need advice regarding harley's

[RD]

looking into buying either a 07 883 sportster or chumming up the funds to get a 08 sportser 1200 custom...

anyone's feedback would be greatly appreciated.  I like both, but I am wondering if there are other bikes out there that are comparable in performance/comfort (or lack thereof) without such the huge price tag.

anyone's opinion is greatly appreciated.

Jamey

[Todd Wilson]

looking into buying either a 07 883 sportster or chumming up the funds to get a 08 sportser 1200 custom...

anyone's feedback would be greatly appreciated.  I like both, but I am wondering if there are other bikes out there that are comparable in performance/comfort (or lack thereof) without such the huge price tag.

anyone's opinion is greatly appreciated.

Jamey

Honda Rebel




Todd

[dads_69]

Have you ever owned a Harley before for starters? Ridden a H/D? What is the price of both also compared to a Yamaha-Honda? Granted, made in America and the name says it all. I've painted many, ridden a few many of my family members own them from the 883 to the full blown cruiser. Think of them a s mopar almost, in a good way, you'll always have to tinker w/a H/D bike vs. an Yamaha-Honda-Suzuki. You need a bike that you feel compfortable on, can handle it in a corner as well road trip, long and short distance. These are just a few factors you really should concider when buying a street bike of any kind. A fab bike can be a mistake, but a bike you truly enjoy is a bike you'll know ride for a long time,regardless of what brand and cost in the end. Yeah, I love bikes more than cars, and where I live, there are more motorcycles per-capita than anywhere else in the world.
I myself would buy the H/D sportser 1200 custom....

Edit: Check out this eBay bike...270231783430 Sorry, I couldn't get the kink to show up. Type it into the search.

Mark

[greatwn73]

    Don't know anything about bikes, but I like Harleys

[SFRT]

dont buy a new sportster.  if you HAVE to get one , get a used one.

for 10 grand...you can get a much better bike....Sportsters are a weird 'not quite anything' bike....performance, looks,handling....all are compromised to some degree, and in the current HD market 10K will get you a lot of bike.

if you want a great V Twin type bike, get 2001-2002 Ducati 996. You can pick up a great one for 8-K...if its performance you want.

If you want a good all around bike, get a Ducati Monster or SS

if you want a 'cool Harley'...10 K will buy a whole lot of Shovelhead or older FLH custom these days the market is way soft.

I have had Harleys and everything else for 30 years.

dont get a Sportser.

[RD]

thanks for the input... the one i planned on picking up was $7495.  I am looking for a commuter and weekend cruiser when I dont jump into the charger.  I do have some back issues, so I do not think the 883 is the best, but i honestly dont think any bike (with my back) is going to me extremely comfortable over a long haul.. but then again, neither are any cars unless they let me drive in the supine position

I will continue to do some more research.  thanks again.

jamey

[Lowprofile]

Hey Bro, forget that Harley, what you need is a Goldwing. Look on ebay for a 1980-86 GL-1200. You can pick a good low milage unit up for between $2000/$4000! Lots of great options, storage, great mileage, and its a Honda!

As for your back problems, nothing on 2 wheels [IMHO] rides smoother than a GW. And you can get a back brace for your seat.....check this one out..........

   http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1984-Honda-Goldwing-Aspencade_W0QQitemZ230246298716QQcmdZViewItem


Good luck with your search. 

[Silver R/T]

my boss has 07 1200, very nice bike, lightweight. He says he wouldnt take it for a trip across the US but its comfy enough for him to ride it whole summer around the town.

[John_Kunkel]

When sitting astride a Sporty it feels like your sitting ON it, when sitting astride a Softail it feels like you're sitting IN it; viva la differerence!!

'05 Night Train

[Mefirst]

My advise -Don't buy one...

Worst piece of poop motorcycle ever made... I have ridden a few and I just don't understand what the fuzz is about, there was not one thing I liked about them... Well one thing, they do sound great, other than that, I don't care about them....

If you want a cruiser, buy yourself something like a Honda Goldwing, you'll be more happy...

Flame away....

My

[derailed]

Ive ridden a few, I agree with mefirst. For the money I would buy a Honda or something if your looking for something to jump on and cruise for the day. I rode my buddies VTX 1800 last week and it rode like a dream, especially for the size of the bike. You could have rested your drink on the motor when it was idling. My neighbor has a Valkrie, nice machine. Sounds and revs like a small block with open headers.

[700jfm]

I don't think you'll be happy with 883, maybe the 1200 it depends on how tall and big you are. The Sportster can be like sitting on a sawhorse and the balance is not the best.

[RD]

thanks for the input, i will be checking out a honda dealership next... buying a bike will probably be a tough one and be a time a coming... thanks again.

[firefighter3931]

I luv my Vulcan 1500 Classic.  Been on some major roadtrips on that sled and it's never let me down. Longest ride was 5000 miles in 3 weeks out to Sturgis, Yellowstone, Montana and back home. 

I like the shaft drive and liquid cooling....the bike never overheats in traffic. Mine's also customized with lots of Chrome and billet as well as hardbags and a windshield which you will want for any extended roadtrip. The carb has been rejetted, aftermarket K&N air filter asembly, aftermarket Dyna 2000 ignition box and a set of Vance & Hines straightshot pipes. Lots of power and plenty loud with a nice rumble at idle 

Don't be in a rush...take your time and maybe test drive a few before comitting to a purchase. 



Ron

[Orange_Crush]

My 

Sportsters are top heavy and too skinny (like riding a g-string).

If you HAVE to go with a cruiser, get one with style.  Prices on used Harleys have gone through the floor since H-D has started flooding the market with bikes.  You can get an evo-engined springer or Dyna Wide-Glide for less than the price of a new sportster nowadays.  The rest of the money, you can use to customize.

[Ponch ®]

For $7500 or so, you can pick up a used Vulcan Drifter (Indian replica), which IMHO, is one of the best looking "non-Harley" bikes out there.

[Blown70]

Not to offend anyone but I see a GUY riding a sportster, I think he has his girlfriends bike out for a drive...... I just laugh when I see them, I would not personally drive a sporty.... sorry chick bike at best.....