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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:31:44 PM EDT
Tell me about it. Thinking of making this my first bike purchase. Going to look at some this week for fitment. I am 6'0 195lbs.
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:33:28 PM EDT
[#1]
Sharp
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:33:30 PM EDT
[#2]
In for the oil leak comments.
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:35:24 PM EDT
[#3]
Okay. I despise HD bikes (mostly for the riders) but that is a very nice looking bike. Some dummy will be along shortly to say it needs a bunch of chrome.
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:38:10 PM EDT
[#4]
The Iron is a nice looking bike, but the Sportsters make a lot of guys look like they are too big for their bikes.
The "hardcore" HD guys refer to any Sportster as a girl's bike. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:39:32 PM EDT
[#5]
Nice bike, but do you want something with a little more guts (hp/torque)? You'll probably outgrow this one pretty quick.
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:40:27 PM EDT
[#6]
 really.... an 883? The answer is no!
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:41:16 PM EDT
[#7]
Girl's bike. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:42:01 PM EDT
[#8]
Be prepared for Harley guys to look down on it and you because it's a "girl's bike".Sorry,it's the way they are.
I think it looks sharp but they're not my thing.Too uncomfortable and not especially,I'd suggest looking at Suzuki and Kawasaki 650 twins and get much better machine. No,I'm not a Harley hater,I ride an XB12R. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:43:59 PM EDT
[#9]
You'll look fabulous on it.
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:46:33 PM EDT
[#10]
Go for the 1200 if you like the fit of the Sportster. You'll grow tired of the weak 883 real quick, first bike or not.
I dig the dark HD's....not a fan of the chromed out whore bikes some HD guys ride. FYI...if you plan to do some longer rides or anything, might consider a Dyna for more comfort. I ride a Streetbob myself and I'm happy all around.  I don't look down on the Sportsters and those who call them girl bikes most likely has not run against one, the 1200's are some of HD's fastest bikes (excluding the vrod).
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:48:47 PM EDT
[#11]
I have a Sportster. Im 6'1 and 190. I feel to big for it.....
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:50:26 PM EDT
[#12]
They look ok stock... and you can make them look awesome with pretty minimal mods.
BUT.. even for a first bike, you will outgrow the 883 pretty quick, I think. The biggest downfall for you will be the size, I think. They are pretty small bikes, and at 6'0" and almost 200lbs, you will likely look a little cramped on it. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:51:05 PM EDT
[#13]
It is obnoxiously slow.
That said, it is your first bike, not your last. Buy a used Japanese POS, ride it for a year, drop it three or four times (including once in your driveway and once at a stoplight), and then get what you really want. You're going to ignore me and get a brand new HD as your first bike, so make sure you post pics of the first scratch you put on it so I can say, "I told you so." Good luck and enjoy life on two wheels. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:51:25 PM EDT
[#14]
Damn what do ya'll recommend as a first starter bike? I was really digging the sinister look of the Iron. Mainly be used for a 7 mile commute to work a few times a week and then play on the weekends.
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:51:53 PM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
Go for the 1200 if you like the fit of the Sportster. You'll grow tired of the weak 883 real quick, first bike or not. I dig the dark HD's....not a fan of the chromed out whore bikes some HD guys ride. FYI...if you plan to do some longer rides or anything, might consider a Dyna for more comfort. I ride a Streetbob myself and I'm happy all around. I don't look down on the Sportsters and those who call them girl bikes most likely has not run against one, the 1200's are some of HD's fastest bikes (excluding the vrod).This. I went with the 1200 Custom and after riding with a buddy with an 883, trust me, get bigger than you think you'll need. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:56:01 PM EDT
[#16]
Had a 1200 Custom with a few tricks. You'll need at least as much HP to have fun.
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:56:27 PM EDT
[#17]
Can we stop with any comparison to Harley's and Speed? Seriously, its embarrassing. I get it if you dig the look, but performance? No. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:56:34 PM EDT
[#18]
Quoted: Damn what do ya'll recommend as a first starter bike? I was really digging the sinister look of the Iron. Mainly be used for a 7 mile commute to work a few times a week and then play on the weekends. As far as Harley's go, I like most Dynas the best. I think the Street Bob is probably my favorite.. especially after a few smallish mods.  It's still in the 'affordable' zone, too. I like the Crossbones, too.. but they are a little more pricey, and the name is gay. hah
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:57:06 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted: Damn what do ya'll recommend as a first starter bike? I was really digging the sinister look of the Iron. Mainly be used for a 7 mile commute to work a few times a week and then play on the weekends. Get a bike that you like. Look around at all the websites. See if any local arfcommers have bikes that'll let you test em out, give opinions, or at least take you for a spin. That iron is a sharp looking bike |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:58:34 PM EDT
[#20]
Quoted: Can we stop with any comparison to Harley's and Speed? Seriously, its embarrassing. I get it if you dig the look, but performance? No. Relative brah. Lighten up. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 3:59:02 PM EDT
[#21]
I say go for it PS - You're tall for a chick
. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:03:57 PM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:
Can we stop with any comparison to Harley's and Speed? Seriously, its embarrassing. Heh!
