I got my 2013 because it was exactly what I needed. I am a student, 6'1 185lb, I commute on highways and back roads every day, with a 35lb back pack on. I have no problems with the seat besides staying on it when I hammer it, the shocks I have no complaints either, brakes I can't comment either, to me they seem operational standard for any factory vehicle. I'll change them when I change the wheels of course.



I've had the bike for 4 months now, do I look at the bigger bikes like the softail and dyna? Sure, but having the nimble iron and its pulling power shuts that **** out of my head. It helps that I added a 2 into 1, Air Cleaner, and Fuel Pak, plus some cosmetics to make it my own.

I'll always keep my Iron, finish the engine work and be happy for years.

 

I actually like the bike, when I became in love of Harleys it was my first option, but after knowing more about the subject I realized that mid controls aren't for me, that high RPM makes you change a lot o gears and that actually I do prefer chrome, so I saved more money and bought my 1200 custom.
What I love? the rear fender!!!!
I would say that if you like the dark custom style go for the nightster, the 883 maybe not enough for more than 6 months.
Good luck

 

The worst part of my Iron is those Michelin scorcher tyres, especially in cold/wet weather, i've put up with them this winter but they've got to go before next.

 

suspension
brakes
no gas, rpm, indicator
gets really hot

 

The fact that I cant drive it in the snow! I love my Iron. Spring cant come soon enough.

But even though I knew I was getting a bare bones bike. If I am gonna nit-pick I guess I wish it had a Tach, a gas gauge, and a bit better of a seat.

 

I love my Iron. It's a bare bones bike. I got what I paid for. I'm 6'2" 200lbs. I had forwards, and pipes put on before I got it. It's an 883 so I new it wouldn't be a rocket. It has enough power for me at this time. It runs down the high way at 70 all day long. I've had other (bigger) harleys and I knew what I was getting in a sporty. I've added apes for the comfort and look. Get your bike make it the way you want it and enjoy it.

 

It was too gutless stock. I fixed that problem with a 1250 kit that I installed myself.

 

The iron was and is my first bike, bought it brand new when I was 20 and in college. The price was right, insurance was cheap, and the bike is amazing imo. I will never sell it, just about have it paid off and in the three years I have had it done all the work myself. It is great because you can make it whatever you want, for awhile i went with drag bars and kept the mid controls ... now I have 10 inch z bars with forwards and made it into a weekend touring bike for me and my gf ... with a combined weight of 290 the stock engine hauls our asses down the highway no problem

 

My biggest b*tches about the Iron.....

Low clearance and no one seems to sell a lift kit for it.
Stock seat is awful after 3 hours straight riding.
The Gas tank doesn't hold a full 3.3 gallons of gas, more like 2.8-2.9 because of the location of the filler cap.
The Fuel pump pick up needs to be moved further back in the tank.
Only get 9000-10000 miles out of a set of tires at $200-250 a piece.

And the brushed aluminum covers and chromed pipes have to go, they kill the Dark Custom look.

Other than that, I love my Iron.

 

I am 6'4" 200.

It has enough power, but not when I am riding with my buddies with DYNAs n Softails (they rip too hard anyways), then again when I ride with my buddies with vintage bikes they cant keep up with me?

I am too big. Forward controls and higher bars are a must. (or if want want real low drag bars i guess that could work)

Also, I always need my stuff to be individualized... too many of the same looking irons here in socal. So numerous modifications have occurred.

At the end of the day I love it, and I will love my next bike, and the next...etc. Great bike for the money IMO though. Never fails.