I am 60 years old and took the MSF course three months ago and I bought a Sportster 1200. If I had to do it again I would choose another bike. That being said, I made myself learn to ride it and now I can’t imagine giving it up. Start slow and practice, practice, practice.

@rogermurph101

2 жыл бұрын

53. Bought my first bike back in March, a brand new Fat Boy with the 114. Didn’t want to spend money on something I would need to trade in come next spring. I took the MSF as well and got my license three weeks after buying the bike. No regrets. Glad I did it the way I did.

@thinkingimpaired5663

2 жыл бұрын

Friends daughter did the same thing, she dropped the bike within 2 weeks after buying a sportster while taking a slow uturn near a 2 lane intersection. She rode 1 lunger Harley in bike class.

@KevXRDuke

2 жыл бұрын

I own a 2010 XR1200. It is not a beginner's bike. It is going to son. It is way faster than a regular Sportster.

@thinkingimpaired5663

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevXRDuke nice bike

@Steve-Kratz

2 жыл бұрын

Starting young here at 50!

My first bike was a 2005 Sportster 1200 Custom 10 years ago. Still on it.

@lildawarrant2124

29 күн бұрын

Me too I absolutely love it

Sportster 48 was my first bike and never felt scary or too much to handle. Felt like the perfect beginner bike.

A sportster 1200 is my beginner bike. Like as in now, as in I bought it in May. Its small enough to be handy, big enough to be useful, and powerful enough to do all the things. Its the beginner forever bike.

@Deon0026yickadee

2 жыл бұрын

Just got mine today love it!!

@wamchrXme

3 ай бұрын

update?

@Guru4hire

3 ай бұрын

@wamchrXme still ride it everywhere year round. Provided its above 36 degrees. Still satisfied, though I do see why people get the bigger bikes.

@hellriaser123

Ай бұрын

mine get delivered tommorow

I am French. I have a 1200 roadster. Every time I ride and even if it is not perfect, I take a huge pleasure and I have like a taste of America in my head. Whether we like HD or not it's part of your story and I think of all the men and women who contributed to it

@charleswidmore5458

2 жыл бұрын

yep. let the power ranger wanna-be's run around on the racer x bikes. I want a comfortable bike that is fun to ride. not something that looks like it got lost trying to find oval track. different strokes for different folks

@TheG60528XiJinPing

2 жыл бұрын

@@charleswidmore5458 different high compression strokes 😉

@lionheart5078

10 ай бұрын

totally agree

@metch8500

2 ай бұрын

Great comment

after years of riding in the dirt, my foray into street riding is aboard a 2017 sportster 48 and i have zero regrets. i love modding it to fit my style and it has plenty of power for me. and it has to be the best looking bike out there!

At 16, I started on a Yamaha 100. Can't imagine learning on a 600 lb. Bike. As a shop Mgr. I taught 100's of newbies to ride...the bigger the bike, the harder the job. Learn on an XL 250..then visit the HD dealer.

@daryldaryl913

3 ай бұрын

Fully agree. A small 250 dirt bike with road tyres is great.

I rode a lot back in the 80's and then got out of it for 30 years. I rode mid-sized Hondas a lot. When I came back I decided I was going to be a "Harley Guy". While other bikes might have been a better "starter" bike over-all, the 1200 Sportster is the better choice for someone who plans on getting into Harleys and/or bigger bikes (cruisers or touring eventually).

Agree with a lot of your comments, this was my beginner bike but I’ve had it for 4 years which is much longer than I thought I would. I’ve been thinking about an upgrade for around a year but really torn about letting this one go. Especially now they’re discontinued. In an ideal world I’d keep it in the garage and buy a second.

@MidnightSportster

2 жыл бұрын

Dont let it go, you'll regret it later. Im in the same boat as you and I cant tell you how many people that trade up end up going back and getting another sportster later anyway. I was going to trade up but now its like knowing you have a classic car and giving it away. Ill have to be a little more patient and add a second bike down the line, keeping my roadster for life.

@izzwizamahjah275

2 жыл бұрын

Just slap that 1275 kit in it

I bought a 1200 in March and took my msf courses. I personally handled it very well right away and I’ve been looking into possibility getting something larger already.

