i don't know where else to post this

[jserio]

i've got a question. and i will say up front i'd like serious replies only. most of you on here know i've been toying with the idea of buying a harley. i visited the local dealer today to kinda browse and chit-chat. happended to stumble upon a salesperson who actually had some intelligence and didn't just wanna get a commission. i told him i was interested in the 883 low model. they didn't have any but he talked to me anyways. i asked him bout the differences in the models etc. seemed fairly knowledgable. he asked me what my ideal bike was, the dream bike so to speak. i mentioned things i liked etc. he said for what i want, if i buy an 883 model and make the changes i'd like, (i.e chrome this and that etc) i might as well pay the extra lil bit upfront and get the 1200 model and have pretty much the bike i described to him. now, seeing as i'm a newbie, do u think a 1200 cc cruiser would be to hard for myself to manage?  am i looking at a huge power difference between the 883 model and the 1200 model?


oh, i've asked this question on a HD forum and all they can seem to tell me is to "search" or say "hello" and "welcome".  i'd like some serious opinions and or council from more experieced riders who are willing to take the time to actually talk to me and ponder the question i've asked. you guys on here have always done a pretty decent job of answering questions i have. thanks in advance for your time. 

[yamahonkawazuki]

the 12 does have a bit more power than the 883, ( ive had / ridden both) but question, is this/ will this be your first bike? the hd is a tad on the heavy feeling side, and with a skinny front tire, it tends to feel as though its falling into a turn, a bit unnerving at first. however easy to ride, and its a bit of a torquey sob as well. most of the hd's power/torque is made down low


883:

Engine   Air-cooled, Evolution®
 
Displacement   53.9 in.
 
Bore x Stroke   3.00 in. x 3.81 in.
 
Engine Torque   55.0 ft. lbs. @ 3500 rpm
 
Fuel System   Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
 
Compression Ratio   8.9:1
 
Miles per Gallon   
 
ESPFI   60.0 hwy / 45.0 city
 
Primary Drive   Chain, 34/57 ratio
 
Gear Ratio (overall)   
 
1st   10.782
 
2nd   7.702
 
3rd   5.728
 
4th   4.748
 
5th   4.071
 
6th   N/A

1200:

Engine   Air-cooled, Evolution®
 
Displacement   73.20 in.
 
Bore x Stroke   3.50 in. x 3.81 in.
 
Engine Torque   79.0 ft. lbs. @ 4000 rpm
 
Fuel System   Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
 
Compression Ratio   9.7:1
 
Miles per Gallon   
 
ESPFI   57.0 hwy / 42.0 city
 
Primary Drive   Chain, 38/57 ratio
 
Gear Ratio (overall)   
 
1st   9.315
 
2nd   6.653
 
3rd   4.948
 
4th   4.102
 
5th   3.517
 
6th   N/A

[yamahonkawazuki]

ohhh btw usually you can get an 883 and have a dealer do a 1200 kit, for less than a 1200 will cost ya. AND its under warranty. i did my own 1200 conversion and myself being factory trained, i did it and it was warranty covered 

[jserio]

yes. first bike. 

[calamari]

i took my MSF course on a 250 nighthawk(?)... and I could feel the power between my legs!!! dam I was afraid.

8000+ miles later, I finally feel like I've outgrown the power of the gs500 and I was looking to upgrade, but I won't. I like the economy and it still is my first bike ever.

I think the bikes you are talking about are more like a crewcab truck or something like that. A lot of power in those engines, but I don't think they react like a 600R or something like that (but what do I know).

[Mk1inCali]

now, seeing as i'm a newbie, do u think a 1200 cc cruiser would be to hard for myself to manage?  am i looking at a huge power difference between the 883 model and the 1200 model?

The 1200 will not be any more aggressive to ride than the "Lady's Bike".  Throttles will feel largely the same, just a bit more progressive as you twist the 1200's more and more (more torque on tap).  I wouldn't say it's a huge power difference.  My friend had an 883 standard Sporty and we swapped bikes...I was not impressed with the engine.  Seemed like lots of vibration/noise for not that much output.  I know from shorter test rides that the 1200s are better in that regard.

The weight differences are going to be minimal if you are looking at 883 vs 1200 sporty, and HDs hold their weight down low, lot less noticeable that way versus sportbikes carrying it up high and wanting to turn on a dime.

[werase643]

wait a little longer
the $'s drop the colder it gets
and since sportsters are "chick bikes" the go pretty reasonable second hand
and they are also the starter H-D for many
again plentiful and reasonable second hand

[yamahonkawazuki]

well said in all regards, but i somewhat disagree with the "chick bike" moniker, that aside, if you get one, that skinny ass front tire, will seem a bit weird at first, but is easy to get to know. i mean i rode my 883c through the dragon in 3rd. ( never shifting), granted teh sportsters arent really set up for long distance riding, but with a few mods, im sure they could be