Harley Davidson Sportster (vanity)

5/12/09 | Brwnsuga

[brwnsuga]

Can anybody tell me if the Harley Davidson Sportster 883 is okay for a beginner? Any suggestions on the best bike to start out with?

[San Jacinto]

Schwinn

[SonOfDarkSkies]

What are you going to use the bike for (i.e. touring/cruising, put-putting around town)?

[americanophile]

Can you even buy these anymore, after the idiotic Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008?

[randomhero97]

I’m looking at getting a Honda Shadow. All the riders that I know say they are pretty much the best beginner bikes.

[brwnsuga]

Just cruisin’ and enjoyment on the weekends.

[conservativeharleyguy]

An 883 will be just fine for you. Are you tall, short, or in the middle? They have a “Hugger” model for shorties that will fit you better if you are 5’5” or less. Ignore the anti-harley crowd you’ll attract here and Have fun.

[al_c]

I'd ride on of those. Go for it.

[Zeddicus]

A sporty isn’t the worst beginner bike. It’s topheavy (meaning the front wheel feels like it wants to flop to one side), which will make handling and balance a bit more difficult for a new rider than some other bikes.

It has decent low-end torque but no real power, both of which are good traits for a new rider.

Will you not mind being seen on a Harley wearing a full-face helmet? IMO, it’s just nuts to not protect your face and brain.

Finally, don’t buy a brand-new one, and don’t finance it (cash for toys). Chances are pretty good you’ll drop it at least once.

[2001convSVT]

If you like the Cruiser style, I recommend the Suzuki C-50 or M-50. Both are reasonably priced, low maintenance, 45 -50 mpg and easy to handle.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Take the MSF rider’s course!

[HerrBlucher]

The 883 should be ok for a beginner, low seat height, not too heavy, enough power but not too much. They look and sound great too, my favorite of the Harley lineup. You really can’t go wrong with the sportster.

[brwnsuga]

Sweet, I sat on one of those this weekend and it fit perfectly. I think that one is called the “Iron 883” I would like to talk to someone who owns one, not just the sales people.

[martin_fierro]

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[hoe_cake]

being Harley baggage myself, I’d try out the Sportster. Maybe have it lowered for my 5’2” frame.

[dblshot]

If you are a beginner first thing to do is take an approved motorcycle riders safety course. Really. do it or don't get on a motorcycle. You'll get a feel for what you want and how a bike feels under you. Remember to keep it under you! You're going to get a lot of prejudiced advice from people who thing what they ride is the best ride bar none. what one person likes isn't necessarily what someone else likes and it also depends on what you want to do with the bike. Commute to work? Ride with a group? Sight see in the mountains and deserts? Now go take a Motorcycle Safety Course. A lot of colleges have them. If you can find one not sponsored by a dealer you won't have to put up with the sales hype.

[brwnsuga]

I’m definitely under 5’5. I fit nicely on it. I had the opportunity to be a passenger on a Harley not too long ago and participated in a “Poker Run” for charity and now I’m hooked. I gotta get me a Harley but since I don’t really ride yet, I want something easy to handle.

[Disambiguator]

The “best bike” is like the “best gun.” It’s extremely subjective.

What fits you? What are you going to use it for? How much money do you want to spend?

I would check out the Suzuki V-Strom 650, and maybe the BMW 650s or 800s (but I live in the intermountain west, where 50% of the roads are unpaved).

[brwnsuga]

Thank you for the advice. I will definitely protect my money maker (face) and It makes sense not to buy a new one BUT the new ones are so pretty.

[SonOfDarkSkies]

I think you’ll find the comfort factor a little low on the Sportster...particularly on longer trips.