I must be getting old, eveything looks so small nowdays

Welcome, get what you want and suits you. :-D

Welcome

Welcome, get what you want. If you are anything like the rest of us, that will change as time goes on!

If you did your homework, you'd find that the Harley Sportster being light and fast was America’s answer to the narrow and lithe British sportbikes of the time.
Being launched in 1957, the Harley Sportster is the longest running motorcycle model in history.

The only reference to being a "girls bike" are from thoses with narrow minds.
If its gong to worry you look at a different modle.

Cheers for the replies so far, Yeah I think I will stick with my heart and get the Sportster. Would not be satsified if I didnt.

Welcome , I can,t read a thing you,ve written . When the print is tiny , does that mean you,re whispering ? LIKE  BOLD PRINT MEANS YOU,RE SPEAKING REALLY LOUD ?

Maybe ride an 883 and the 1200 to compare. You may find the 883 is ok by comparison or maybe underpowered being it is a heavy bike.
If budget is the issue, maybe find a nice low k late model used 1200 instead of a new 883?

If it is a long term bike, I would say, spend a little more to get something bigger than you currently need.
If you don't mind potentially swapping in 12m then get the 883 & you will soon decide if the bike is fine for you.

yes welcome mate but you dont have to be quite on here cause EVERY ONE IS LOUD ON HERE ON HERE ON HERE

Welcome Mick, Don't let the knockers get to you, the Sportie 1200's go like the clappers, sound awesome with V&H pipes and are light to toss around

Welcome Mick, One thing you will learn about this forum is how cumbersome it is, don't play with your font settings as it will always turn out to be smaller than what you want, they you'll get all the old fellas having a winge able not being able to read it because the can't find their coke bottle glass's! lol.... After you rode my bike i know they bug has gotten you but i recommend you get intouch with a few dealers and road test a few more bikes in the range (sportsters, dyna's and softails) and see what "feels" right for you.

Regards Andrew - T1

 Welcome, hope you can settle for that perfect bike for you. Terristone has some great advice for you right there.

to the forums Mickyz.