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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/24/2008 8:57:27 PM
Posts: 5, Visits: 14 |
| | hi i just finished my msf course and would like to get a HD 883 sportster as my very first bike...i am 33...6'1 240#...is this a good choice for a first timer? |
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| | | Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/25/2008 8:30:04 PM
Posts: 159, Visits: 227 |
| re: hi i just finished my msf course and would like to get a HD 883 sportster as my very first bike...i am 33...6'1 240#...is this a good choice for a first timer?
First, congrats on your completion of the MSF course, one that everyone on 2 wheels should also attend and complete. Next, your preferred bike.....this should depend on the answers to a few questions you must first ask of yourself: 1. how much money have you set aside, or how much are you able to comfortably spend for your bike? 2. what type and style of riding will you be doing? 3. will you be taking this bike on any rides in the 100 to 300 mile range, or even longer? 4. Where will you be riding, meanint the type of terrain and altitude?
Having owned HDs and knowing the Sporty fairly well, it's my opinion, putting the "unknown answers" aside, that you would find it hugely more satisfying to own a 1 yr old Dyna Glide than a brand new Sportster, especially the 883. The outlay of money, in this particular case, wouldn't be a great difference, but there is a GREAT difference in these two bikes. Check them each out very closely and carefully, and you'll understand. Low speed handling....while the Sporty is about 80 lbs lighter, there's not a lot of difference between how they maneuver under 20 mph, including tight u-turns. From there, everything, and I do mean everything except fuel economy favors the Dyna Glide. With the Sporty, you'll very likely eventually want, or need, something more. Not necessarily so with the DG. 96 cu. in. versus 54 cu. in, which is major, including gobs of torque vs minimal tq. 6 speeds vs 5 speeds, a seriousl BIG factor once you're on the open road, especially considering their engine differences. The Dyna is FAR more comfortable at cruising speeds, with better ride and handling characteristics and a better overall feel of the road. A 4.8 gal gas tank vs 3.3 gal....more range The DG has superior brakes. Uhhhhh...shall I go on?? : )
I've ridden both and, and while these are all important facts and features for me and many others, it doesn't necessarily mean they are as important to you, depending again on the answers to my opening questions. This is just my 2 cents (well, maybe 3 cents).
Morg |
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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/24/2008 8:57:27 PM
Posts: 5, Visits: 14 |
| | hi there and thanks fo rthe good response...my budget is tight so i amy spend about $6k on a sportster becuase i havent seen a quality dyna glide under about 9 or 10 thousand...and i need to put half down on the bike to get approved for the loan which means ill need about $2000 more to get the dyna glide...its not the greatest bike but its my very first one so maybe in a few years ill get me a dynaglide |
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| | | Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/25/2008 8:30:04 PM
Posts: 159, Visits: 227 |
| Your answer is certainly a good one. Within the $6k range you can find a new 883, also a used '07 1200. Regardless, be sure to get nothing older than a 2007, which is when its motor changed to fuel inj, providing more torque and power than its earlier carb versions, also eliminating their earlier notorious warm-up issues. Just a thought, perhaps not necessary, but the Custom model has a 4.5 gal tank, a wee bit more rake to the front forks and different and more traditional-like handlebars. As we've all discovered, there's a great deal of difference in HD prices offered at one dealer vs another. Regardless, you'll really enjoy your new ride...LOTS...this I can assure you. : ) Last point: go to www.ridelikeapro.com and spend the best $35 possible and buy their R-L-A-P V (as in "five") DVD. As a complement to the MSF course, this DVD will do more to quickly teach you how to better handle and maneuver your bike than you'll find during the next 3 yrs of riding without it. Be well and stay safe.
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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/15/2008 11:35:03 AM
Posts: 1, Visits: 4 |
| Great advice from Supreme Being....I just completed the MSF course, and have a whopping 150 miles of experience on a HD XL1200R. I just bought the RLAP V video based on Supreme Being's recommendation, but haven't received it yet. I'm confident he is right and that it will be a valuable video.
I think his advice on the 1200R vs the Dyna Glide is also good advice. I've wanted the 1200R from the start, but after putting 150 miles on a 2006 rental, I'm sure the DG would be better for cruising and long-term ownership. I'm hesitant to put any more money into it, but he is right.
I've got an offer from EagleRider (Rental) on a 2006 XL1200R with 17,800 miles for $5850 (less my rental fee). Seemed like a low price, but it has been laid down. Scratches on bottom of forward and rear exhaust pipe, foot brake, brake master cylinder (throttle grip, mirror must have been replaced). No apparent engine damage. Fork neck bearings loose and need replaced. Need throttle idle setting adjustment and tune-up. Scratches on battery cover; other paint is excellent. HD mechanic inspected it for me and estimated $300-$400 to repair. Drives/rides fine, but needed 3-5 min warm-up on 75 degree morning start-up. Excellent power. Stock seat hurts your butt after 1 hour, then every 45 mins. Probably more vibration than I would want long-term, but definitely agressive acceleration. Sixth gear would really be good on the highway. Completely stock; zero accessories. What do you think about this price/condition? |
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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/24/2008 8:57:27 PM
Posts: 5, Visits: 14 |
| | ok i just wentt harleys demo days here in columbus without any prior riding experieece besides the msf course.the 883 sportst was a rather small bike with limited pwer and was not impressed with it..the 2 i really liked ofthe 9 bikes i rode were the dyna low rier and the road king screamin eagle...so i guess that answered my own question...we o each bike out on the highway for 9 miles and returned back toi th dealership to ride mo bikes |
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