I am wondering if an 883 Sporty is so bad. I'm young and on quite a budget and can't take not riding any more. Can you get it to sound like a Harley should? I started out on a small metric (like 250 small) and won't go back. I would use it as an everyday bike (like instead of a car) and an occassional weekend trekker. Also, I like to throw my old lady on back for a cruise every once in a while. I know it won't have the power of the 1200 & I know it wouldn't be the most comfortable thing, but if I wanted comfort I'd ride around in a cage anyways. So you 883 riders-does it fit into a true riding lifestyle (as a primary mode of transportation)?

 

Hey Dude, you will totally LOVE an 883! It's a FABULOUS bike, especially if you're on a budget (but even if you're not). You can change the pipes if you want it louder, it has lots of power (especially after a 250), it's great fun to ride, it'll handle two people, and it can be a very comfortable ride (with the right seat, depending on your preferences). Nothing bad about it at all, you won't be disappointed, you'll be really happy with your choice. You'll want to ride it ALL the time! Best of luck!

 

Well I work long hours in construction so its not my primary means of trnsportation, but I get out riding as much as I can. I have no regrets buying it, and theres lots of options when it comes to upgrading your pipes and A/C to get more power and sound. Im 5'10" and 155 lb so I dont really have a problem with lack of horsepower but I guess you can never have enough right?. My ol' lady doesnt ride with me much but whatever, she can stay at home. I havent been teased much by anyone riding bigger bikes except my one buddy who occasionally throws in a "little bike" comment once in a while. Thats ok cause he rides an '85 Wide Glide with a 4 speed tranny and I leave him in the dust....

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Lots of people here own 883's great bikes! They are very under estimated. I loved mine. Would I own another one? Hell yeah.

 

Yes, an 883 is BAD. It was HD's hot rod before the V Rod (some say it's still their hot rod). It's 883 ccs. They call it a little bike because it's the smallest street bike HD makes and it is physically smaller than V Star 650, Honda 750 Aero, Vulcan 800, etc. I had a 96 1200 and my buddy had a 02 883. His 883 with slash cuts sounder deeper than my mega BUBs, plus the got 60 mpg and I got 50. We would both ridewith our ladieswith no lack of power problems. Then I saw this black cherry dyna under floresent light and started drooling. Traded the sporty without even a test ride.

 

btw a lot of people will tell you that on the highway bigger is better, and they may be right in some ways. IMO an 883 is better in town than on the highway, but I wouldnt think twice about planning a trip half way accross the country or more. Theres no doubt in my mind that my bike could handle it.... although a more comfortable seat is in the not so distant future...

 

Now the weather is better here in NH. My 883r is out of storage. The past 4 days I have gone to work with it. Ran errans in town and took a nice ride with friends. The 883 works great for me

 

You don't have to do anything to make it sound like a Harley,it does.

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Buddy,

If it says Harley-Davidson on it, and it makes that sound we all know and love, ain't NOBODY going to know its an 883 unless they read the badges or you tell'em. Get one and ride with us.

We're all family, even if some of us may 'poke a stick' now and then. That's what siblings do!

p.s. I get a ration of crap even now with a 1200... I hear "That Sportster is ok for a 'beginner' bike..." I beg to differ, and they can kiss my Harley Ridin' butt! So, don't let the size of the bike, or the style make no nevermind to you... Ride what you love (and/or can afford, if they aren't the same thing), and to hell with the rest of us!

 

my 883L is all Harley in the sound department. I also find it to be pretty durnquick...especially off the line. I am extremely pleased with it and have zero regrets on the purchase. I also have a friend who has had several harleys over the past years. Started on an 02 883, moved up to an 05 1200C, then an 06 softail standard. He is now riding an 06 883C. He liked the softail, but loves sportsters and I understand why. I was curious as to why he didn't go back to the 1200C and he said that having had both, the 883 was plenty fast for his needs. He uses is as his main mode of transport.
Rob