I have never rode a dirt bike, motorcycle, atv or anything 2 wheel but a bicycle. I bought a iron 883 one day and went to the MSF course a week later. I dropped my bike the very first time I got it to move. I grabbed the front brake and it fell. I still ride the 883. Ive had it wide open and it’s perfect for commuting in the cities and the weekends I love hitting the desert highways discovering new breakfast places. I’m kinda embarrassed that I have an 883 but nobody has said anything because they know you’re a beginner

@Urmom-jx1ys

5 ай бұрын

No one cares what you ride other than wanna be biker gangsters. I started on a Honda Shadow 1400 nobody said shit and I was riding with Harley guys daily. Then I got a Dyna street bob and still no one cares

I've been riding my '06 1200 Sportster since '08. Plenty big enough to keep up with the big dogs and easy to ride around town. My best mod was rear shocks. I've never thought of it as a beginner's bike. MY beginner's bike was a brand new 1975 Honda CB360T. At 380lbs and 34hp, it was cumbersome at first but it made for a very good confidence builder and helped develop riding skills quickly. That bike was a lot of fun and I rode it for 8 years. The Royal Enfield would make the better beginner bike as it is more "predictable" to an inexperienced rider.

@MrTimbicile

23 күн бұрын

I have been riding a 300 cc Honda as my first bike. I really like the looks of the Sportster do feel that it has enough power to do everything that you want or do you feel the need or want for a bigger bike?

Personally, I think it depends on your aspirational bike or at least type of bikes... if you know you are headed for sportbike/hypernaked, start on a ninja 400 or r3... but, if you know you're gonna be on a 900lb full dresser bagger someday, the 500 lb sportster makes a great beginner bike, because it's shortcomings are endemic of that whole niche... just like an r3 prepares you for the lousy ergos and characteristics of an r1... no point of starting on the RE or r3 if you're dreaming of a road glide.

My first bike was a sportster 883. Loved it because it was what you expected out of a ride. The flexibility and just all around “cruise” feel was classic and sexy. It wasn’t a huge leap moving into a larger one from there. I’d been riding atvs and driving fast cars for a while already, so I wasn’t looking for some kind of flag to fly saying I’d made it... but it was a very smooth ride that taught me the ins and outs of the motorcycle road in a manageable fashion, based on its classic build and how it was designed. I will say touching pegs messed me up for a while even years later on my actual Fatboy hog. As for speed, most ppl riding an 883 aren’t looking to race a Busa. It’s just a different cruise. Love this commentary on these bikes. Great conversation.

@anthonyr587

2 жыл бұрын

I went for a Low Rider S as my first bike and over a year and a half later I haven't had a drop ( touch wood) and still love it. People advised against it " its too much bike, too heavy, too powerful, you are crazy,etc" I didn't listen to them and I am thankful I didn't. Respect the bike you get, keep your concentration and awareness, and ride within your skill level and you'll be fine.

@xbemos

Жыл бұрын

@@anthonyr587 absolutely brother. I am actually a female who moved into a Fatboy lo after my sportser. At the time I was a tiny 20 something at 120 lbs. They said the same thing about it being too much bike. I’d riden a Busa and other stuff, but in the end, you just know your bike. What you said above is absolutely accurate. Respect your ride and it’ll respect you. It’s awkwardly very similar to a horse. When it’s your baby, you bond w the bike and learn it/it learns you (because of the technical quarks we tend to give our technical devices like breaking too hard or wearing out a clutch) Love your out look man. 2 down 1 ⬆️ 👊

1200 is beginner enough. power is not scary, the scariest part about it is the brakes being bad lol

@mn_mt0964

2 жыл бұрын

Or the weight new riders don't understand that this isn't 400lb sport bikes

@BryanAiling

2 жыл бұрын

Most ppl who cry about harley brakes don't downshift. Learn to ride.

@SammyJoeLouis

9 ай бұрын

I have 3 Harleys. The brakes are obviously spongier than a sport bike but it's still just as capable of stopping as any other bike. I don't get people complaining.

A 2017 Sportster 1200 was my first bike. Had no issues with it, but I know full well that I was an old man bagger in the making and I just wanted to cruise. I now I have a Street Glide special. I absolutely love it. One thing I like is it's actually possible to change between bagger mode and performance mode and give any bike you have a run for it's money. That being said I'm not ready for performance/crotch rocket style riding. Once I pay off the Glide in 3 years I will look at getting a cheap performance bike to learn that style of riding on before I risk my good bike.

The first Sportster I ever rode was in 1966. I loved it! The sound and the substantial feel of the bike and the looks sold me. I swore that I would get rid of my Bonneville and own that bike as soon as possible. My 2013 XLC will stay in my stable of bikes as long as I can ride. Once I found the Progressive 412 13" shocks for the rear and the Russel day-long seat, it became a very comfortable touring bike that was fun in the corners and could cruise at 70+ all day. Unless I am carrying a huge amount of luggage, this is the bike I always choose. I have owned God knows how many bikes in my 63 years of riding but this is my favorite of all time. No, I do not think it is a beginner bike but I do think it is an incredible 2nd, 3rd or last bike.😊

Idea…. Find a beginner. Take them through the process of getting a license, the MSf course. If possible use your awesome Yam recourses to get a few beginner bikes and see what works. It would be a awesome series!

