Whats up fellas quick question for ya I'm looking @ two bikes an 03' 883r w/ 8000miles and an 05 883c w/ 8000 miles any pros or cons on one or the other? Leaning towards the 03' because of the blacked out motor. Any help would be great thanks in advance

 

Well, the choice would have to be yours depending on if you want or need the changes that were made to the 2004+ Sportsters.

Here is a 'cut and paste' summary of what changes were made in the 2004+ models;

The New Evolution
The XL Evolution V-Twin, that has powered the Sportster since 1986, is completely redesigned for 2004. The engine retains its traditional 45-degree cylinders, and the bore and stroke of the two engine models is unchanged, at 3.0 inches x 3.8 inches for the XL Evolution 883 and 3.5 inches x 3.8 inches for the XL Evolution 1200.

To enhance engine cooling, new cylinders and heads have larger fins while new oil jets are directed at the bottom of both pistons. New pistons have an improved high-speed ring pack designed to help extend upper-end life. Lighter pistons and connecting rods boost the Evolution 1200 redline from 5500 rpm to 6000 rpm. Many engine covers and gaskets have been changed to improve sealing. A new timing system uses the flywheel to determine engine speed timing, reducing engine complexity and enhancing calibration and spark delivery. The traditional XL Evolution timing cover is retained for styling purposes.

The XL Evolution 1200 engine has high-flow cylinder heads with an oil drain-back feature. The XL Evolution 1200 engine is also fitted with high-performance cams for enhanced torque output. Compression ratio is 9.7:1.

The XL Evolution engines have also been restyled, with a new look for the primary, sprocket and derby covers and a new shape for the classic oval air cleaner cover. New two-piece rocker box covers set the Evolution engines apart. The exhaust cross-over pipe is now hidden behind the mufflers to provide an uninhibited view of this beautiful engine.

The XL Evolution 883 engine is rated at 53 peak horsepower at 6000 rpm and 51 ft. lbs. of torque at 4300 rpm. The XL Evolution 1200 engine is rated at 70 peak horsepower at 6000 rpm and 79 ft. lbs. of torque at 3500 rpm, an increase of more than 15 percent over the previous XL Evolution 1200 engine.

Rubber-Mounted for Comfort
The updated XL Evolution engines are mated to a new frame with rubber engine mounts replacing the traditional Sportster rigid mounts. Rubber engine mounts isolate the rider from engine vibration at all speeds, improving long-distance comfort. The new twin-cradle, steel frame and swingarm were designed to deliver precise handling. Three stabilizer-links also connect the engine to the frame. The result is a new frame and powertrain combination that's 26 percent stiffer than that of previous Sportster models.

The new frame locates both the battery and oil tank under the seat, with symmetrical covers on each side, a change that enhances styling and also permits a more comfortable riding position. The new oil tank has a push-button dipstick in a new location. In addition, the frame now incorporates a cylinder steering head lock. Seat height on Sportster Custom models is now just 26.3 inches, almost an inch lower than the seat on the 2003 883 Hugger model.

The Sportster 883 Custom and Sportster 1200 Custom models feature a new 4.5-gallon fuel tank that offers more range and yet retains the "peanut" profile of the traditional 3.3-gallon Sportster tank. All 2004 Sportster models also have a wider rear fender covering a new 150mm rear tire that replaces the 130mm rear tire used on the 2003 models. A new braking system reduces initial lever effort and includes standard single front and rear disc brakes on all models except the Sportster 1200 Roadster, which has dual front disc brakes. New handgrips on all models are 1 1/8-inch diameter compared to 1-inch on previous models, to enhance comfort and to reduce the reach to hand controls. Finally, all new Sportster models are equipped with a serial BUS-type electrical system making the Harley-Davidson security systems available as an option on all 2004

 

I'd go for the R myself but the C is prob just a little better off mechanicaly.

 

Bought the R something about that black motor... Talked the guy down 600 bucks had to go for it. Bring on mods!!

 

..............it's kindalike...
......would ya rather have a cool/rare black engine in a crowd that ispredominately chrome/aluminumVS. rubbermount. kinda'cookie cutter' look.

.It's styleV.S. newer SP technology
..............B

 

Just ordered forwards, shorty rear shocks, front short springs,solo bare bones seat, pipes. I'm gonna pc the mags black and the lower tubes. The bikes that orange color. So it should look pretty sick. I'm also gonna cut the rear fender and side mount the plate and tail light. Maybe some white walls. I didn't think I'd get into this bike that much but damn it's got some good lines. Guess I'll quit working on my Night Train for awhile.