Better to buy Sportster 883L or 1200L?

[man5]

I know you can upgrade from 883 to 1200 with a kit. Is the upgrade kit expensive? Or would it be better to just get 1200 off the bat?

Btw, if you were to finance a new bike and Fatboy was your first choice, would you rather pay double the money for it or buy a sportster for half the price and you still like it but not love it as much the Fatboy? Oh and it's your first bike.

[koji52]

I wouldn't pick up a Fatboy as a first bike. I'd also not pick up a 1200 for my first bike. The sportsters have a decent amount of torque and I think an 883 will be more than enough for you as far as torque and HP as a first rider. I had an 883 for my first and I did fine on it. I would most certainly recommend that you take a basic rider class prior to riding (or purchasing).

The 883-1200 kit is cheaper than the price differential between the 883 and 1200. I think there is a minor gearing difference (or it could be the pulley size, can't remember) between the 883 and 1200 which keeps a converted bike at slightly higher RPMs than a 1200. You get more low end acceleration with a converted 883 than 1200 though.

[KingRobb]

If a Fat boy is what you really want...dont get a sporty at all...its a totally differnet ride. BUT DONT GO STRAIGHT FOR THE FATBOY.

This is your first bike and hopefully not your last. Check out craigs list, there are tons of inexpensive smaller throw away bikes which are great for that first season and all its mishaps....a $16k Harley is not.

my 2 cents.

[RhadamYgg]

I definitely echo the thought of this is your first bike not your last. I'm on my third bike and my third year riding. My second bike I bought as my last bike - the best thing I could get and one hot bike. Unfortunately, I discovered I like smaller, light bikes over heavy big sumbitches.... Who knew? I've had a couple drops along the way and it would have been a much bettre experience if the bike I have now - was my second bike.

Oh, and get crash protectors for the kick yourself moments when you drop your bike in slow speed maneuvers...