Is an 883 Sportster a good bike to learn on?

Yea you should be fine. Take a safety course though! I would first start out in the yard...on the grass(in case you drop it). Make sure the yard has plenty of open space. Just get used to letting off of the clutch into 1st gear, without stalling it and then braking it afterwards. Nice and slow! Then I would take on the neighborhood road. Just back and forth getting used to the braking and starting. Then maybe go around the block. Do not take it out of the neighborhood!! Keep doing that until it time to take the safety course. After the course, then you can slowly ease yourself onto more road. Gradually increasing to the highway, etc...

Just remember everything they teach you in the class. Always keep your head on a swivel and always always always anticipate anything!! There are alot dumb @zzes out there so keep your distance and make yourself as visible as possible to everyone.

The 883 was Harley's 'Entry Level' bike for many years. This year they have a water-cooled 750 that has all the same dimensions and weight and everything as a Honda Shadow (the Sporter's main competition).

It wouldn't be my first choice, but the Sportster is certainly very popular so it must have -something- going for it. It doesn't have any major glaring faults. It's not the lightest bike but you could probably handle it.

I see a lot of used Sportsters on Cragislist for what seems like very reasonable prices. And I wonder if people hate them so much they can't wait to get rid of them or they love them so much they can't wait to get a bigger Harley. You will find out first-hand! 8^)

BTW the MSF course is an excellent idea.

How long it takes you to get used to will depend on you. Some people can hop on a bike and just ride the same way driving a car comes natural to some people. Others take a long time to learn, just like with a car.

Take rider edge through Harley or sign up for a safety class. You'll live longer.

It is docile enough for a beginner, but way heavier than a beginner needs to deal with. And if you drop it you have to pay Harley prices for parts.

You already bought it and NOW you want to know if its OK as a beginner bike?

You really should take a class at your local DMV or motor vehicle dept. motorcycles are very dangerous and people get hurt if not killed every day. Be careful on the corners, slow down, watch out for rain, keep your headlamp on all of the time. Seriously, if you care about your family, take the class, they are usually free.