My 883 is plenty for me. I would like to eventually add either a RK or a Heritage, but don't think it will ever happen. No plans to do the 1200 conversion or trade "up" to a 1200. I've got V&H StraightShots and SE Intake. It's got plenty of power and does everything I need it to do. With bags and a windshield, I have no problem taking it on trips to go see my kids. It's great around town and on the highway. Don't see why I would ever need to have a 1200.

 

The reason I went with the 883 was because it was more in my price range. Now that I've had it for 3 months, I have pros and cons.

Pros:
As most people said its capable of going legal speeds and more, and that its the best mpg rated harley.

Cons:
For my bike at least, it is slow off the line, but from what I've heard it seems like my bike could have a problem thats causing this as first gear seems pretty useless. (possible gear problem, previous owner did not rejet after pipes even though I never once had any popping which makes me think it was rejetted, etc.)

And as others have said when you get to ride it after awhile you might have the desire of more power. I see guys all the time twisting and taking off, I sure can't do that, I have to basically "floor" it just to keep up with traffic from light to light.

 

The wife and I both have 883s. Her's is a 2007 883L and I have a 2004 XL883. We both use our bikes on good weather days to ride to work. I have a 50 mile round trip commute that is mostly highway and I have no problems getting along with traffic. Her commute is much shorter, but at 50+ miles to the gallon you can't go wrong. Both bikes have LOTS of extras and we both get complements all the time.

 

My 883 does everything I need from it.

 

Cola,
Don't fall for the sportie being a chick bike. 883 is a good bike. It tends to be the "first Harley", as it is the least expensive.

I have a 1200XL. Good advise on test riding the bikes. The fuel tank for the 1200 is larger, and has better range between fill ups. It is also more expensive.

Other lines have their advantages as well. Investigate as many as you can and match to what you plan on using the bike. I ran into finance issues looking at FXDL's. I had the "only a sportie," but I remenbered my Uncle traded in his late 70 SuperGlide for a 1985 883. After test riding it I was sold.

 

I was thinking the same thing, except it's more like .38 vs. .357. Like the .357 that shoots .38's, I'd say just get the 1200 ... you can always pretend you're on an 883 by going easy on the throttle! Doesn't work the other way around though.

 

883 is what it is a close to 600lb bike. Runs cooler account lower compression can use lower octane fuel. Less cost to buy new or used then a 1200 Still a Harley holds it's resale vaule better then most of the competition. Great around town Bike can be made in to a Bobber all kinds of up grades out there. No need to sell if you up grade as a fun bike to switch off and ride. Cost less to insure under 1000cc. Yea it's a Chicks,Dicks the people who say that are Ignorant don't no sh?t about riding or bikes.

 

I love my 883L. Got it new in May, have close to 6k on it now. I ride it to work every day, 27 miles each way. Got it since it looked nice and the price was right. Plus 55mpg doesn't hurt these days.

It's got plenty of power, I can ride on the highway if I need to, and passing power is good. The handling and cornering is a blast. It's light and easy to handle. Easy to maintain and tweak, too. It's a solid motorcycle, and a Harley.

 

for me I got the 883 because it was easier on the pocket book, less for insurance and my wifes attitude towards spending more than I did. Now that I have 3000 miles on it I'm happy with it and I don't see the 1200 as being a whole lot better than the 883. If money isn't a factor then the 1200 is a heck of a bike ,get it.

 

I love my 883 .It is an 05 with just over 31,000miles all mine. I have been to Sturgis 2 times from central Illinois over 3000 miles round trip both times.Cant imagine needing any more bike than I allready have