Comments on: Would the Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 make a good beginner motorcycle?

By: Branden Girvin

Branden Girvin — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:37:54 +0000

Not the greatest english speaker, but I loved reading this. By the way, the bottom of your page doesn’t seem to load properly (I am using IE8).

By: RingDing4Life

RingDing4Life — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 00:32:09 +0000

I’ve been riding off-road bikes & atv’s for 15 years, cc’s ranging from 125-700cc. Recently I got my motorcycle license and looking into the 883 for my first street bike. I’m currently enrolled at MMI in Phoenix and most of the labs have a lot of 883’s & 1200’s to train on mechanically & electrically. I sat on an 883 this week and although I can’t flat-foot (straddle the bike with only the balls of my feet on the ground), the bike’s overall ergonomics and mid-controls feel good. The only concern I have is the weight of the bike, my height and my lack of upper body strength. I’m 5′4, 190lbs and have no upper body muscle (it’s all in my legs). I don’t doubt my rider confidence as I have experience to handle the bike through erratic maneuvers, just was concerned if my weak arms would cause me to drop the bike through tight or slow turns. Any advice would be great!!!!

By: bluff_michael

bluff_michael — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:55:09 +0000

No. They’re short wheelbase and heavy.

By: blb

blb — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:33:08 +0000

Don’t do it. I was a new rider 4 years ago and would have gone out immediately and purchased a Sportster. My husband has a Fat Boy and he talked me out of getting the Sportster. It is a small bike and you will want to trade it in for a bigger bike (take a look in the classifieds, Sportster for sale all the time). I purchased an older Honda 650 and rode that the 1st two summers to get some experience. After a couple of years I purchased a 2000 Deuce. It is a 1450 and I love it. I could not have ridden it without the couple of years of experience. Find yourelf an older bike for your starter bike. You will be much happier. Also take the safety course and make your spouse take it with you. It is fantastic course no matter what your experience level is.

By: Kell

Kell — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:11:41 +0000

I would recommend the Buell Blast first. It is lighter and smaller. Therefore when you begin to ride and tip it over you can pick it up by yourself. It also doesn’t cost that much. My mom began on a Blast and she loves it. I’ve driven it and it is fun. Once you get the feel of riding, then move up to a 883 sportster. I started with a Yamaha MX100. Then a 1977 Harley 175, then the Buell Blast. I then bought a 2003 Buell Firebolt 900. It’s fun to move up to bigger bikes!!!I recommend taking a rider safety course. Most Harley shops can give you information on a local course. Or. . . if you have the option, learn on a small dirtbike. By the time you have that down and get onto the open road it will feel like you are floating!!!