1200cc's but it's making 7 horsepower so speed isn't the issue. It's the fact that it weighs 15,000 pounds.

@spitfirepaintball16

2 жыл бұрын

More like 500 pounds not really that much

@grenzviel4480

2 жыл бұрын

@@spitfirepaintball16 I actually think it's 16,000 pounds but I may be wrong. It could be 17,000 pounds

i went from a grom to a 1200 sportster. the 1200 is totally a beginner bike. not only is it the most customizable bike on the market but its also an excellent bike to grow into. you get plenty of power to get out of situations and its hell of fun to ride period. if you are wondering yes it was interesting transitioning from a grom to a sportster lol. if you buy a 250, 350, or a 400 you will be bored of that thing in a month. the nice thing with the harley is also the weight. it wont get blown around on the road no where near as much as lighter bikes. where i live we can get 60+ mph winds and the weight def helps. even the harleys get blown around on the roads. the sportster reminds me of old muscle cars. you get the lopey idle and vibration at idle. in the mid range its smooth when you wind it out you get a little vibration but it isnt anything major at all. i like all bikes harley included. the harley is also def higher quality hands down. im currently building a husaberg 450fe sumo. itll be my first cant wait for my rims to get here.

Honestly it really is "to each their own" when it comes to bikes. I know people that have started on a 1000s or 600s, even on a Busa and they've all done fine. I personally started on a 2020 Grom (125cc's for people that don't know), and I've had it now for 3-4 months and already want to hop on a 1200 or some type of liter bike. Hell I wanted one of those after the first month lol. I could've easily started off on something bigger, but some people just might not feel comfortable doing that which is exactly what happened to me and I outgrew this thing fast. So my advice to everyone is; talk to your friends who have bikes! Go take your course and get familiar with them, test ride anything and everything you can before making a decision.

My first bike was a sportser xl1200c I bought new in 2014 and put around 2500 miles on then bought my dream bike; a Hayabusa. I've since owned a road king limited and dual sports as well and knock on wood never been in any accidents many miles later, other than some low speed lay downs on my dual sports off road when I was pushing it past its limits having fun. I have a soft spot for 1200 sportsers and have since collected a few and still love jumping on a finely tuned sportser. Nothing sounds better than a fuel injected aftermarket piped sportser. My wife can hear me coming minutes before I arrive coming down our 55 mph road.

I bought brand new Iron 1200 almost 3 years ago at age 43 after NEVER riding a bike in my life. I would say it's a perfect beginner bike. The power is just enough and you can even take it on the freeway after a while instead of just riding local streets. I'm ready for something much more capable of longer distances but I'm probably never getting rid of my Sporty. That's another plus to having it as your first bike. It's not overly complicated. It can be diagnosed by anyone with basic mechanic knowledge and it's super customizable and reliable. I'm going with the sporty.

@traviswhitworth6506

2 жыл бұрын

I agree, I'm a new rider (just completed the safety course at my local Harley dealer ). I've been writing on my neighborhood streets and on side streets that get up to 35 to 45 mph on my 2002 Harley Sportster 1200. I have not felt that it was too much bike at any time and find it more comfortable than the 500 Harley roadster that I was on in the class. I will likely upgrade to a bigger bike when I'm ready, but I thinking I will probably always have this sporty.

I have a Sportster 1200 and it was my first bike. Got it a few months after getting my license with no other riding experience. Not enough power to get out of hand, feels/sounds just like a classic bike should, and I am a year and a half into riding and still feel no need at all to get a new bike now. Also, the seat is very low, which was nice when I was starting out. I think the higher seat of a sport bike would have been more intimidating than the higher weight, to be honest. I am extremely happy with it. Also, I would say "normal" very much depends on your point of view. To me, cruisers ARE the normal bike in America, and I definitely see more of them than anything else. So I think they're off base on that point.

@tomservo3401

Жыл бұрын

Ok have a quesrion? Next week i am getting a bike. Wont be my first but my first real street bike. Had a powerful dirtbike when i was a kid. Ok My choices are a 48 or heritage softail. Around 200+pds, 600cc difference. My concern is this. The 48 is still 1200cc so far from weak but it just looks too small/cramped for me? The softail looks much more relaxed/comfortable, the seat is lower to the ground, theres more leg room. Idk?