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:05:21 PM EDT
[#23]
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:07:01 PM EDT
[#24]
Quoted:
In for the oil leak comments. It's not leaking oil... It's marking it's territory. 
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:07:07 PM EDT
[#25]
First bike?
Buy a used suzuki sv650 (2003 and newer). It has a modern v-twin   |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:10:21 PM EDT
[#26]
Here's my Sporty...
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:10:39 PM EDT
[#27]
Chick bike...put a p-pad on the fender so your mom can drive you around.....
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:11:27 PM EDT
[#28]
Haven't had one out for a test ride but I've ridden enough HD Sportster products to say... it will have a poor suspension and need to be 'tuned' to achieve any sort of 'performance'. But, if you like it, buy a used one witih low miles from a private party and save yourself a few dollars. The warranty may be of some use and the dealer support may be necessary if you're a first time MC rider.
You'll want to install stiffer springs up front and maybe add longer tubes to increase suspension travel. You'll want longer shocks on the back for sure with a heavier spring rate to compliment any modifications up front. A Nallin Hurrican air intake and SE filter kit will increase airflow into the heads. I gotta' admit, I'm not a big fan of LOUD PIPES... there are a few after market pipes that will actually improve performance and deliver a robust exhaust note without infuriating everyone within ear shot. Pay once, cry once for performance. The 883 is a venerable motor and easily upgraded for a small fee... I would highly recommend ebay for a Brembo brake caliper. Get a GREAT helmet and some stout apparel and you'll be GTG. Did I mention taking a Rider Safety Course? That alone will save you some insurance money! 
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:12:57 PM EDT
[#29]
My first bike was an '07 Dyna Streetbob that I sold a few years ago. I had a friend with a Sportster, and the Dyna seemed to have all the positives from the Sporty and none of the negatives. It was still nimble (for a big cruiser), and it had the 96ci motor.
I now ride a 2000 Night Train and still miss my Dyna. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:13:39 PM EDT
[#30]
Quoted:
Go for the 1200 if you like the fit of the Sportster. You'll grow tired of the weak 883 real quick, first bike or not. this |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:15:43 PM EDT
[#31]
If you are looking at the 883 iron I would consider finding a used 1200 Nightster
ETA: Pic 
.........the power band of the 883 is very narrow and even though you can put a 1200 kit on it you will quickly and I will say again quickly wish you had went with a 1200....the 1200 in a Sportser tuned properly is a nice bike perfect for what you want it for..... Here is my 1200 Custom...... 
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:17:03 PM EDT
[#32]
nice bike. My first ever bike was a Roadking, there is no way in hell I would buy a japanese bike....period.
and be aware that if your jap bike is FASTER, I dont care |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:18:55 PM EDT
[#33]
Quoted: First bike? Buy a used suzuki sv650 (2003 and newer). It has a modern v-twin I have a 2001 SVS. My longest day was 1250mi a couple years ago on a trip out to Seattle. That was a fun trip. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:20:08 PM EDT
[#34]
Quoted:
Girl's bike. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:21:12 PM EDT
[#35]
Quoted: nice bike. My first ever bike was a Roadking, there is no way in hell I would buy a japanese bike....period. and be aware that if your jap bike is FASTER, I dont care How about Japanese parts? You know, like Showa forks? |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:27:04 PM EDT
[#36]
Quoted:
The Iron is a nice looking bike, but the Sportsters make a lot of guys look like they are too big for their bikes. The "hardcore" HD guys refer to any Sportster as a girl's bike. Not true.....Actually the hardcore HD guys appreciate that a 1200 Sportster will wax their ass.......Its the target Harley Demographic dressed like a Pirate that calls them girls bikes... when I get too old and mine starts to scare me I will sell it and get a bigger/heavier bike....... |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:27:15 PM EDT
[#37]
Quoted: buuuuuuuuuuuurn Quoted: nice bike. My first ever bike was a Roadking, there is no way in hell I would buy a japanese bike....period. and be aware that if your jap bike is FASTER, I dont care How about Japanese parts? You know, like Showa forks?  I don't get the "Jap Crap!" hate and all. A good looking bike is a good looking bike to me. Maybe I'm not hardcore 'murican enough or some shit. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:28:03 PM EDT
[#38]
Quoted:
That said, it is your first bike, not your last. Buy a used Japanese POS, ride it for a year, drop it three or four times (including once in your driveway and once at a stoplight), and then get what you really want. You're going to ignore me and get a brand new HD as your first bike, so make sure you post pics of the first scratch you put on it so I can say, "I told you so." Good luck and enjoy life on two wheels.
