Input on Sportster purchase?

Question

OK I would like any input on 2007 XL 883L & XL 1200L. I just paid off my car & now planning on getting my H-D but I can't make up my mind on which one I want because of different features & looks so I would appreciate your assistance. I've always liked the style of the Sportster and since it will be my first bike I think it's fitting. My sister is trying to talk me into a Dyna Low Rider (that's what she has) but I really like the Sportster so can ya point things out for me to help in my decision please. I like the way both of them ride so you don't need to tell me to go to my local H-D & test drive one - I've done that already.

I don't ever recall seeing a Sportster or ANY H-D broken down on the side of ANY street - what idiot would leave it behind?!

I have known of a guy to leave his lady behind but not his Hog!!!

No my sis & I won't be riding together as she is on east coast & I on west coast. When I visit her I'll use one of her or husbands bikes - they have 2 each - depending on what their mood is.

People I'm not considering the cost of which one but the specifics & experience of others having/using/riding the bike. And NOT an option of NOT getting my H-D so don't waist my or your time on trying to persuade me out of it!!!

Answer 1

If you are not sure, try to spend the least amout of money so your won't lose so much when or if you decide to buy the bigger bike. Have you given any thought to used bikes? You can pick up 883's for less then 5k, and 1200's for 5 or 6 k, you might want the 04 up, they are said to have a smoother ride.

Don't put $10k into a sportster and then decide you want the Low rider, it will cost you a bunch, I'm just saying leave your options open.

Good luck,
Sportster 1200 rider, I got mine for 5k with very low miles :)

Answer 2

this is ur bike, no one else's. if the sporties fit u, and feels better to u comfort wise, then the sporty it is. i have a 1200r sportster, and yea there's times i'd like a bigger bike, but a bigger bike also means a bigger engine to feed. all the hd's are fuel injected; mine is the 'last of the breed'....carburated. right now, i'm getting mid 50's mpg, and i see the new 1's are being estimated as high as 57 mpg.
the only difference between the standard 883 or 1200 vs the 1200 or 883L is, the L has been factory lowered. primarily for rider's that feel that the standard issue is just a bit too tall for them.
when i took a test drive on a heritage, the heritage just felt like it had the 'nimbleness' of a 2 ton truck. my sporty felt 3x's quicker, and 10x's more manuverable; on the other hand, i didnt feel the bumps as much on the heritage, for me, i felt more 'at one' with the road on the sporty.

if u do decide to go with the sporty, i suggest the 1200 model. it has a bit more power cc-wise, slightly bigger, and if u put the stage 1 on it, u will have practically the same power as a low rider, tho not quite as big. remember the low rider will have more weight than the sporty. stage1 is: recal of the ecm, freer flowing air cleaner and pipes. cheapest engine mod u can do to a harley.
now make this sporty comfy. put a sundowner seat, engine guard, highway pegs, and detachable windsheild for the longer cruises....and before u realize it, u'll have racked up a good 400 miles in a sitting. the stock seat can be summed up in 1 word: WORTHLESS.

u'll have alotta fun on the sporty on a twisty road. the feeling u get scrapin the pegs is a blast; 34 degress on the left, 32 on the right for lean angle limits. she's also a rather forgiving bike 9x's out of 10....she will dump u real quick if u make the noobie mistake of grabbin a handful of front brake with the bars turned at slow speed....she'll just drop out from under u instantly.

to learn how to find the lean limits of the bike much safer than just screamin it into a turn, order some of the ride like a pro videos. they're worth it. http://www.ridelikeapro.com

enjoy!

Answer 3

The Dyna Low Rider is an extreemly nice ride, wish I had one, but I have heard lots of good things about the 2007 Sporties as well. The Low Rider will cost at least 7k more than the 1200 Sporster.

If you get a Sporty, i suggest you go for the 1200. You will thank yourself later for getting the additional power over the 883, for not so much additional $$.

I am sure you'll be happy with whatever you decide.

Answer 4

If you know what you want, what decision is left?
Get the Sportster you like.
The features are all the same until you start changing them.

P.S. The Dyna will NOT lean in a turn nearly as far as a Sportster. The Dynas are designed to SHUT DOWN if lean angle exceeds 45 degrees for 1 second. (So says the owner's manual)

Answer 5

my present day experience is a 2009 dyna. i've got owned 5 sportsters and function accomplished many 500+ mile days on sportsters. my dyna is my third huge twin, so i think like i may be incredibly purpose approximately this: the hot sportsters have gasoline injected, rubber-fixed engines purely like the huge twins and experience each and each piece as easily. sportsters are extra nimble and lighter and develop up swifter. they are exciting motorcycles! dynas are better and heavier and function six gears somewhat of 5. they are lots roomier for 2-up rides and function extra area to %. kit for the longer rides. for a huge motorcycle they are nonetheless rather flickable, however the further weight and length skill wind does not push them around as lots. i swapped my 2007 roadster for an fxd in february of 2009. i like my dyna! for an around towner i'd go sportster. while you're gonna haul a passenger or do longer rides on a ordinary foundation i'd say get a dyna. yet it quite is purely my opinion: it and 5 dollars gets you a venti latte at starbux :-)

Answer 6

as much as it pains me to parrot the suggestions of others right is right if you have the means get the dyna you wont regret it ever in spite of popular opinion the dyna is a much better first bike due to lower seat hieght better ergos , comfort and handling not to mention more and (more tractable) power . but if the sporty is a must have in your world go 1200 Im assuming that even though this is your first bike you have some riding time in the 883 wont keep your lust for speed and the open road at bay very long . whatever you choose welcome to the biker comunity , have fun and keep the rubber side down .

Answer 7

I own a Lowrider and a Sportster. Of course I had the Sportster first.Just about everyone I know that got a Sportster eventually traded up to a bigger bike.It's on that long haul when the Lowrider takes the cake.It doesn't matter which one you choose...if it's a Harley you'll wear a smile.Good Luck and be safe.

Answer 8

By all means get the one you like... Everyone is different. Personally, I would choose the Dyna, but if you like the Sportster better then that's the one for you... no question about it...
Get it, Ride it, and Love it... Ride 'SAFE'

Answer 9

Just like The Ford Motor Company makes Mustang and Focus, Harley-Davidson makes Dyna-Glide and Sportster. You get what you pay for.

Answer 10

I say go with what ever you like. You are the one riding it (and paying for it!), not your sister.
The 883's are a little inderpowered, so if you're going to ride with your sister on her Dyna, ya might want to opt for the 1200 Sporty.