Hey Guys I'm fresh off the MSF and I bought my used Iron 1200 as my first bike, been riding 3 days now and I absolutely love it, it's a very fun bike with lots of room to grow.

Started on a Rebel 1100 at the beginning of 2022. Now I am on a road glide standard. I have put roughly 13,000 miles down between the two bikes.

Bought a 1200R new in 2014 with Stage 1kit and forward controls and later sold it to my brother-in-law. It was my 2nd bike after a Honda VT250c. The Honda was underpowered for me (6’3” 240lbs). The sportster’s power wasn’t intimidating but for a beginner it’s very heavy and liked to tip in on corners without good focus on throttle control. It was a great 2nd bike for me. I absolutely loved it. Naturally, I’m trying to buy the bike back so I can keep it for the occasional ride. It’ll qualify for cheap club registration here in Oz in another 7 years 🤓👍.

It’s not that a beginner can’t ride that bike. The problem is that a beginner can’t stop that bike without dumping it. When beginners come to a stop sign, or a downhill stop, or a stop with a slight turn on a side hill, they should not be on a humongous bike with high center of gravity. The sportster is eminently droppable.

@quickET1968

2 жыл бұрын

Started on a 2000 Sportster 1200, they definitely arent the best balanced but that being said it depends on the circumstances as to whether it should be a first bike for someone.

@turbosure7873

2 жыл бұрын

You are right. I have a 79 Sportster and the weight along with the height can cause some scary instability if you are not paying attention. Once you get used to the bike and it's limitations you're good to go.

@Draugonauv

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for that remark, im likely going to be getting a harley sportster pretty soon and was kinda worried about the weight being an issue. I'm not sure if it's a 1200 or an 8xx(not sure what the exact number is).

@Starlesslemon

Жыл бұрын

You literally have no clue what you're talking about 🤣

You folks seem like (and are) a group of salespeople who have no clue...but I Love your humour, and my bike is blue...

In my home town in the 60s the most common first bike was a Yamaha 80. Remember thousands of people rode Honda 50s then. I was interested in the Honda 305 Scrambler and my friends told me a beginner bike should be smaller than 250. The 200s from Bridgestone and Suzuki were faster than a Honda 305, but no matter, the Honda 305 wasn't a beginner bike, get a 160. Now we wonder if a 500 isn't too small for a beginner bike.

@timsretirementjourney8323

2 жыл бұрын

I agree. I learned on a 500 BSA Royal Star and it was way too big for a 16 year old. Even a Suzuki 250 X6 Hustler would have been thought of as too big and powerful (as a first bike) back then.

@shawncarpenter834

Жыл бұрын

My first bike is a 1967 305 got it when I was 16 now I'm 18

I got a 05 sportster 1200 with a stage 2 kit already done to her and I'm glad that's what I started with and learning on I'm a bigger guy so Weight wasn't a issue and I love mine minus the petcocks diaphragm going out after only 150 miles into owning the bike

@Deon0026yickadee

2 жыл бұрын

What’s petcocks ?

My first bike was a 1200 iron sportster. It was an alright bike. I bought it January 2022, a couple weeks after I took the msf. I ended up trading it in for a sport glide last month. The sportster is a little cramped, but the sport glide had way more room. The only mod I'd recommend for the sportster is forward controls.

@tomservo3401

Жыл бұрын

Exactly what i thought. Buying a bike next week. My choices are a 48 or heritage softail. About 200+pds, 600cc difference. The 48 is still 1200 cc so far from a weak bike. Looks more nimble, maneuverable but it looks too small/cramped?. The softail seat is actually lower, heavier but lower center of gravity, more stretched out leg room, just looks more comfortable to ride. I can just see buying the 48 and in a year wish i had bought the softail but still have years left to pay on the 48.

To me big bikes mean: "I want to go the same speed as the smaller bike, but less nimbly and using 3 times as much gas"

@ArchieKeen1

2 жыл бұрын

Pretty much, big engines and power are unnecessary on the roads, the RE can more than happy keep at speed limits, I think a lot of people have a warped perception of what makes a motorbike fun

@mohammadnashitsiddiqui2168

2 жыл бұрын

Probably some people don't want to just bend forward when riding. Then again, the vibrations in a Harley can't be that great either.

@victoriazero8869

2 жыл бұрын

@@mohammadnashitsiddiqui2168 I mean if you want both speed and comfort you pick an MT/Duke series. Sure the gas bill might not be as good as it could be, but overall they're both great compromises.

