Interesting brakes. Yet the ride of my Sportster is superior and exhilarating. At 75mph both Japanese and HD cruisers need a sixth gear, one buzzes the other vibrates, both are annoying. BUT, a 270 miles on twisty back roads with a few short breaks, I could hardly walk when I got home. If you are worried about image the only big twins that laugh at a sportster are those that rolled off the trailer. They could get by with 3 gears really. I did check to see if it took petrol or lumps of coal, but it has some charm where it lacks oomph. Harley offer a good aftersales service and technical back up, which is reassuring and, whilst Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportsters have a reputation for being agricultural, like tractors, it takes a lot to destroy them. I ride mostly on twisty country roads and even commute to work on it. New throttle body Bike promised within a month. 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Motorcycles For Sale: 19 Motorcycles - Find 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Motorcycles on Cycle Trader. On short runs, no problems. ABS and alarm standard , so was keyless ignition. They also informed that the front disc was worn and would need replacing imminently(£250 plus fitting). The company has been around since 1903 when it was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doesn't stack up too well, though not really bad or anything, just doesn't have the trousers to back up the mouth. Navigating roundabouts without scraping pegs is a challenge. Ads are free. Bought it used with 3100 miles. Just bougth this bike. Another complaint, and I only have a few, is riding on the highway. if you want fast, buy a sport bike. Had some weekend warriors who refuse to talk to me while we were all waiting untill they saw i also had a harley. The XL 883R harks back to the golden era of flat-track racing in the seventies. And its my wallet that pays for it habbit power varies as it's been tuned so many time I don't know what's normal running for it. The dealer back up is abysmal. I purchased an "02" 883 XL in September. I will start by telling you that I have 35 years riding experience on all types of bikes and I have no brand loyalty. The single disc is borderline dangerous, it is simply not up to stopping this bike in an emergency. Just wanted to sell me a more expensive bike. By taking the distinctive styling of the Harley-Davidson® Sportster® and lowering the seat to just over 27 inches off the ground, you get the perfect angle for appreciating … If you ever get the chance to ride one on a sunny day when the sun is high then go for it, you WILL come back with a smile. Having owned 20+ bikes in 30+ years ridding, I have kept my Sporty the longest. Now it goes like a raped ape. From an 883 starter I’d still leapfrog it … I got oil coming up into the air filter, rough idle, choppy ride and lethargic pickup. Having the High Flow Air Filter Kit and Screamin' Ealge pipes (with proper tuning) will reduce (but not eliminate) the stock vibration caused by an inefficiently running engine. Regular servicing of fluids, inspection, etc. The bike is stable and solid and gives me loads of confidence despite the fact that it is quite a heavy bike. Upgraded suspension (Progressive), Pirelli Night dragon tyres, Mustang wide vintage seat. Harley Davidsons are the "Cruiser" class, where as "Ducati" is the sportbike class. Harleys depreciate very slowly, which is a double-edged sword. When the warranty work was getting done they informed me that I needed new front brake pads, £75 for 1 pair! 2003 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 Anniversary Motorcycle. Then, you'll have a pretty nice ride, plus, it's American!! Compare it to other bikes out there and you see why it's disappointing. The side stand and the alarm system are a bit awkward until you get used to them. Spares are seriously overpriced. Ran very strong for an 883. Service it yourself or mortgage the wife.... Its nice to look at, Harleys always are nice to look at. 845898), See all HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 883 reviews, for the HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 883 (1993 - on), Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster motorcycle review - Riding, Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster motorcycle review - Side view, Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster motorcycle review, Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster motorcycle review - Engine, Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster motorcycle review - Brakes, Read more about the full HARLEY-DAVIDSON sportster range. Would not consider this a good choice for a novice rider. The only thing this bike is bad at is being a sport bike.It can be made to scratch, but it's hard work. This "bait and switch" stuff is sickening. I bought this bike new and am still riding it, and still minimal issues... 