I'm getting an 883 low this weekend and was wondering if it has the Harley sound. I'm sure it's not as pronounced as a big block Harley, but does it have a good potato, potatosound?

 

out of the box, no......but you get a set of pipes, then yes

 

I got an 06 Custom 1200 when I first got it it was way too quiet for me but now that I changed the pipes it's loud like a harley should sound. I love it. Also I ride with all big twins I'm the only sportster and I think mines the loudest.

 

No Harley straight out of the box sounds like what is "expected" of a Harley. Adding pipes or removing baffles and a better air intake is what givesa bike (or truck, or car)the throaty sound everyone loves.

 

I second that motion.

 

I helped a buddy put on Cycle Shack slip-ons on his '07 883 low last weekend. His used to sound like a Honda. Now it's really loud and has great rumble. Sounds almost exactly like my '03 1200C with the same pipes. Easy upgrade to do, only $150.

 

I'll second the Cycle Shacks. They sound great and give you a lot of bang for the buck. Shop around and you can probably find them for about $120.

 

Like the others before me have said, the stock pipes are quiet, but there are many after market options that'll make it louder. Other than that, of course the883 motor has the same basic Harley "potato, potato" sound as the big twins. It's a45 degree V-twin,both pistons attached to a single crank pin design like they are, and that's what makes Harleys (well, Harleys other than V-Rods anyway) sound like no other.

 

It will sound like a Sportster.

Drag pipes help a lot. Then it will sound like a Sportster with drag pipes. You can also "Harley-ize" your factory mufflers with a 1/2" rod and a hammer. The dealer did this for our 883 at the 1000KM service. It's a lot cheaper than the slipons.

 

Simon UK has it right. The Sportster has a "potato" sound, but it is distinctly different from other Harleys--described as a"snottier" note. The idle specs are a little higher than you would expect to keep the oil flowing and help cold rideability. So, you probably won't hear the slow "po-ta-to" at idle, but it's there just the same.