first bike is a 1999 Harley Davidson 883 Sportster
Excellent condition, with Extras, 12k Miles, $4200, ( I can most likely get them to sell it for $4000)

The second bike is a 2001 Yamaha Virago 250
Good condition, comes with windshield, garage kept, 6800 Miles, $1900

The third bike is a 2004 Yamaha Virago 250
Like new, Cover included, Extras, $2400


Ok, I would like to spend really no more than around $4000 and I want something with some decent power, A virago 250 would be enough because I know that it has the most power out of the 250 class.. However I know thats a pretty decent deal on the Harley, And I would like to have a Harley.. I just want a nice looking bike that I will be happy with. However I would like to ask all of you what you think the best choice out of the bikes would be.

Go have a sit and see what feels right, Im not going to get into the whole too big too small argument.

I say get what you really want. However you should sit on the bikes first. Make sure you wont be uncomfortable on that harley

Well I have sat on new models of both, and they both feel good to me, not too big or too heavy, its really a issue on what seems to be the best deal or which one will suit my needs and use. My cousin and his friend both have harleys a 883 and a 1200 and I have sat on both, I went down to our dealer and sit on all the 250s.

a fairly big weight difference on the harley VS the other two.... seems like the odd one out...*chuckles* why is it on the same list with the 250's just out of curiousity.

NorthernPete wrote:a fairly big weight difference on the harley VS the other two.... seems like the odd one out...*chuckles* why is it on the same list with the 250's just out of curiousity.

Cause it's about as comfortable as the rest of them....

Go for what ever one you like sitting on the best. The sportster's gonna be a bit faster than the others.

A bit? *chuckles* Id love to have one..theyre nice looking bikes...

Yeah, I know the 883 is going to be quite a bit faster than the 250, I just figure that in a year or so after riding on the 250 I will want the extra power and wont have it, whereas I will with the 883. The only reason the Harley is on the list with the 250s is because I had found all the deals locally and I was leaning towards buying a 250 until I seen the decent price on the Harley. A Harley is truely what I would like, but if you guys think the 250s have enough power and will suit my use and riding, I may look into those.. I was just wondering if you guys thought the price on the harley was a good deal considering the miles. I dont want to pass up a good deal on a Harley..

well if you want the harley, get it!
and it gets slow to you, there's always the 1200 kit
transforms the small one into the big one. I personally would get the seat and the tank now, and go for the 1200 cc kit later.

Sounds like you're really into that Harley. If you feel comfortable with its power and fit, I'd recommend you getting the Harley. Also, the 1999 Sportsters are mounted without rubber mounts - which vibrates a bit more than the 2004 to current models. I personally prefer some sort of absorbtion or use of counter balancers to minimize the vibrations. Excessive vibration can lead to rattling of parts which would include your spinal column. Other upscale Harleys use counterbalancers which dramatically dampens things out. But if you want looks and a bit better resale, the Harley's the way to go.

That 2004 Virago isn't bad either. If reliability is utmost importance, I'd go with the 2004. This of course is pending on adequate maintenance on all three bikes you looked at.

Good luck. I say go with the Harley if your heart is really set on it. It's a pretty nice bike.