@michaelconran5252

2 жыл бұрын

@@ArchieKeen1 depends on how and where you ride. You do hundreds of miles a day, a bigger bike is easier to ride it highway for hours in end. Cruising at 80-85mph for long distance sucks on a lighter smaller engines bike. My 2020 Softail gets the same fuel mileage as my Sporty did, 48mpg. My KTM 450EXC gets worse fuel mileage than my Harley. I can, and have, ride my Softail cross country. Sure not going to try that on my high strung, caffeinated dual sport, even with my supermoto setup. All bikes have their place.

@mohammadnashitsiddiqui2168

2 жыл бұрын

@@victoriazero8869 yes and a minimal risk of under steering, cruisers are pretty much an market carried by Americans

I went from a 150 to a 700 with the same hp and torque numbers as the sportster only one hundred pounds lighter. Love it

Older Sportsters are the BEST beginner bikes. Everyone should learn on a pre-2007 Sportster so they can appreciate fuel injection, liquid cooling, and other upgrades that Harley began to include post 2007.

2019 Harley Davidson XL 1200 CX Roadster. It was my starter and still is the bike I ride today (no car). I can say that as a beginner (this bike specifically) can be intimidating for the weight and the height off the ground. This bike has more lean angle than the other 1200cc sportsters so I'm not sure why Yammie says scraping pegs is common for this bike (other lower height 1200cc sportsters yes, but not this one). I see this bike as the in-between a beginner and 2nd bike option. But I'd only recommend getting this one specifically if you don't plan on trading up in the future. You're much better off getting a small cc sportster or other starter if you're unsure of keeping your 1st bike. Other than that. I love this bike and have modded it out already. Not something I plan on throwing away. If you're set on keeping one bike that can be a bit scary at first as a beginner, then this bike does just fine.

Started riding 3 summers ago, got a Vulcan 900 Custom as my first bike. Literally couldnt even ride it home from the dealership. Cut my teeth on a 640 LB bike, now push a 22' Street Glide Special. As someone who knew they wanted a cruiser, I didnt feel as though the bigger bike was a problem.

I just bought a 2016 Sportster Superlow for my very first bike in may and it’s been fun learning on it. I just wish I had abs and such cause I did just get in a motor accident on it in July. Finally got out of my cast today

When you talk about 'growing into a bike' it means it's easy enough to use as a novice but the skill ceiling is high enough that you can learn for years and continue to extract more out of it. When you talk about growing into an American bike it means the fuel tank is large enough to fit your gut as you gain 25 pounds a year and the seat can comfortably fit your ever-increasing butt folds.

I've always been into sport bikes but I love the aesthetic of air cooled bikes. I also love the simplicity. After learning the history of the Sportster. I really like them now. I used to think they were too big and slow but now I respect them. The Roadster are more true to the vintagevpre AMF Sportsters too. They also get a sweet twenty horsepower bump with pipes,intake, and fuel remapping .

I was considering a 1200 Sportster for my first bike and I also really wanted a Interceptor but couldnt quite afford it. Went with a Moto Guzzi V7 and I think I got the best of both worlds. Loads of character, 100 years of heritage, great for cruising but handles bettet than both of those bikes.

@austinkaufman9402

2 жыл бұрын

Is it still running

@mrpipps90

2 жыл бұрын

@@austinkaufman9402 its a guzzi of course it is. The guy I bought it from had one with 300k on it.

@verlinswarey507

2 жыл бұрын

I really like MG. I don’t have one, but I was this close to pulling the trigger on a V 85TT this last summer. I loved that bike!

@leee3880

2 жыл бұрын

I liked my V7 when I had it.

@mr.b3168

2 жыл бұрын

Ew

Both bikes are great but as a 1991 sporty 1200 owner with 44 years experience including three Ironhead xlh models the Evo sporty one of my favorite bikes ever

Bought my first motorcycle on January 1st 2022, 2009 Honda VTX1300C. Basically an HD 1200 with a bigger and more reliable engine. Its been 6 months and I dont regret it.

I started on a 85 V65 magna when I was 16. It had 100hp it weighed something like 550-600 lbs. A beginner bike was whatever bike you could get cutting grass. It was a good bike for me. I learned to respect the power. That being said I can see a kid get on the same bike and flip it and end up DED. I'm 43 now I turned out ok.

