Would i be able to afford a harley 883 sportster?

If you are able to buy it right out, go ahead. But if you want to get a loan/lease then think about it. A good way to tell if you can afford it is if the payment is under 5% of what you take home. Not much to work with, but it leaves you a lot of room for the economy issues going on right now. You don't want to be stuck with a bike loan and no job. Good Luck.

I'd look at Honda's to be honest. They keep their value a bit more plus you can get something nice. My Dad has a VTX1300 and people think it's a Harley all the time. My brother who is 19 rides a Honda CBR600RR and he loves it, although that is a sports bike which you are not looking for. Check out the Honda's, they keep their value usually and are nice rides, virtually maintenance free too outside the normal stuff like tires and oil.