88,000 miles later. First HD after owning 6 japanese bikes. I traded my black beauty on a new Electra Glide in March. I replaced them, but only found bulb from an H-D dealer for $3.00! Was very surprised with the easy handing considering the weight of the bike, though on the low model the pegs touch down in slow, tight corners. I like the single clock with the ability to thumb through mileage, trip meters time and gear/RPM. I tried an extended run at 75mph on I95 near washington d.c. and actually pulled off the highway because my butt was tingling so bad that it hurt. On the one hand you are unlikely to lose much when you come to sell, on the other it costs more to own a Sportster in the first place. But, I quickly had the carb jetted, put on a screaming eagle breather kit, and added slip on exhaust. Buying experience: Bought new from the dealer (Leeds Harley) the team were great, answered all questions I had but seemed surprised I didn't go for any of the deals. (drive belt, brakes, tires, etc) She has never left me stranded... maybe I'm due?? With only 1500 miles on the bike I think two oil leaks in two different places is unacceptable. Look out, Electra Glide. The only mechanical failures were front turn signal light bulb and highbeam indicator bulb. A good choice as a first cruiser, goes well enough well geared, looks and sounds superb, mirrors are useless until flipped and foot pegs need moving forward, The Sportster was my weapon of choice as a 50+ returnee to biking, I have to say I have loved it 9K miles under my belt and no intention of parting company . Sorry haters, but the Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Iron is a good bike for an entry level cruiser. I do my own servicing. I have just bought an "883 Iron", that has been treated to a stage one and a set of Vance Hines Short Shots and what can I say? The after sales began well, but I have had a few problems since then however this is not a place to review a dealership. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below. Few motorcycles are more elemental than the 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883. It looks great and I especially like the solo seat and the minimal look. Below is the information on the 2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster® 883. The Harley however has none of this and when I'm not on it my brain keeps telling me to get a different bike, I even spend half my time looking, but when I'm on it that all goes away and I think "why would I want to get rid of it?" I changed the front brake lever to a cheap Chinese offering with a smaller span: instant improvement. No problem after that. Standard Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster has a single seat, low bars and a basic dash. 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Review. It dont matter what you ride JUST RIDE! 47 lbs of torque. The downside was that it was really vibey at speed, so freeway riding was quite uncomfortable. The chain conversion gets a bit of a bashing, so it gets lots of MX chain lube. The Sportster 883 is the perfect entry level bike for those who want to buy into the Harley-Davidson brand but can’t afford the price tag of some of the higher spec bikes. Pulling in the heavy clutch and stamping into first gear with a hefty clunk, the bike thrums along pleasantly with a linear and unthreatening power delivery. It features a 53.9 cubic inch (883 cubic centimeters, hence the name) air-cooled v-twin engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. I didn't particularly care for the paint treatment on the 2003 models, but my dealer had a nearly perfect glossy black 2002 XL 883 with less than 2000 miles. Starts on the button, hot or cold, no nasty noises. Discontinued in 1992.2001: Harley-Davidson XL883R model introduced with a 2-1 exhaust, black engine and new (dual) seat. The finish is pretty good, but its the low speed handling and uncomfortable seat that disappoints most. I just performed the 1200 conversion and I litterly have power to burn. It chugs along beautifully and if you open it up it is surprisingly responsive. My only transport used for shopping, touring or just having fun. She is still on the original battery from 1997, in the winter she starts up every 2 months without complaint, and get this when I originally got her, rode her for 5 months before laying her up for winter, the next spring at service time got a call from the dealer telling me there was no gearbox oil at all period! Harley Davidson is probably the most well-known name in motorcycles. There is a huge problem with rocker cover oil leaks on these black engines. its comfortable, responsive & affordable! It's 2017! The wife uses a similar model with the backrest combination. Dunno why I bought it. Paint flaking off cable router after 3 months Boy, from reading these other reviews, one can sure tell that Sportsters tend to polarize the ownership experience. She loves it. The bike has a poor build quality and is fragile with extortionate parts prices. If the more modern look is not to your overall liking, US company Storz Performance can supply you a full kit to turn it into a road legal retro flat-tracker for about £5000. An Ideal first time Harley and an ideal first bike too. Bikez has discussion forums for every bike. Words by: Phil West. When you ride one of these things you are on the lowest rung of a special ladder to a weird club. stock seat is 1st to go. the seat has become torn and worn, however. don't get me wrong I loved this bike, and compared to other cruisers I've ridden like the Honda magna, and Suzuki intruder, this one is definitely a keeper. The twin disc front brakes are good- responsive- I am surprised they went back to single disk. OK i can not explain why this is a good bike because it is not. View their reviews and ratings on various aspects of these motorcycles. The paint is good, as is the chrome. The bike is 7 months old and has been back to the dealers 6 times in total with faults. Noisy mechanically, not so bad as old British stuff I had in the past, but irritating after a bit. You are a rebel, one of a kind. Discontinued in 2003.1990: Harley-Davidson XLH883 De Luxe model launched: same basic spec but with higher bars and dual seat as standard. Also when wheel bearing broke. I have had a problem with paint flaking off and rust spots appearing but properly cleaned and treated this was quickly halted from spreading. The handling is agricultural as you would expect. lots of vibration... wear the enamel off your teeth. 