Coming from a sporty-type bike this is my first Harley. This is the middle ground of Harley's Sportster line. Above the 883 Iron, below the 1200 Low. I have ridden this bike to and from work, around town on weekends, and even road tripped with it over 2400 miles in a couple days.
The Bad:
The mid-mount pegs were too close for even me (5'9", 170 lbs) and had low lean angles leading to scraping while cornering. I got the forward pegs and all those problems went away.
The brakes are sub-par for motorcycles. The front brakes are weak and you end up relying on the rear for as much as 50% of your daily use.
The tank is small. You aren't gonna go further than 150 miles per tank. Plan long trips accordingly.
It's low. The suspension is more for looks than comfort.
The Good:
This bike moves. I never expected it to be as quick as it is. I would stick with the 1200 as you can grow into it, versus growing out of the 883. There is a reason there are so many "up-conversion" kits to convert the 883 to 1200...
It turns heads (which is good for safety also), but isn't one of those 25k show bikes that you have to worry about getting stolen.
It handles good. The seat and ergonomics are set up to give that "in the bike" feeling, allowing you to push the bike while maintaining control.
It is reliable. Contrary to most rumors about Harley reliability, most Harleys are pretty reliable. This is no exception and runs like a top.
All in all, this bike is great for all-around city riding and some touring. It's best when used with one person, around town. Besides, there is a reason all the import bikes try to look and sound like a Harley... There are only two types of bikes: Harleys and everything else.
