I currently have a Ducati 1098. I have been riding all kinds of bikes for years, and love the ducati, but I just don't ride it. Over the last year I have been looking at Dynas (especially the Wide Glide) but just can't swing it right now. That being said, I love the looks of the Iron, and really fell in love when I sat on it.

I'm concerned about it being only 883, and would rather have the 1200 for power, but I don't like any of the 1200s as much as the Iron. I don't want spokes, and I love the wheels on the Iron, I also love the denim paint, so the way I figure it, I'm better off buying the Iron and if its too slow, throw in a 1200 kit.

Also, I will still have my Road King, so the Iron will only be for around town, commuting, and the occasional ride through the countryside. RK will be used for long distance and 2 up riding. I also have a supermoto (dirt bike with street tires) so that will be used for hooligan highjincks and wheelies and turns when needed.

Right now I'm trying to sell the 1098, or trade it for the Iron plus parts. We'll see what happens.

I'll admit, there really isn't much point to my post other than just to get this all out because it is driving me nuts right now. Thanks for listening


Actually, I would like to know if anyone has bought a 883 planning on converting to 1200, but then decided it was fine and never bothered?

 

ok.. first.... get the Iron!!.. :-)

second, the only time I feel like I want 1200cc is when I am on longer highway rides.. I feel like I can use a little bit more power (and heck, is it possible to install a 6th gear?. I always find myself trying to shift up to a non-existent 6th gear on the highway... :-)... but for commuting is more than enough, especially after you do the typical A/C / pipes / remap updates..

 

If I had to choose between having a 6th gear or having 1200cc I think I'd go for the 6th gear.

 

I haven't NEEDED any more power... The iron has done everything I've tasked it to do, with plenty to spare. It's no touring machine, but it'll do 2up just fine. Gearing is the only real difference. 12s come better for cruising. Having said that...I don't have any problems with the gearing on my ride, but if you convert, you may notice the gas gouge. I've got to find a suspension solution for both ends...the roads here are killing me...

 

ive owned my iron for a few months now. i as well came from sport bikes and honestly i love every second of riding it. i was going to do the 1200 conversion right away and to be honest i may not end up doing it. after reading about how poor gas millage it will get with the 1200 and seeing as the bike has such a small tank to begin with i dont think im going to make the switch. hope this helps.

 

You'll be fine with the Iron and like you said, you can always do the 1200 conversion. I haven't done it to mine 'cause I have a 180hp race bike that I can hop on if I want a ton of speed and power. To be honest, the Iron has enough power with just a few minor mods anyway. I noticed quite an improvement just with the v&h short shots, s/e air cleaner, and PCV/Autotune. It handles my girlfriend and I just fine too... She's 110lbs and I'm 170lbs. The progressive shocks and superbrace also make a good difference in handling. Ever since I bought the Iron, it's been getting the most use out of any of my other bikes. It's an all around fun bike to ride and it only gets more fun once you start working on it and make it your own. Hope this helps.

 

I'll be adding an Iron to the garage fairly soon myself. As of right now I am planning on doing the 1200 conversion and keeping the 883 gearing. I'll probably ride it for a few weeks in the 883 configuration to make sure I want to bump the displacement. I'm a bigger guy and roll 2 up quite a bit so I'm pretty sure I'll want to add the 1200 kit (proabbly some cams and headwork as well). I know when I kick it up I'll be taking a hit on gas milage but it's going to be my romping around town bike so I'm not that worried about mpg.

 

I've had my Iron for nearly a month now and absolutely love it! It's my first bike and it's all I wanted it to be. Like the others have said on the highway I also find myself trying to find 6th gear ahaha. The bike does have plenty of power anyway though. Join the family!

 

Thanks for all the advice guys!

 

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