I'm 30 and got a sportster 48 special with the 1200 and a stage 1 in it. my only experience before was the msf with a junk nighthawk. if you know what to expect from riding a bike, and a harley, I think this I'd an awesome starter to keep forever

I started and still have an 883 and I wish I started on the 1200 and I felt that way about 2-3 months into riding I’d say if your not looking for a sport bike or a naked bike it’s one of the best bikes to get for a first bike. Once you get past the pegs scraping on the ground you can really start to see how well the Harley feels. I can go as fast as I want around corners and the bike feels nimble for 500 pounds you can really throw the bike around a corner and lean in on the corner. I love the bike. It has its learning curve but it’s great and you can turn the bike into whatever style riding your wanting!

I picked up a CB500F and it’s been great to learn on. Enough power to get around my area but not enough to make me act like a 18 year old.

@BruceLee-bd4pr

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed. Just bought a CBR500R and as a beginner, very happy. "Just right".

My beginner bike was a 2020 Softail Low Rider S. 114ci and nearly 700lbs. Loved it

Took a safety course, my tires on my 1200 were too old they said. Made me use a loaner about the size of your Enfield. It was soooo much easier negotiating low speed tight turns, obstacle avoidance, etc. Over-all, MUCH easier to handle and control than my sporty. I felt like I was cheating!

I got my first bike 3 weeks ago 2016 1200 sportster I love it 🤗 great beginner bike

My beginner bike was a 750lb 1832cc Valkyrie Goldwing. Seems to work for me.

The rigid mount ones, yes, not the new ones. 1996 xl1200s here (535 pounds wet, dyno'd 59 rwhp and 69 rwtq), owned since new. Was my third bike, after totalling my 1982 Honda CB900C.

I just got what seems to be a modified sportster 1200 Sunday, it's my first bike and I love it so far

For a good beginner bike, I recommend a yamaha raider or a Honda vtx1800....

I own both the 650 int and a 1200 iron.completely different riding experiences but love both.

30 year veteran of riding ....and a properly ridden xl1200cx IS NOT a beginner bike. I own one and have extensively modified it to be lighter and faster and better handling. With the straight pushrods, and four gear driven cams, you can make A LOT more power than a big twin

I hate the term “outgrow” a bike. Even if you were to find yourself yearning for more power or more performance, you can just sell the bike. Better off experiencing multiple bikes from multiple different manufacturers, with different riding styles etc etc so you actually know what you want. Anyhoo, good vid, good points

40 yo, took my MSF class in May. Bought a 2007 Nightster (1200N) with a stage 2 (performance cam) as my first bike, almost at 1,100 miles for the year so far....100% this is my beginner bike. Also no previous experience on bikes but experience on pretty much every vehicle you can name that doesn't normally leave the ground. Have really enjoyed making it mine and putting in some 100 to 300-mile days. My goal is to run an iron butt by season's end. I scraped pegs in the MSF class BTW... I was told to go a little easier.

Was on my Sportster 1200XL within a month of getting my endorsement no issues ..bought a Ninja 400 as a learner. Since moved up to a Gixxer 750 for the street and a ZX6R for the track, but still have the Sportster for Club purposes.

I’m only watching the Sportster series of vids in anticipation of them changing the nightmare level rear suspension! 😂

OK I'm biased. My first bike was a '92 1200 Sportster, and I love it. It made way for an FXRS, but, as a beginner's bike...it easy to ride, handles nice. Easy gradual power. The feedback is great. I love it! It's perfect! I'm kidding, it was the perfect beginners bike _for me_ . Bike and type of rider needs to match. We matched. It isn't a sportsbike. It isn't a grand tourer or a cross between. So if I wasn't enamoured with Harleys to begin with, I'd have gotten a completely different first bike. So to anybody else, who isn't into Harleys, I'd probably wouldn't recommend the sportster as a beginner's bike, simply because I don't think they'd be a good match.

I started on the iron 883 and it felt like a whole lot of motorcycle for the first 3 months. Then I started modding it with a full stage one and such and a year into riding it I wanted something even faster. So it’s can be a real catch 22 honestly. If I had it to do over I would have started with a 1200 and I might still have it today? Instead I ended up trading in the 883 after a year and a half for the Low Rider S.

@asher6657

2 жыл бұрын

you realize you could have upgraded it to a 1200 in the shop. the only difference between a 1200 and an 883 is the heads. Its the same size frame, engine and brakes

@robbyclark6915

2 жыл бұрын

@@asher6657 Yeah I realize that. I could have also upgraded to the Hammer 1275 kit and replaced the suspension and on and on. All with a bike I’m still making payments on. Not what I wanted to do at that point. Besides, once I rode a new M8 softail, I wanted one! So I bought the Low Rider S instead and now I don’t have to worry about it anymore. Lol.