2003: Harley-Davidson XL883/L Sportster introduced with rubber-mounted engine, lower seat and a lighter clutch. But alas, I have a bad back and sciatica and this is not the bike for me. Avon Roadriders, with a 130 section on the rear, not the gigantic balloons fitted to later models. If you have extensive experience with the MC, please send us a review. I am amazed by the sheer number of people who ask me about the bike and seem drawn to it. I am very happy with it- super reliable and very good build quality. But the 883 is priced to be almost irresistible to someone who’s attracted to the Harley ‘thing’. Ride is very comfortable, It has looks, certainly. The purchase experience was extraordinary, nothing like I ever experienced before with other brands. I RECOMMEND JOINING YOUR LOCAL HOG CHAPTER AS YOU CAN GET SO MUCH OUT OF IT RIDES, TECHNICAL ADVICE ECT. The sound of the bike is like nothing else, New front loom I just turned over 10.000 miles on my 2002 XLH. Hard to find a part that's not rusting. The seat is quite literally a pain in the a**e, 100 mile fuel range and you will want to get off it. This bike is rubbish, but that's not the point. I hated having one lock for ignition and another for the steering lock. Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster: Custom model, with 17.5 litre tank, redesigned seating position and wider rear tyre. It's an accessible Harley, a reliable all rounder with a lovely grunty engine. Twice yearly fluid and plug changes, the air filter gets cleaned and re-oiled, callipers cleaned and lubricated, cables, clutch and linkages oiled and adjusted, and the electrical connectors opened, cleaned and resealed. Carbureted engine, stage one tune, and what I believe is sidecar gearing- she goes like a cut snake. I weigh 145 lbs, and this bike has more than enough power and torque for me. Not the fastest or best handling bike in the world. Buying experience: Bought second hand from dealer, with a year's warrantly and new tyres thrown in. What you end up with is a very very good all purpose bike. I have ridden a number of motorcycles in the past. The brakes are worrying. On Italian autostradas, my average speed was 130km/hr, taking it to 160km/hr when overtaking. Put a deposit on one of these great new machines at one of the larger dealers in Denver. I keep it in a garage which certainly helps. Finish is superb on everything from switchgear to paint jobs. As a woman rider I am over the moon with my 883 and would recommed it to anybody interested in a cruiser. If you want a HD and can't afford more than $10k then get an 883. Vote with your wallet and buy something else, anything else, just not HD. Out of sight out of mind. (but im sure the standard version is fine as you can visibly see how much higher it sits) Apart from that I couldnt fault it, the sound from the standard pipes is very impressive, even on tickover. The warranty is useless. Under powered for me. - Definately needs highway pegs or forward controls ASAP. If this is what the Harley image is about, than no thanks. This generates a vibe through the foot pegs and handlebars, which becomes seriously noticeable when you start to push on. the factory pipes are a waste of metal and should be changed immediately. Having incinerated my boot, my jeans and my friend Ally's waterproof trousers, I fitted a cheap heat shield to the rear downpipe. Its not a big twin, but thats not what I paid for either. I used it round town, weekend rides and the occasional long journey. Handles very well. Buyers be very aware. Despite the age of the bike it is in immaculate condition. The first time this happened it freaked me out, but I learned to take the air cleaner cover off every other ride and wipe it out. Try that on your Jap bike! Dynamically, it has its limits. Trailered when I dropped it & jammed it in gear. Yes, I am a victim of that Harley image because I had to have one. First thing I would do is increase the hp to about 80 horsepower. You are Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper from Born To Be Wild. I now have a HD and won't ever turn down another path. It wasn't perfect, but it just pulled at my heart strings. The bike is everything I wanted and then some. The paintwork is generally top quality,The orange is so deep when I chippeed the mudguard I only had to use laquer to repair it.It's a shame the same can't be said about the paint on the swinging arm and belt guard. I have forward mounted controls a bigger tank and small speedway bars. Capacity of a gnat's codpiece. I've been riding all sorts of bikes for over 25 years, and suddenly I buy this piece of c"*p. The most I've ever paid for a bike. he bike is a good value, looks good and sounds, well, incredibly awesome. It's uncomfortable, even after buying Hagon shocks. I guess I'm in the latter category. NOW it runs like an 883 ought to. Harley Davidson. I also have a rather frou-frou wind deflector fitted, and a rack, which exponentially increases the utility of the machine. This bike was nicely chromed and I have added a bit myself. Tank and small speedway bars loadsa fun lovely grunty engine irresistible to someone who’s attracted to dark. Was quickly halted from spreading mile days no problem did 370 one day much better as. / cruiser bike manufactured by Harley-Davidson miles a week, Custom paint, just serviced, great... End but I needed new front brake pads, £75 for 1 pair enjoy it the displacement of 2007. Recommend JOINING your LOCAL HOG CHAPTER as you can really feel its,! 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