Harley Sportster XL 883 too much for a newbie?

[theoldwolf]

Hi all, this is my first post. I've never ridden a motorcycle, but it's something of a tradition among the men of my family, and given gas prices and the fact that my old truck is dying, I think now is as good a time as any to start.

I'll be taking a beginner's MSF class later this year before I buy my first bike, and hopefully I'll be able to practice a little bit on a (generous and trusting) friend's bike, but other than that I'm completely inexperienced.

I really want a cruiser for commuting to and from work and for rides up and down the California coast (I'm in LA). I'm also a big guy (6'2" and a lean 220 lb), so I can't imagine myself hunched over a sports bike. Hence I am leaning towards a used Harley Sportster XL 833.

Here's my question: Is this going to be too much bike for me? I've been reading this site (it's awesome) and I've noticed that bikes under 500 cc are often recommended for rookies like myself. What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance for your time and any advice you can offer.

[jonnythan]

Hi all, this is my first post. I've never ridden a motorcycle, but it's something of a tradition among the men of my family, and given gas prices and the fact that my old truck is dying, I think now is as good a time as any to start.

I'll be taking a beginner's MSF class later this year before I buy my first bike, and hopefully I'll be able to practice a little bit on a (generous and trusting) friend's bike, but other than that I'm completely inexperienced.

I really want a cruiser for commuting to and from work and for rides up and down the California coast (I'm in LA). I'm also a big guy (6'2" and a lean 220 lb), so I can't imaging myself hunched over a sports bike. Hence I am leaning towards a used Harley Sportster XL 833.

Here's my question: Is this going to be too much bike for me? I've been reading this site (it's awesome) and I've noticed that bikes under 500 cc are often recommended for rookies like myself. What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance for your time and any advice you can offer.

You shouldn't have any problem with it. The "under 500cc" recommendation is meant to keep you away from the high-horsepower 600cc+ supersportbikes within inline 4s that are fast as bullets with razor sharp geometry.

An 883cc V-twin is a very different, and more tame, beast. Especially on a heavy bike like a Sporster.

The only issue would be that the Sportster is kinda top heavy, but given your size I don't see that being much of an issue.

I think it'll be fine. Be sure you take the MSF or Riders Edge course first.

[theoldwolf]

Thanks for the quick response and the reassurance, Jonnythan. I appreciate it.

[gsJack]

Latest Sept 08 issue of Cycle World magazine lists the Sportster 883 with their 10 Best First Bikes.

[Batan]

Latest Sept 08 issue of Cycle World magazine lists the Sportster 883 with their 10 Best First Bikes.

I just checked that out, interesting they list SV650 and GSX650F but no GS500.

[theoldwolf]

Latest Sept 08 issue of Cycle World magazine lists the Sportster 883 with their 10 Best First Bikes.

Good to know. Thanks!

[Social Distortion]

i think you'll be surprised on how fast you get used to the bike.
there are several used 883 out there and nothing is wrong w/ starting out on one. Dont get pressured to moving to a larger CC bike so fast, as well as opening up your pocket book too.
Get a used 883, find out what you like and dont like about it and go from there.
Im on my 5th bike and im still learning what i like and not like about bikes and as many veterins will tell ya, your 1st bike wont be your last bike.
Do a HArley demo day and see how they fit you. demo days are always going on..just check out your local dealer and you should be good to go.
My fav harley-
2003 silver and black sporty 1200 Custom - 100th aniversary edition
2008 Dyna Street bob (for $13000, you get the full on big engin)
if i had the money- 2003 SOftail Springer Heritage in silver and black- just wonderful looking bike!

[Dragonhawk]

I think the Harley Sportster is one of the crappiest bikes ever designed. It's the most top-heavy bike I've ever been on.

That being said, lots of people love them.

So, if you feel comfortable on it, go for it and have fun. But check out a LOT of bikes and learn to ride before you buy anything.

[theoldwolf]

Thank you for your advice gentlemen, I greatly appreciate it.

I'll be sure to shop around before I buy. I have to say though, a whole demo day of checking out and riding Harleys sounds like absolutely no fun at all. I suppose I'll force myself to go.

[jstark47]

You're into cruisers? Look for a used Triumph Bonneville America. Lighter than the 883, lower center of gravity, and as a bonus will smoke the 883 too! But it's not a power monster, the power is very easy to modulate, throttle response is very predictable.