Thanks All this has been some very positive feedback. I think my only concern now is how she'll handle the bike on the slow turns and turning take offs. Are the 883's top heavy much?The kawasaki she learned to ride on was maybe 450 lbs where as the sporty I expect would be close to 600 if not a bit more.

 

i have a 01 883h with everything yes everything you can add
ill never stop riding it even though i have a 05 1200c

 

I've put over 65,000 miles on an 883 in less than 4 years.

The 2001 model that you asked about is prior to the rubber mount engine. Those bikes vibrate pretty bad, and the clutch is a pretty hard pull.

2004 and later bikes will do just fine on those long rides you talked about. And the power is plenty for most normal riding with an 883.

You didn't mention her size. The Sporty is quite top heavy. It is something that you can quickly get accustomed to, but not if it's a stretch for the rider to hold up the bike.

If you have any specific questions about the 883, send me a PM. I'm pretty familiar with the bike.

 

'06 883L modifed for 5'2" chick. Forwards with ISO Wings, pullback risers, Nightster seat, 1200 kit...great on trips!

 

1) Welcome to the country club.
2) You came to the right place for that.
3) She should test ride one. Glad to hear she wants the move, not just another guy putting his gurl on a sporty rather than letting her get a softail.
4) So do I.
5) The 883 has no problems on the hwy, back roads, dirt roads or parking lots. Just add a touring seat, windshield & bags. You have a good touring machine, just a short frame if you want 2 up. A benefit for us who like feeling ******* in our backs.
6) The reliability rivals any other machine. For verification follow the link in my signature.
7) I don't think so. If she has a 440 then she is not just learning. The sportster has good front suspension & geometry which nose dives less than Honda Shadow.
8) I think so, but not compared to your tourer. The softails are overall heavier than the sportster but the longer frame & overall lower feel makes people feel better than the sporty. Even with a "big" 4 gallon tank they are still easy to pick up, the weight just does not feel low.

 

I love my 883 and ride on the highway alot just got back from riding DC to Ocean City, MD on whim as a solo trip. That included lots of highway and going over the bay bridge. I left Sat came back on Sunday.
One thing I would say is I think 2005 was when they changed the engine to a rubber mount vs hard mounted. My understanding is that makes a ton of differnce in handling esp on the highway since I have heard the hard mounted shake a lot. I have a 08 883 custom. Love the forward controls but I am 5'9. I haven't had problems with the power. I also do not find it top heavy at all. In fact for me my bike is perfect.
Good luck!

 

Very impressive Liz! Sounds like you're really loving life with that sporty!

 

I'm a 5'10", 215lb guy with an '02 883. I put 150 miles on mine yesterday, loved every minute of it. No issues here.

 

Thanks! I am.

 

Lot of complaints about carb farting on the 883's,

The 05 883L I bought for my daughter's College graduation has this issue,

Re-jetted the carb, main and slow, the older needle installed, runs much better now at 3 1/4 turns out on the idle mixture screw,