1200 is perfect, it’s pretty slow and it loves to shift in lower rpms. Compared to the Indian Scout Bobber twenty I started on lol

Maybe 500lbs is heavy if you are comparing it to a sport bike, but it's not that bad. I was taught how to ride on a Road King with 0 experience and I was just fine.

@MrPhins

2 жыл бұрын

But, are you really?

@xColdRamen

2 жыл бұрын

@@MrPhins Yeah

@LuLu-kd8fd

2 жыл бұрын

Completely agree, people say 550 is alot. I just say stfu and get good throttle and clutch control. Not everyone rides a 440 lbs sport bike.

This is awesome , I first began riding long hours and distances by renting a Royal Enfield and then bought my first bike the Harley Sportster! The riding position of the Sportster is more comfortable

I think the 883 is a better beginner bike, especially for those that are interested in modifying and are mechanically inclined. The 883 with a 1200 jug kit puts down more power than a stock 1200. Its also cheaper, especially if bought used. Parts are available for it without breaking the bank. That would also depend on the style of riding youre interested in. Cruiser, sport, ADV, dirt... Different starter bikes based on the use.

Many eons ago. My step up from a Honda Scooter was almost a Sabre V65 2 years old used (back in the eighties). If I had bought it... I would be dead. Certain. My first real bike was a Honda CB500 and it had plenty of power.

Is funny how people see motorcycles in a different way, I started in a Suzuki c50 and two years later I finally got into a harley motorcycle, bought my sportster 1200 custom cash and I looooveee it. For me is not a beginner bike for me is the only harley I can afford at the moment 😅 and maybe if one day I get a bigger harley I probably keep my sportster it is truly an amazing machine

My first bike was a Honda V45 Magna. Perfect!

My first bike was the Roadster 1200 and the most "scariest" thing about it is its weight... The I've only had it for 6 months and I've enjoyed it, even when I commuted with it for a month

My 2 year old nephew LOVES the ends of your videos, he thinks you're hilarious XD His favorite is when you pop up from behind the Aprilia, give a bunch of wtf faces then suddenly say Keep Watching Yammie NOOB! and disappear again.

I started on a bike with similar power to the Royal. Unless you're only riding in the city, a beginner should start on a bike with atleast 50 horsepower. After buying my CBR250R I was kicking myself for not waiting for the 650. I wasted my money. I really loved the 250 though .

Calling a HD model "sportster" is like painting racing stripes on a 1994 Ford Fiesta.

@adamlanglois563

2 жыл бұрын

The person in the 94 fiesta would probably be racing, just barely keeping up with traffic

One thing I understand, get a cruiser beginner if you plan on only using them for the rest of your life. They're probably the most different from any other bikes, adaptability doesn't do well both ways

I started on a 07 1200 sportster nightster and have loved every minute of it.

0 riding experience. Bought a stage 2 2017 harley xl1200x 48. Going too fast, someone pulled out. Panicked and hit the brakes way too hard. Laid it down doing 60mph, broke my thumb and shoulder. Great beginner bike if you're responsible. Handles amazing. Just can't get too comfortable

The touching peg bit is a good point. I have owned several bikes and I did not start on a Harley, but I can say when I was new if I had my Street Bob and I dragged a peg (which I do know relatively often) I would have freaked out.

I rode a Grom during MSF, and then an 03 Nighthawk for a minute before buying a new Indian Chief. It's about the same weight as the 883 with a bigger motor. I basically took the plunge of owning a new bike, and a big bike right out the gate as a beginner rider and I wouldn't change that decision. It has 3 different ride modes that completely change the throttle response, and it's been really easy to hone my skills on. I'll still get me a tiny bike down the road, and start a Grom biker gang or something.

I started on the iron 1200 lol, still have it and ride it more than anything. I just really like that bike

I learnt to ride and on a Yamaha RS125 in 1989, but didn’t ride for the following 32yrs (big regret). I bought a HD 1200 48 last year and learnt to ride again, I just took it easy, but the weight nearly caught me out a few times at slow speed as I learnt to ride again.

I started off on a 2004 883. It was a fun bike for a few months but started getting bored of it. I don't know if I would consider a Sportster as a good beginner because like you said, you'll scrape pegs on the smallest of turns which scared me to actually push the bike in a corner.

./wave from Australia. My first bike was a 1992 Honda cbr250rr 20kredlineallday japanese import which was a father son restore project (its my forever bike). I've also alongside it owned a cbr500r,cbr650r(boring) and a cbr600rr which I traded in for a harley davidson 48. I guess I'm just attracted to character, and motorcycles that aren't riddled with electronics or that you can actually go WOT and hear them sing without getting arrested. Pretty happy with my bikes the little mc22 and 48 provide me with two different experiences but share so much in common.

