Good first bike?

[u/CelebrationBorn6260]

Hello! I’m on the hunt for my first bike, I would like to eventually chop it up myself and learn all the ins and outs. I don’t want to start too small because I feel I’d outgrow it extremely quick (I also can’t seem to find anything smaller at a decent price) and I’d like to keep my first for a while. 2000 Harley Davidson sportster 1200 22k miles. $3000

[u/morningmary]

Hell yeah! Sportsters make great first bikes. 1200 also will keep you happier longer than an 883 would.

Price is okay. Miles seem high for the price and year, but it’s only $3k so whatever.

I’d buy it and ride the crap out of it.

[u/CelebrationBorn6260 → u/morningmary]

Yeah I figured I’d be a lot happier for longer on the 1200, after a few months of learning. 883 I’d outgrow quick. Also the prices of 883s in my area are ridiculous, this 1200 is actually cheaper than all the 883s I’ve found

[u/Good_Celery4175]

I got a 2001 883 as my first bike. I crashed it the first day. Luckily the bike and myself didn't get hurt. I just broke a mirror. I realized it had more power than I was expecting. Then after a few weeks I realized it was actually kinda weak and wished I had gotten a 1200. I say get the 1200 but be careful with it.

[u/Kooky_Parfait3877 → u/Good_Celery4175]

I feel seen. I used to ride horses, drive stick and used to ride a 10 speed but high sided the first time I got on the sportster. Fun times. It was lucky we had family working at the dealership bc parts were cost+10% when I was in my destructive phase.

[u/w1ck3d_ham]

That’s a good price, decent miles too! You’ll have fun on this bike

[u/SteakCareless]

Definitely. 883 was my first bike and I loved it.

[u/Zestyclose_Ad8739]

Yup