I'm looking to buy a Sportster 1200 for commuting and city riding around the San Francisco Area.

I guess the only difference is the larger, narrower wheel on the custom.

Which of these bikes would you guys recommend?

the custom also has forward controls and longer forks and more chrome, the low has mid controls shorter forks and less chrome, they both have low rear shocks the custom also has a disc rear wheel were the low has spokes, either will be perfect unless you love polishing buy the low

I rode my buddies nightster the other day, and I don't know how you guys ride those things all the time. It's a fast little bike but the suspension was like being on a BMX.

See my point exactly!! When I was a kid I used to try and rig up my dads chainsaw to my schwinn. I wanted a fast little bike that rode like a bmx!!!!

It's a good thing for my legs and my mom's nerves that I could never rig that combo up!!

The Sportster is a fast and nimble not so littie bike, I wanted one and after due consideration, I chose the Custom for several reasons:
If you are over 5'11" the forward controls are a + (it's quite expensive to do it as a mod) they make your ride more comfortable.
All the chrome is a matter of taste (I love it) but I'm sure it's easyer to clean than the alternative finishes.
The disc rear wheel looks great and is easier to maintain than the spokes.
The suspension is fine if you ride solo and can be improved if you often have a passenger.
The Custom is the top of the Sportsters range but well worth the price difference.

I'm more like 5'7" or 5'8". Will I be too stretched out with the forward controls?

Nope... nice and comfy i am 5'5"/5'6" and had reservations with the forwards but once riding they are awesome and so comfy over long distances

I'm 5'11" 250'ish and wish the forwards were 2-3" farther.

+1 on needing upgraded shocks riding 2-up. Fine for just me, but not enough for me & the mrs. Yup, quick bike and a lot of fun. I've had mine to 105-110 mph and there was plenty left on the throttle. It "outran" my testosterone & my testicles.

I've got a "bum" right knee and when I sat on the 1200L, I knew I was too cramped.

Gotta love the fast "little" bike...a-a-Harley?

I'm 5'4" and I love my XL1200C. The forward controls are nice! Buy the Custom!

Test ride, test ride, test ride.

I am 5' 10" 200 lbs test rode the Custom (I've owned a 1994 Low for years) and I didn't like the forward controls.

Had a Heritage years ago; I didn't like the forward stance.

You won't really know until you go to the dealer and test ride them both.

I am 5'10 and 50, 1200 custom (06) was my first Harley (and bike), just sold it for an 09 Heritage. Love it, goes like a rocket, nice chrome, forward controlls are great. 2 complaints - the stock seat is aweful for anything over 1/2 hour, and the ride is harsh on country roads - but neither is a problem for city commuting. Hold their value well too - did 3500 kms on mine in 2 months and sold it for exactly what I paid for it.

Agreed! I am 6'1" (but less than 250#, ahem), and even with the forward controls, my knees are still above the gas tank... I'm just a little too cramped on it for any sort of comfortable distance riding. This is why I am ALSO getting an '09 RKC... notice I said "also" (I'm keeping the sporty! )

It took me quite a while, but I just bought an 2000 883 xlh.

I test rode a 2000 1200c, and wasn't real impressed. It shook too much even at low speeds, and turning was very sluggish.

I test rode the 883 hugger and much prefered it. I've only had it for a day, but so far I'm very happy. I got a good deal on it, and it looks great in flat black with lots of willie g skull accents.

Congrats on the new ride. Enjoy it.

Yeah, when I rode earlier model Harleys shook way too much, (why I rode metrics since the late 70's) and why I got the 2004 Sporty 1200, the first year of the rubber isolated engine mounts to the frame.

Congrats on your new ride! I was up in SF earlier in November, it was all clear, warm and sunny in the late morning...not a cloud in the sky, riding over the golden gate bridge and up the coastal highlands route on the Toll plaza side ($6 southbound toll!) is probably one of the best rides one can make, along with the Muir Woods Redwood Trees and the 47 mile scenic ride...enjoy the clam chowder and sour dough french bread at the "Wharf"...best there is and YES, you got a lot of catchin' up to do with your Sporty...Enjoy!

congrats on the new ride, hope you enjoy it as much as i enjoyed the 883

The Sportster is a Breed of it's own but with Progressive Shocks and Comfortable Seat such as the Mustang or Corbin can make it a whole new ride .. Have a 2008 FLHT for the long haul but for fun will always keep my Sporty around and will be 60 soon ...

Value for money go with the Custom over the low.

I'm 5'8" and the forward controlls couldn't feel any better......I love the feel and IMO they couldn't be any better.

Im 5'7" and I have the custom with a mustang seat! Love it!!! Forward controls are great for me cuz I have long legs. Very comfy ride.

Hi all. I noticed alot of you have said you are under 6 feet. I am wanting to do the free ride through harley as I only have less than a year in Alaska. Im 6'3", how uncomfortable would I be on a Custom as I would only be riding it for 5 months due to weather until I trade up?

Before you get a torrent of posts from the bagger crowd to the contrary, being 6'3" maybe a little "tight" but you have forward controls and all the custom "bling" as standard, it is a fine ride.

You may want to set the preload on the rear shocks up to position 3 or so to give you more suspension/road clearance. Make sure you adjust the handlebars and all the hand and foot controls to fit you comfortably and naturally. You should be fine...the Sportster experience features a lighter 600 lb bike, decent power and "sporty handling bike" for solo-spirited riding.

I'm 5'9 and wouldn't have anything but forward controls. Go for the custom.