Do you think a harley davidson sportster 883 low is to big to be my first motorcycle?

Question

I'm a 21 year old female, 125lbs and 5'6ft. I just bought my first motorcycle a couple days ago for christmas. I have always rode smaller dirt bikes but never drove heavier motorcycle.I got a harley davidson sportster 883 low, do you think it's to big for me or not. Don't get me wrong it's my new baby and i'm keeping it, just wondering.

Answer 1

that's a perfect bike to start on, good luck with it, 2003 Sportster 1200 rider :)

Answer 2

I started on bikes when I was 16 as well and that was 40 years ago. I am still a regular rider and the most important thing I can tell you is that it is not the bike that will or will not get you into trouble. The problem will come from someone else not watching what they are doing or from you not respecting the motorcycle. I can give you some basics to help you make an informed choice. First, make sure your feet can be planted flat on the road. You need this for balance and control. Next, don't worry about how much the bike weighs. If it gets over balanced, let it fall. You can't hold it upright if it weighs 300 or 600 pounds, so it doesn't matter. Also, always stay in your Comfort zone until you gain experience. Heavy traffic, roads that are just starting to get wet, and poor surfaces all require special skills Take you time and it will come to you. Lastly, congratulations on staying away from the crotch rockets and the rider courses are excellent Now for your question. The 883 are good bikes for the beginner, but there are others that are just as good for getting around. You may not think they are as cool, but they are much cheaper. If you get into a starter bike and decide that you don't like riding, you won't loose as much when you get rid of it. If you love the riding, you can still get rid of the one you started with and move up to a Harley. Have you thought about a late model used bike to start on? The most important thing is to be careful and live to ride long enough to find out if it is for you. Good luck from a long time motorcycle fan. (I have ridden Harleys for many years, but did not start on one - don't pressure yourself into something you are not ready for).

Answer 3

It's perfect for you. From personal experience I can tell you that if you buy a smaller bike to start with you'll want something larger not long afterwords. Then you'll end up buying two bikes. I think Harleys are the best bikes out there. I ride a Superglide, The Sportster 883 is a great first bike. Since you're use to lighter dirt bikes you may find the Harley a bit heavy. Spend time getting use to the difference and you'll be hooked on the Harley. What a great Christmas present. ENJOY RIDING!!!!

Answer 4

Nice bike. My wife started riding on a 883 sposter. Unfortunatley we found out that the bike is to top heavy. The weight of the motor is to high causing the sportster to be harder to handle and control than a larger Harley. We upgraded to a 2006 softtail deluxe and my wife has had no problems since. The weight or center of gravity is lower on the deluxe therefore making it easier to control at low speed. In fact the seat height is lower on the deluxe also. The sporster is a great little bike and you should be glad and proud to own it. The more ladies that ride the better.

Answer 5

I too rode mostly dirt bikes when I was a kid, but just recently bought my first road bike, ( I had not drove in 20 years) I bought a Kaw 800 Vulcan Classic and am 120 lbs, 5' 7". I love it! Not too big or heavy but can keep up with the pack. If your bike feels good under ya then you made the right choice!
Myself I think those smaller bikes are harder to handle. Do be careful as I found out the hard way, these road bikes are way different in handling,and are powered way different!
Enjoy many miles of road on your Christmas present!

Answer 6

Perfect Buy! You couldn't have chosen a better bike. I rode that bike for four years and we are the same height. I was on a Kawasaki 350 custom for about 2 years before I moved into the HD 883 custom. I understand when you say it's your baby. Once I got used to riding a HD I moved into the softail Nightrain. I am real happy i took my time on the 883 first. Great choice!

Answer 7

No,you did fine.Good choice in a bike too.I hadn't ridden in 24 years but went out & bought a 2002 Harley Sportster 883 Hugger.I love my Hugger even though people told me not to get it because it was too much to start out with & to heavy (almost 500 pounds) but I did it & would do it again.My step-mom who is 57 years old started out on a 2004 883 two years ago and just traded it in on a 2006 1200 Sportster.Just take your time,be careful & RIDE ON LITTLE SIS!!!

Answer 8

883 is most likely going to have the lowest seat hight of any U.S. made bike. A Cycle world magizine will list seat hight on all there test bikes. They probably tested a 883 & will probably have that info on there website.

Harley Davidson a few years ago offered a ride free garauntee. You buy a new 883 ride it for up to 3 years take it back to the dealer for a Bike upgrade & they would you allow you on trade the full Sticker price that you paid on the 883. For something like say... "The Fat Boy".

Remember..... Ride to live, & live to Ride.
:)

Answer 9

Here's a tip for you. I say you should install the Lind-By High way bars on your bike, I put them on my softail. If you happen to have a tip over at a stop light it will protect the tank.

You biggest thing is learning the balance of the bike. Just ride slow for the first two weeks, always wear a 3/4 or full face helmet, protect your sexy face.

Have fun, if you drop it, just turn around, squat down, put you butt on the seat and push it up with your legs, holding onto the bike with your hands, if it falls to the right side, make sure and put the kickstand down, before lifting. Then just pick up & slowly drop it on the kickstand or spin around facing the bike.

Answer 10

Just take your time to get used to handling a larger piece of heaven and you will do fine.
When I met my wife she weighed in at 107 pounds was 5'3" tall and was riding her own 1970 Harley-Davidson FL 1200 Electra Glide .Which she rode 33 miles to work every day. Now this was 34 years ago and she still rides this{twice restored} Harley today.
You Go Sister our only advice do not spit into the wind and only smile with clinched teeth.

Answer 11

Great choice. I just picked up an '03 XLH883 Sportster. It works for me. Take it to a vacant parking lot and get some seat time. Stopping, turning, accelerating, etc. Learn what the bike can do.

See you on the road....

If your state has it, take its Motorcycle Safety Course. Great thing to do. Here is a link for PA.