He told you so. I grew up riding dirt bikes, when I got my first big street bike I dropped it a few times. There is no way I would start out with a brand new bike. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:30:29 PM EDT
[#39]
Quoted: Quoted: That said, it is your first bike, not your last. Buy a used Japanese POS, ride it for a year, drop it three or four times (including once in your driveway and once at a stoplight), and then get what you really want. You're going to ignore me and get a brand new HD as your first bike, so make sure you post pics of the first scratch you put on it so I can say, "I told you so." Good luck and enjoy life on two wheels. He told you so. I grew up riding dirt bikes, when I got my first big street bike I dropped it a few times. There is no way I would start out with a brand new bike. I started out with a brand new bike and have dropped it twice  No problemo though, adds character |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:35:04 PM EDT
[#40]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Damn what do ya'll recommend as a first starter bike? I was really digging the sinister look of the Iron. Mainly be used for a 7 mile commute to work a few times a week and then play on the weekends. As far as Harley's go, I like most Dynas the best. I think the Street Bob is probably my favorite.. especially after a few smallish mods. It's still in the 'affordable' zone, too.I like the Crossbones, too.. but they are a little more pricey, and the name is gay. hah That's a nice bike. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 4:50:22 PM EDT
[#41]
NightRod Special..
ETA: Might not be the best "beginner" bike though.. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 10:26:04 PM EDT
[#42]
Just cause I know a few guys that have picked up Streetbob's (and other dyna's of the same years) or the last few months for 7-9k with low miles and mods.....here is mine.
I'd look used and you'll find the market flooded and full of great deals. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 10:27:58 PM EDT
[#43]
Quoted: NightRod Special.. ETA: Might not be the best "beginner" bike though.. Definitely not. It has the only modern engine harley makes, and it has the performance to show for it. |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 10:33:19 PM EDT
[#44]
Quoted:
Go for the 1200 if you like the fit of the Sportster. You'll grow tired of the weak 883 real quick, first bike or not. I dig the dark HD's....not a fan of the chromed out whore bikes some HD guys ride. FYI...if you plan to do some longer rides or anything, might consider a Dyna for more comfort. I ride a Streetbob myself and I'm happy all around. I don't look down on the Sportsters and those who call them girl bikes most likely has not run against one, the 1200's are some of HD's fastest bikes (excluding the vrod).You will probably outgrow the 883 real quick |
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Posted: 3/11/2012 10:41:09 PM EDT
[#45]
Quoted:
The Iron is a nice looking bike, but the Sportsters make a lot of guys look like they are too big for their bikes. The "hardcore" HD guys refer to any Sportster as a girl's bike. I just don't get that mentality. I've been riding 25 years and just picked up a 2012 Road King but my main ride for the last 20 years has been a 1973 Triumph Bonneville 750. Call me old fashioned but 1200 is a tad big for a first time rider/bike purchase unless the OP has prior riding experience that he hasn't mentioned. The alleged "hardcore" Harley riders you speak of probably has never kickstarted a bike and doesn't realize that the Panhead was 1200cc's. 
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Posted: 3/12/2012 4:19:43 AM EDT
[#46]
i would say 1200 is easier to learn on then 883
same weight 1200 makes much more torque it is not so important to be in the right gear in traffic it tolerates being lugged around much more makes it easier for person to learn how to shift and get used to riding |
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Posted: 3/12/2012 4:20:56 AM EDT
[#47]
beautiful, but you can get a cheaper shittier one and bobb it out yourself
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Posted: 3/12/2012 4:24:50 AM EDT
[#48]
Quoted: I have a Sportster. Im 6'1 and 190. I feel to big for it..... I had a Sportster. I'm 6'3" 230. It was fun, easily maneuverable, but people told me I needed a bigger bike, so I got a fatboy. The main drawbacks of the Sportster were getting up to highway speeds, and the saddle wasn't as comfy for longer rides. It was my starter bike, and the year I did it HD had a deal where you could upgrade after 1 year and get full value in trade-in, so that was nice. |
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Posted: 3/12/2012 4:27:51 AM EDT
[#49]
Quoted:
The Iron is a nice looking bike, but the Sportsters make a lot of guys look like they are too big for their bikes. I love Sportsters, but I look like a clown on one. The Sportster is actually a pretty good bike to start out on. 883 can become a 1200 relatively cheaply later on when you want a little more ooomph, and parts that are commonly damaged during "The Learning To Ride Saga" are plentiful and inexpensive. |
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Posted: 3/12/2012 4:28:38 AM EDT
[#50]
Now thats a nice looking rig you got there. |
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