It's quoted as "Lift the stand, twist the throttle, and just like that, it’s Saturday night at the racetrack." However, the engine specs are exactly the same as all the other 883 models. No hot cams, no special head work, same carb etc etc. Does "racing graphics" a blacked engine, and dual front discs justify the "Lift the stand, twist the throttle, and just like that, it’s Saturday night at the racetrack" statement, or am I missing something here?
Bill in SC

 

c'mone wheres you imagination? LMAO

 

Bill in SC,

I am afraid you are right - it is pure marketing hype at least when compared to the other 883 offerings. An 883 is an 883 is an 883 (like the 1200 is a 1200 is a 1200), and can be anything you want it to be - out the door, or after you make all the mods you want.

Thumper26

 

If that's the case, the XL 883 R surely would not justify the extra bucks.. It would seem that the factory would make at least one 883 Sportster model with the high flow heads and performance cams. Simply adding "racing" graphics and and R designation seems kinda cheesy to me... Might go with the XL 1200 R. This will be my third Harley.. Had a '52 Panhead, and a '76 Ironhead, and 4 Triumphs in the past..
Bill in SC

 

Bill in SC,

You won't be sorry if you go the XL1200R route. I did, and it's about the best new "old school" bike I've slung my leg over. Traditional all the way - it loves the twisties and cruises with a bit of dignity.

Good luck, whatever your choice!

Thumper26

 

Personally I think the graphics are a bit too much. And those block letters look bad.

 

Well, I guess I will get about 3K together and buy one (XL1200R) sometime between now and spring. With 3K down, the payments will be right at $100 per month... Thanks for the input guys..
Bill in SC

 

Yep. You're pretty much right except on the 883R you also get a dual disk front brake. That's about it. For $900 more you are right to go with the 1200R, which has the hotter cams and buell heads and dual disk front brake. With the 2006 color scheme you can get an orange 1200R, which will look just as "racy" as a 883R.

 

I am going with the black because it is cheaper, and it will end up painted by me anyhow, probably as soon as I get it. I like the blacked out engine too. I'm not a chrome type guy, too much cleaning!! As someone's signature on this forum implies: I will "ride it till it's paid for, and then chop it" anyhow.. I never bought a new stock Harley before. Normally I would buy an engine, and then build a bike around it, but I am somewhat strapped for cash at the present time. It will, however, be easy to finance one, and the rates aren't too bad right now... Thanks again for all the input folks...
Bill in SC

 

Ive always disliked the checkered graphics.