2007-03-14 17:12:01 · 11 answers · asked by dee dee 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
The 883L is lowered for women and is a good bike. Stick with a 2004 or newer they put newer rubber motor mounts on and therefore has a smoother ride. I have the 883C which has a larger gas tank and I really enjoy riding it. You have to sit on each bike to make sure you can safely steady the bike with both feet on the ground, if not any bike can be lowered to fit your needs. I think you would like the 883C better. The first thing to do is replace the seat on it with a touring seat, this will make it much more comfortable for you. Costs about $200 but it is well worth it once you start riding alot. I love my Sportster!!!
Source(s):
25 years motorcycling, owner of Goldwing and Harley Sportster, memeber of "HOG" and Christian Motorcyclist Association.
2007-03-17 11:50:10 · answer #1 · answered by pscoobyz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe that the 883 is too much, but I do agree with Charles, Go sit on all the bikes that you can, and see which ones feel right for you.
Do not worry about the H-D attitude...
Harley has just as many japanese parts as the so called jap bikes today, The exception to that rule is if you build it yourself, then you can make it ALL American or ALL Japanese as you see fit.
I rode a Shadow ACE 750 C/D that was as comfortable as my brothers RoadKing, and much more comfortable than my other brothers 883.
The only thing either bike had on me was top end.
The Roadking fuel injected will blow most bikes off the road, and with a little tuning can smoke the majority of the rest.
The 883 had me with 100cc more to the engine.
but it didn't matter to me, I was able to ride a lot longer than the 883, and my brother with the Roadking couldn't afford the payments...
My bike was paid for! :)
If you must have a Harley for the American loyalties, I would suggest a bigger bike like a early 70's to early 80's police bike... They are cool, still look good and they are good for more than bar hopping in town.
2007-03-14 17:29:02 · answer #2 · answered by wi_saint 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've seen girls on much larger and heavier bikes.
Depends on what SHE is comfortable handling. If she's a brand new rider or just learning get a second hand metric (Jap) bike. Less cost to get started, won't hurt her feelings or your wallet when it gets dropped. There are basically 2 main types of bikes- those dropped, those going to be dropped. Would you give a learning driver the keys to your brand new Porsche? More likely you'd get the person something that can handle a few dings while they learn.
Take her to all the different dealers and have her try sitting on the various models. Make sure she can stand flat footed astride the ones she likes. You may end up buying a used bike, but the dealers will have a better variety all close to hand to do your research on.
Sign her up for the MSF classes. She will learn to ride better, and the cerfiticate will mean a discount on your insurance costs.
Look up the web sites Women who Ride, and I Ride My Own. Great support there and advice from other lady riders who know from experience alot of the questions she is going to have about riding.
2007-03-15 04:25:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Heck no! The 883L was designed for a girl. It has a seat that is an inch or two closer to the ground, the engine and gas tank are the slim design so that you don't have to spread your legs too much, and they have enough horsepower to get you around anywhere without fear of too big of an engine. The best thing to do, is go to a dealership and sit on one. That way, you'll be able to see just how right I am. Happy riding.
2007-03-15 01:32:47 · answer #4 · answered by auditor4u2007 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not at all, a sportster is the perfect harley davidson for a woman to start on, if she is a beginning rider i would recommend a ridley though, they are low to the ground and not as much power as a harley, and still have all the great looks of a harley.
2007-03-18 17:06:38 · answer #5 · answered by kevin b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't. I think the bikes are a little top heavy if you are a new rider no matter if you are male or female. They are trendy. You probably would find a more ergonomic bike from another manufacturer. You probably would want something with a little more bang for the buck. Try some bikes out before you settle on one.
2007-03-14 17:17:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
It's too much for some girls, and some guys as well. It all depends on your experience level, and if you are tall enough to keep it upright. One warning, though...if you plan on riding for more than 15 mins or so, your butt will go to sleep. The vibration is very bad, especially on bumpy roads.
2007-03-14 17:15:24 · answer #7 · answered by Me 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Good girl bike. Low to the ground, nimble, easy to balance and not to heavy. I have an 883 custom.
2007-03-14 21:02:59 · answer #8 · answered by poopy pants 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no. this is the smallest, lowest harley available. there are probably more women riding softails and dynas than there are riding such a small bike like the 883L. it all depends on your size, strength and experiance riding and your comfort needs.
2007-03-14 18:04:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I ride...my daughter rides...I tell her if she can pick it up after shes dropped it...she can ride it...
so if you can lay it on its side & pick it up again....go for it..
2007-03-14 17:57:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