Hey John, welcome aboard. You're just one of many riders maturing to the Harley scene.
The 883 Sporty is a great bike but you might tire of it quickly considering what you've ridden previously. I'd look at the 1200 Sporty as a minimum but there are some great used Dynas and Softails around for just a few more thousand.
Cheers, Roo.

One other comment I'd make is that it's a buyers market out there and $8000 is a lot for a 13 year old sportster unless it's something special.

I think you'll get used to the 883 real quick having ridden before and for about the same money you will pick up the 1200. There's heaps of 'em about for sale. It's effectively the same bike with more bang for buck. I rode a 1200 Sporty for 9 years, just sold it, wish I didn't.
Roo.

I agree with the others in that a 1200 sporty would be better although I'd also want something a bit newer with fuel injection too. A few more thousand will get you onto a 2007 onwards big twin which is what I'd do. It's a buyers market

Don't go a Sportster mate. They are Ok if you are new to motorcycles but you will get bored with it very quickly as an experienced rider.

I bought exactly the same 2003 883XL as my first Harley years ago, I had it about a month before I bought a Fatbob instead. The FXDF is the Harley I should have bought in the first place.

Go to your local dealer and test ride them all, however in my opinion a BIG TWIN is the the way to go, not the 883.

Listen to 'Undercover' ...

He knows what he's talking about ! Lol

If you love Sportster like I do any you couldn't go wrong with any 2004 and up Rubber Mounted Engine, Much smoother ride than the 2003 and down models . Hang out if you have to for the right 1200 , Customs are the better one as they have a larger Fuel Tank and Chrome Engine. 2004 to 2006 where Carbie and 2007 and up are EFI. If you like to do your own simple tuning buy the Carbie model other wise you have to rely on getting riped off by the dealers every time you tweek with it

Much smoother

It's a girls bike..

Welcome John. As others have said, for a few more $$$ I think you need to have a good look around, if it's a Sportster, then 1200 min. I had a 1200 custom and loved it but there are plenty of bikes for sale so test a few out. Good luck with the purchase.