Hi I can really use some input on the 2001 883 Sportster or for that matter any 883. My wife would like to move upto a Sportster from her little 440 ltd. I do alot of hiway rides minimum distance at least 2-3 hours. How is the 883's for the hiway trips and how realiable are they as well how are they for someone who's just learning?
Thanks

 

I think if she gets the 883 she'll be wishing for the 1200 not to long from now. Btw, what's a 440 ltd??

 

The ltd is a kawasaki, I got it for her last year to learn to ride with. I want to get the 883 for insurance purpose and then do the 1200 conversion.

 

My girlfriend has her 2005 883 and it runs like a top, no problems on longer trips (3-4) hours and she seems to be quite comfortable. The bike has quite a bit of snap to it for her. She finds it a little top heavy though in times where she needs to back it up. She learned on this bike as well, if that says anything.

 

Thankyou some very good info, just curious as I now understand the 2005's and up (possibly 2004 included ) have the motor rubber mounted, any idea how much differnce this makes? I had a 76 iron head 20 years back and had no problems with vibration then.

 

I couldnt help you with that, sorry. Also, I ride a hardtail so I have never heard of "vibrations." Hahaha

 

If she can ride the Kawie ok she'll be fine on the 1200, she'll love it. Although I think anything older than an '05 won't have rubber motor mounts.

 

04 was when they switched to rubber mounts. I ride an 883, 150 lbs. No problems riding on the highway either. I did do a stage one which really opens her up too. Buying it and doing a 1200 is a good idea. I rode my father in laws 03 which is hard mounted and you only notice the vibes when you are stopped.

 

My wife and I did 11,000 km of 2-up touring on an 09 883C last year, and planning on doubling that this year. I have no inclination to do the conversion at this point; the 883 has lots of power the way it is, even two up, and it'll do 500 mile days as good as anything else. Long trips will probably warrant an upgrade in the seat, and adding better suspension is also a bonus if she enjoys putting on serious miles.
A 2001 will have more vibration ( rigid mount) and a little bit more tinkering because it's carbed and not fuel injected, but it's a great ride just the way it is...you definetly don't need to go to a 1200 to have a very capable bike.

 

I love the wife's 883 to do short hops, but I've seen so many women (and men) get a sporty then with in a year or two want to move up to an FX or FL.