Ok...I'm interested in buying a bike soon...I keep seeing these Sportster "huggers" every once in a while...so...what is a "Hugger"?

 

I'm no expert but I believe they were the low model of the day

 

It was a low sportster. my wife had one.

 

Basically the low.
I had one and liked it.

 

Okay, finally good to know what it is I own, lol.

 

Yep. And sometimes I kisser.

 

Same as the 883 XLH standard except... They had shorter rear shocks, shorter front fork and were barebones with usuall just a solo seat. Just as easy to upgrade to an XLH with taller shocks, forks and 2-up seat!

Lots of folks with the XLH standard usually go for the lower rear shocks for that low lean mean look..

OH yea, some years of the Huggers had different style handlebars but most that I remember had the ram horn type.. All older Huggers and XLH standards only came with Mid-controls for the brake and shifter.

Todays modern Sportster with nearly the same configuration is called the XL Low I believe.

Hope that helps!

 

Like Doug45601 said, except I'll add that they usually had a set of pullback "buckhorn" bars. Whatever that ment. It's what HD named the "low" before they knew better.

 

The Hugger is indeed the low version. Attached is my '97 XL Hugger. Previous owner put on a wide glide front end and I added the mini-apes, 2up Le Pera seat and sissy bar.

 

iupsig..that is a sweet looking ride.