From my own experience from a few years back, modifying a Harley to be just how you want it is a very expensive game with minimal reward.
I spent more than the list price of my 883 on the parts for a full 1200 SE conversion with SE heads, cams, carb, ignition etc, then front suspension and brakes from the Sport, Progressive rear, Harley forward controls, instruments, leather luggage, seat & sissy, screen etc and even a Harley cowbell horn. It was then just how I wanted it but due to the size constraints, not actually any good for when I wanted the other half on the back. I eventually sold it for little more than a used 883 was worth.
Hindsight taught me that if I'd spent the same money on trading up to a Dyna, I'd have got most of it back later.
I'm now looking to do the Harley thing again, but the lesson I've learnt is to get one as near as possible to the spec that you want to minimise additional spend, and it's a lot easier (& cheaper) to make a Dyna or a Softail fit a smaller person than make a Sportster fit a larger person.
Thanks Andy. I knew I could rely on you.Printed and saved for future use
I doubt it. small children will point in the street and everybody will laugh at you for riding such a comedy bike.
Thanks Andy. I knew I could rely on you.
I've now looked at 4 Dynas with a view to purchase and so far managed to avoid buying any of them.
I suspect you know that the one that's most likely is of course the least appropriate, most overpriced one in a colour scheme that would be best described as metal flake flaming semen.
The other three are far better value, but are all either matt or gloss black and I just can't get excited about them in the same way as I can about the Bukkake Glide. I can get fairly excited by a 3 grand saving though...
So, buying a Sportster would be the right decision as its smaller and easier to hide in the garage...Go for matt black and hope it goes unnoticed in the corner of the garage. Maybe if you throw a blanket over it nobody will know you've bought another Harley?
So, buying a Sportster would be the right decision as its smaller and easier to hide in the garage...
I think you are "over thinking" this...just buy the bloody bike you like and can afford.............
I am struggling with this decision. I can't work out why a 1200R (with the same mileage as my 883r 14k) is about £5500-6000. It well over £1500 what my bike is worth for just an engine upgrade and some gearing changes.
By the time I get the suspension updated say £1000, then the different between that and a newer bike is 'only' around £1500-£2000. Is that right?
I am also not sure that the roadsters are doing as well as the 48s I would love to see the split in numbers sold.