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Just saw a 97 harley sportster 1200xl . they want close to $5000 for it. It has a little over 18,000 miles on it..Good price? Good first bike for an fat man? how many miles does an engine last? thanks for comments ...

Which one? Is it a custom, hugger, sport? Does it have anything upgraded? Is it in good shape? If its in good shape that can be approximately around what they go for.

As for being good for a beginner, it depends. It has a high center of gravity but if you can do low speed maneuvers well then it should be fine. Have you taken/are you taking the MSF?

It'll haul you around fine unless you exceed the GVWR.

A Harley Sportster 1200 is a bit too large for a beginner in my opinion.

Doesn't matter how tall you are or how much you weigh or how old you are. Lots of new riders often think those factors matter regarding the size of bike they can handle. Not really. (I mean, obviously a midget isn't gonna hop up on a dual-sport, but you know what I mean...)

What really matters is how much skill and experience you have. Experience comes from mileage, not years. Someone who has ridden for 3 years and done 30,000 miles will be a far more experienced rider than someone who has ridden for 15 years and only 18,000 miles.

First of all.....

Second, Have you checked out the Beginner's Guide? There are also stickies and the Learn To Ride A Motorcycle page which is now downloadable in PDF format (Created and maintained by Dragonhawk).

Third, I also recommend an MSF course and reviewing your state’s (province’s/territory’s) DMV or DOT website for licensing information, guidelines and FAQ.

Fourth, Go to a variety of dealers and sit on all kinds of different motorcycles. Even if you don’t think you’d like the ride when you look at it. I was dead set on one riding style when I started and ended up buying a different type. You may surprise yourself as well.

Fifth, Good Luck, Have Fun and Stay Safe Out There! I hope you enjoy this site! Be sure to...

xseabee wrote:Just saw a 97 harley sportster 1200xl . they want close to $5000 for it. It has a little over 18,000 miles on it..Good price? Good first bike for an fat man? how many miles does an engine last? thanks for comments ...

The price depends on what's available in your area and if you would be happy paying that much

It's not the easiest bike to learn on with it's weight and power, but it isn't the hardest bike either

That depends how it's been treated/maintained. I have a yamaha with over 100k miles that's only needed oil changes and valve adjustments. I've seen bikes with more and I've seen bikes that need to be rebuilt with under 4k miles

I am going to take the Msf. have to to be able to drive on base.I'm not a kid I'm 45..if that makes a difference.always wanted a bike now i can afford some of the things i couldnt .

I think as long as you take the MSF, then practice the MSF exercises with it, you'll be fine.

ok so its between a 2003 Shadow Spirit VT™750DC or a 1997 sportster xL1200c.. honda is cheaper in price but farther to go to look at.

I'd try them both on. Sit on them, look them over, have a mechanic take a look, test drive them, etc.

I know most say to not buy new for a first bike but; if you start looking hard at cruisers in the 650cc to 800cc, you can buy new for around $6,500. Including the jacket, pants, gloves, windshield, tax/title/etc, I bought my S50 for $7,000 OTD.

xseabee wrote:I am going to take the Msf. have to to be able to drive on base.I'm not a kid I'm 45..if that makes a difference.always wanted a bike now i can afford some of the things i couldnt .

Right on. Take the course, take it easy, and enjoy...