Harley Sportster 883 for a first bike?

Question

I know this question has been asked before, but I want to ask it again and include my background and what I want in a cycle.

I'm 23. When I was around 10, my dad taught me to ride a classic Honda Sport 50cc (road bike - rode it around the neighborhood). It had a 4 speed transmission, clutch, and a fairly normal riding posture/configuration. When I was around 16 or so, I rode around my Dad's Suzuki 650 Savage a little bit (not much). I was also into BMX bicycle racing at the time. The reason I mention bicycles is to say that I'm not a complete klutz on two wheels.

I still don't have my endorsement. I want to take an MSF course before I start riding for real. Sportsters are my dream bike, although I haven't ridden one myself. I'm afraid it might be too big or too top heavy for my first bike. Do you think I might be okay? I'm afraid if I buy a Honda Rebel or something I'll reget it after 2 weeks and think I would have been fine getting my HD Sportster dream bike to begin with.

Answer 1

I think the Sportster is a great choice for a first bike.  I have seen alot of differing opinions on this subject.  Your size is good for that small of a bike.  I am 6-4 and I was not comfortable on mine and it had forward contols.  My knees were still in my chest.  The 1200 and 883 are identical, the only difference is the displacement.  Mine was an 883.  One thing people tend to forget about the sportster is the fact that it is a "Hot Rod" motorcycle.  That is what the bike was when it was introduced in 1957 and that is what it is today.  It has just taken a bad rap (girls bike) because the size of it suits woman, it has nothing to do with the power it has.  The funny thing is that all of these Harley people and others as well make fun of the sportster and those who ride it but they tend to forget that the chick on the 1200 can blow by them on their Road Queen at any given moment.  I had a friend with 600 hurricane who made fun of my little lowered 883.  We went for a ride through the windy roads of the redwoods and he was getting a little frustrated with me and my Sporty.  I intentionally let him take the lead so I could ride his heals.  He finally stopped after a while of riding and said "How in the heck can you keep up with me on that thing?"  Easy, it's a Sportster, Duh! And it was just an 883.  I finally sold it because I was just to big for it and couldn't ride it comfortably.  I don't know how much of a hot rodder you are but I equate the Sporty to something like a Pinto with a big block in it, or better yet, a Bug with a big block in it.  Small, compact and more than ample power. Don't listen to anyone who says it's a girls bike or you won't like it.  If you should buy one and learn to ride and become comfortable on it to the point of wanting more out of it, there are endless hop up parts for them.  I would however recommend the 1200, that way you will never have to ponder the 1200 kit later on.  I don't know if you are looking at new or used.  If you are looking used try to stay in the EVO era (1986 or so and on) as there are tons or aftermarket parts available.  Older years are good to, there is no such thing as a bad year of Sportster but older means less parts available and more maintenance.  I hope my rambling was helpful and encouraging.

Answer 2

You should be fine. they are not really top heavy, mostly comfortable

Answer 3

Take the MSF course, and go shopping.

The Sportster will do fine, and so will you.

Answer 4

If you don't mind being humiliated by 250 ninjas.  Kind of alot of money for a bike with no performance, and that goes for any Harley.  

Why is giving an honest assessment of an antique bike 'running it down'?  The bike is what it is.  The same 40 horsepower as a 1936 900 knucklehead.  A heavy outdated frame and suspension.  These are just facts.

A 1200 Superglide was once my dream bike.  After riding for 10 years I had the money to buy one, went for a test drive and that dream vanished as the Harley was obviously the lesser bike to anything I had ever ridden.  

They are what they are.  If you want to make a fashion statement there is no substitute.  If you want motorcycle performance a Harley is a bad choice.

Answer 5

I think you will regret buying a Sportster 883 in a few months. Take the class and test ride a few models. Most Harley Dealers will let you rent a bike for a day. And you can swap them out every few hours. I rode several bikes before I bought a Road King.  Some of the other Harley's are lower than the Sportster.

Answer 6

The HD 883 Sportster is widely considered a "girls bike"

I am saving you from the shame and embarrassment from other HD Riders calling you names and making fun of you for owning and riding one.

Answer 7

It's an ok first bike. I would probably go with the 1200 as a first bike though.

Answer 8

good 1st bike but you'll out grow it quick.

Answer 9

you'll do fine, buy it

Answer 10

There are few things wrong with the sporty, but I would really suggest getting the 1200cc. here is why:

1) 85% of the people I know who bought the 883 kick themselves for not getting the 1200 for it's extra torque,HP and it handles and rides better because of the added weight.

2) the 883 is going to be dropped from the HD lineup, the 1200 is not.

3) the 1200 gets better mileage because it works less to give you the same speeds.

yes, the sporty handles different than say a soft tail or a dyna, but it doesn't handle bad. It is really for the lesser experienced rider, or the smaller statured rider, although I have seen some pretty big guys on the 1200, they just changed out the bars, and those forward controls make a big difference. Right now is a great time to get a deal on the '08 because the '09 will hit the showroom floor next week, and HD wants to move the remaining stock out.

If the HD is what you want, get it. I've owned a lot of bikes. I don't have problems with the street bikes from most manufacturers, although I have been on harley's now for my last 5 bikes. 1 I built custom, one I restored and 3 I bought new. No matter what bike you get, no matter what manufacturer made it, there will always be dummies that have to run it down. In the end, you are the one who rides it, you are the one who changes things on it to fit your needs and style. Ignore the comments, enjoy the bike and ride safe.

Answer 11

Yes you should buy it so we can laugh at you as we pass by.

Make sure all the fillings in your teeth are tight. Tara rocks !!

Answer 12

There are 3 people you never ever listen to .

               1. CNC guy

                2. Joe B

                3. ninebadteeth

Answer 13

The Sportster is an entry level Harley, and the 883 is the entry level entry level Harley.

Its short, close to the ground, and depending on your height, probably fine for a starter bike.  Keep in mind that there have been 883, 1000, and 1200cc sportsters, and each is a step up, although the 1200 isnt intimidating at all.

After that, you get into the middle and upper sized Harleys, and those are truly road bikes.  The sporty is fine for making runs to eat lunch or putting around, but it is NOT built like a bigger harley with the suspension they have.  Those bikes are built for long rides, cross country and day trips, no problem.

Answer 14

Most riders who start with a sportster soon wish they went for the full size Harley... Dyna, Softtail etc. You will outgrow the sportster very quickly. Larger Harleys have less vibration, longer wheelbase and less tireing on long rides.

Also more customizing. Also buy used, private sale...there are plenty of deals out there now.

Good luck

Answer 15

BUY IT

it sits almost as low as a rebel

you'll want the power

don't listen to Tara----an 883 and her 1200 are the same bike , different cylinders and pistons, an upgrade that can be done for $2000