QuestionDear William,
I am a 32 year old, 5 year rider. I am ready to upgrade from my 1984 Kawasaki LTD 550 to a 2005 Harley. The only problem is, I'm not sure which one.
Deciding between a Sportster Custom 1200 and a Dyna Low Rider is keeping me up at night. I've never ridden the Sportster, but it seems like a logical upgrade. However, every rider I know and every Harley Dealer I talk to, tell me I will outgrow the bike in 1-3 years. The Dealer tells me that the used bike lot is 80% Sportsters, which supports the outgrowing theory. He also tells me, when I put on new pipes, a detachable windshield, luggage rack and sissy bar, I will not see the same monetary return if ever I decide to sell.
I've ridden my friends low rider and it was a thrilling experience. But is it worth the cost? What is your opinion when comparing these two bikes?
One more thing, if I do choose the low rider, which is better, fuel injection or carb? This same question is posted on this website but the response is to call the expert personally for an opinion.
Thanks for helping, I feel lost,
Lisa
AnswerHi Lisa,
Thanks for the question- not an easy one!
Basically, you have enough riding experience to make a good transition to either bike. And truthfully, your dealer is correct, there is a LARGE market for used Sportsters because a lot of people do trade up to a bigger bike in a couple of years. HOWEVER, that is mostly true for Sportsters made BEFORE the 2005 model year. Why? Because in 2005, at long last and after many requests, HD finally made the Sportster engine rubber-mounted, thereby solving the biggest complaint people had against them: vibration. The MAIN reason people got rid of their Sporty's is because they (like you) got a chance to ride a rubber-mounted engine model (like the Dyna) and it was like the gates of Heaven opened for them: good power, great sound, and almost no vibration! Before 2005, you had to be a “real biker” to go any distance on a Sportster, because at the end of the ride, you had to get your fillings replaced. Not anymore!
As for resale value, he's correct there as well, as Sportsters are regarded as “beginner” bikes (women learning to ride buy a large percentage of them), so manly-men kind of avoid them unless it's the only Harley they can afford. So their resale value is not as good as the bigger bikes.
So which Harley should you get? Judging from your question, I think I know the answer. Yes, the Sportster is the “logical” upgrade, and a 2005 Sportster 1200 is a fine bike, no doubt. But since you rode the Dyna and got a taste of the big-bike experience, I think that's where you heart is, and I'd follow your heart on this one. Get the Dyna Low Rider. I don't think you'll outgrow it anytime soon. It's a great bike, too.
Some notes and cautions: if you like “cruising” (as opposed to “performance riding”), the Dyna is the definite choice. But in tight, twisty stuff, the Sportster 1200 is going to leave it behind as it's lighter, more agile and, like the name implies, Sportier. So if you have visions of canyon carving, the 1200 may be the ticket since it now has that smooth engine. And add bags, windscreen and some forward pegs, and you can tour on it. So it will do “both” kinds of riding. Just something to keep in mind. If you have no intent go play Rita Racer on your Harley, then the Dyna will have all the performance you'll ever need.
Lastly, be careful with your new bike. Even the 1200 Sportster is going to be significantly heavier than your old LTD, let alone the Dyna Low Rider. I'd get your new Harley out early some Sunday mornings and get some city riding under your belt to learn how it behaves. It'll be heavy to hold up and braking distances will be longer, so ease into it. Don't go right out with a bunch of other riders who have had their bikes for years. If you try to play catch-up and overcook a stop or corner, sad and terrible things will happen. Be patient. Have respect for the weight and power. And the more you ride it, the better you'll be able to ride it.
Have fun!
Bill Roberson
