So any of you guys who have been able to ride the 883s AND the 1200s, which ones do you find the smoothest as far as vibrations?
I have an Ultra and I am kindawanting another Sportster for arround town hops and some twisties, afternoon rides and just a different bike to ride. But would like one of the smoother Sporters rather than a super redlight screamer.
So what cha think guys??

 

Are you gonna buy apre '04 or a one of the newer rubbermounts? The pre '04s will vibrate a bit more since the motor is bolted to the frame.

Vibration is not really a big deal on either one at lower speeds but they both tend to vibrate a bit in the 60 - 70 MPH hour range. After getting through that they seem to smooth out.

 

all the road tests I've read say the 1200 gives more vibration.My XL883 has some but hell it's a twin,you gotta tach it up if you want some performance.

 

Buy a rubber mount (04 and later) and not give it a second thought. I have an 05 1200 c and vibration is not a concern at any speed. I am not saying there is no vibration but I am sayiang there is nothing offensive about it. No numb hands, feet, butt, etc.

 

My 2000 XLH883 had a starting problem. The starter would make half a turn then jam solid. I tried pushing the bike while in gear to free it up. This worked a couple of times then I lost ignition altogether. I discovered, after checking the fuses that the positive battery terminal had vibrated loose. After I tightened it up it started first time.

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I've got a hard mount 1200 and vibrations are not an issue for me. If you put your hand on the fuel tank then you can really feel them, but I hardly feel them at all under normal riding conditions

 

I rode a new 1200 back in 1992 and the hand-numbing I got from it was what kept me from getting one even though I liked it a lot. After test-riding an '05 (883) model, I quickly changed my mind and ended up with an '04 1200C. The power difference between the883 & 1200is very obvious, but I don't find vibration between either of them much of a consideration. If you like doing the twisties, the 1200R model is a better choice.

I often have to pass on some of the long-haul trips that a "geezer glide" would so much better suited to, but I'd never give up the fun ride ofthis Sportster. If you can manage owning one of each, you'll definitely have the best of both worlds.

 

Couldn't see with the mirrors at times with the 91 - 883. Tomorrow it's coming out of the shop as a 1200, so I expect to throw the mirrors away

 

Could anypre 2004year for 883 Sportster have rubber mounts installed?

 

NO, I've asked this question at 3 different HD stealers. They just looked at me cross-eyed, said the frame is different... Ijust smiled back and changed the subject. I have a 2000 XL1200C, looking to get a big twin for road trips this winter, keep the Sporty of course. A gf has a 2001 883 and my 1200 vibrates just a little more as ithas more recipricating mass, is lighter (5 lbs), much faster, fun...my $.02.