I've known so many people who end up buying an HD 1200 after they've riden something like a 500 for a few months. Just buy the 1200 and mod it to stage. You'll be more than happy.

I started on the 1200 nightster. You guys are absolutely correct.

My 09 custom is my first Harley after having a sumo and a few minis and to me it’s just fine. Never rode a Harley before and I had to ride it over 20 miles home and it was fine

If your ar going to ride once every other weekend , maybe the Sportster . I have one and it’s but it’s not the only bike . If you are going to ride it more than that , the royal Enfield, no doubt .

I want to buy stuff from your store, but my problem with online stores when it comes to gear is that I don't know if they'll fit. Sure they can say that you can send it back for free to get a different one, but having to think that you need to re-package it and sending it back is such a hassle. I always have that problem whenever I buy things I can wear online. With your gear though, they are a bit more expensive that I can't just afford to just go "meh, I'll just use it for something else", like when I buy a sock or underwear that's one size too small/larger. Some people say medium for a motorcycle jacket is large/small compared to regular clothing so it can get very confusing really fast. It would be nice if there was some kind of measurement chart for every piece of clothing on your store. Like an actual cm or inch chart measuring around the chest, vertical length of the jacket, shoulder length, etc. Especially with motorcycle gear, it's imperative that it fits just right so the clothing armor can protect what it's designed to protect.

My first bike was a 1200cc triumph bobber. Literally no experience apart from 3 lessons and I ride it just fine.

My beginner bike was a 2004 Sportster 1200. It was perfect. I just wished I'd had the peanut tank.

I started on a R9T. Kinda glad I did. 1100 cc isn’t as crazy as you might think.

1990 XL1200 was my first bike. I got it in 96 when I was a sophomore in high school, I though I was cool as shit back then lol. It was a good starter bike. Had it till I was 18 then got a soft tail and haven't looked back

People are saying this is too much has me thinking. I'm a beginner and I'm over here looking at a Indian scout rogue as a first bike. I've never been on a bike outside of msf class.

I ride a 05' 883 as my around town "cool bike". My other Bike is a 05' Yamaha FJR it is a highway crusher commuter bike. FJR is 5 times the power much bigger heavier but runs, turns and brakes better in every way except Cool.

I say go with the Sportster as a first bike. I made the MISTAKE of getting a small 500 as my first bike, and within about 6 months i got reid of it and got the Harley 48 sportster and i am NEVER getting rid of it. lol

my personal opinion: if someone goes into the MSF course with NO previous motorcycle experience, then no, i would say the 1200 sportster may not be the first choice due to power (though manageable as mentioned in vid) & weight. something lighter, less power, etc, until they get some ride time. went from 500s to 750s to 1100s, when i came across the sportster deal & took it out, i could def tell the difference and glad i had the previous ride experience. now as a first bike that you could say "okay, im comfortable putting money into something i want to keep for a while, perhaps put money in", then yes, the sportster isn't a bad choice. I greatly enjoy mine (though may be ready to go bigger soon), it's fun to shoot around on. great video, fellas. informative & showcases finds instead of just posting stats. very well done.

I had never ridden a motorcycle before august 6th of last year. Then I bought a brand new iron 1200. In the past year I’ve put 8k miles on it. For me it was the perfect beginner bike. For others it may be too much. I’m already wanting a bigger bike.

@tomservo3401

Жыл бұрын

Exactly my concern. Buying a bike next week. Not complete novice but will be first real street bike. My choices are a sportster 48 or a heritage softail. Besides the softail actually looks more comfortable to ride, has a lower seat and center of gravity i can just see paying $12k for the 48, be paying off for years but in a year wish i had bought the softail? Idk?

My starter bike is 1200 95 xlh, bored 30 over, cambered and tuned, most of the weight removed. First time hitting the throttle it wheelied it's gnarly lol

As you guys already pointed out with the Hayabusa, any bike can be a beginner bike 🚲

I started on a 1987 sportster 1100cc 20 years ago. It was a great bike to start on but I did out grow it quick. 1986 was the first year of the evolution in the sportster not 87

Yeah I'm that guy, I bought my first bike in November the "sportster 1200" . Its perfect for 30 year old average as can be me. To put it plainly if you're responsible enough to pay your taxes and tip at least 17% the 1200 is good for you. The bike doesn't have so much power that it will rip your arms off but is enough to have a great time. If you're 16, constantly have a hard on and realy need a Harley just get an 883. Tldr: the 1200 is good unless you have no self control. In that case buy a metric cruiser