HD Sportster 883 or 1200?????

[pjstevens77]

I am ready to buy a sportster custom 2004 to 2006. My problem is I really like the prices of the 883s but my gut is telling me to get the 1200.

What does everyone think? I used to ride a Ducati ST4 and I love the V-twin power and torque, I just don't know if I am going to shortchange myself by getting the "girls" bike, the 883. That is another deterent, especially up here in the N.East where these bikes are as common as a ford taurus.

What is the performance difference in the 2 motors? I don't really care about resale, I don't think they can get much cheaper than 5 or 6k anyway.

[jonnythan]

I am ready to buy a sportster custom 2004 to 2006. My problem is I really like the prices of the 883s but my gut is telling me to get the 1200.

What does everyone think? I used to ride a Ducati ST4 and I love the V-twin power and torque, I just don't know if I am going to shortchange myself by getting the "girls" bike, the 883. That is another deterent, especially up here in the N.East where these bikes are as common as a ford taurus.

What is the performance difference in the 2 motors? I don't really care about resale, I don't think they can get much cheaper than 5 or 6k anyway.

Why wouldn't you get the 1200?

[pjstevens77]

Why wouldn't you get the 1200?[/quote]


Price point. I can get an 883 for less and I am on a pretty strict budget. Trust me, I want the 1200, I am just trying to either justify the expense or find a really good reason to buy an 883

[blues2cruise]

I think you already know the answer to your question.....if you really want the 1200 then suck it up and get it.
But...it may use more fuel and cost more for insurance also.

And just how much power do you need anyway? To the best of my knowledge from riding with someone who has an 883....it can go highway speed with no problems.

Have you test ridden both?

[pjstevens77]

@ blues2cruise

I have not tested either, I am unaware of any local dealers that allow test rides, but I have ridden other HDs and I like them. I sat on the 1200C and really liked the set up. I am 6ft tall and I think I need the forward controls.

The bike purchase is a Masters degree gift to myself and it started out as a 4-5K price and that puts the 04-06 1200c's just ouf of reach, but like you said, SUCK IT UP. I used to have a ZX-7R and after two months I was pratically twisting the throttle over backwards looking for more power. That went away as soon as I got on a bigger bike.

That being said, who wants to sell me a low milage 04 1200C for $5K????? [/quote]

[slimcolo]

Buy the 883 for now. Then install a 1200 kit later.

[camthepyro]

@ blues2cruise

I have not tested either, I am unaware of any local dealers that allow test rides, but I have ridden other HDs and I like them. I sat on the 1200C and really liked the set up. I am 6ft tall and I think I need the forward controls.

The bike purchase is a Masters degree gift to myself and it started out as a 4-5K price and that puts the 04-06 1200c's just ouf of reach, but like you said, SUCK IT UP. I used to have a ZX-7R and after two months I was pratically twisting the throttle over backwards looking for more power. That went away as soon as I got on a bigger bike.

That being said, who wants to sell me a low milage 04 1200C for $5K?????

[/quote]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the ZX-7R is faster then both the 883 and 1200. Both in acceleration and top speed. Honestly, if you weren't getting enough power out of the ZX-7R, you're either doing something wrong, or you're insane.

[pjstevens77]

I'm insane, the ZX was a pig, they never updated a thing on that bike from 96-06. It was quick, but as with any japanese racer, it was ony fun at the top end of the tach, which among other things, is why I got rid of it. The Ducati was more my style with a broad torque range and plenty of speed when I wanted it. Again, this bike was also too tempting.

I am not looking for breakneck speed, now I want the cruiser and I love the looks of the Custom, I just don't want it to be lacking in power. And since I am 6ft and 215 lbs, I think this would be the case with the 883. Not too mention it has the "chick bike" label to it.

As the day goes on, my research is pushing me to the 1200 even though my wallet likes the 883.

I guess it is like comparing a v-6 mustang to a v-8, and I would NEVER buy a v-6...

[pjstevens77]

Buy the 883 for now. Then install a 1200 kit later.

Not a bad idea, but I think I would rather buy the "right one" and not have to open up the motor later on. I think I was more concerned with having enough power on the 883 without having to do that.

[mgdavis]

Sounds like you're doing what I tend to do: Talking yourself into the bigger bike by bouncing the idea off people from the internet.

I say go for it, but it's not my wallet. Take a hard look at your budget first. If you can swing the bigger bike, you'll be getting what you really want, and won't regret it down the road. If you can't afford the 1200, at least you'll have a bike to ride with the 883. Either way, best of luck.