pro's: bulletproof engine
con's: girl's bike image

 

Always the bashers piping up, not enough power, cannot keep up, girls bike, etc. Not a damn one of them have any idea of the intended riding habits of the OP.

 

Ive got both and though the 883 has a little less power its not the difference between a yugo and a corvette. Couldnt keep up? Thats complete BS.

 

if she couldn't keep up, then it's because she didn't want to keep up, or you were doing way over the posted speed limit (like over 100mph). i had/have an 883, rode it from la to kc mo, it would run all day at speed limit +10.

 

Go 2004 or newer for the rubber mount engine.

If not a Custom or a Low you may want to change to the lower shocks, change of seat, Sporty's sit a little higher than other Harley's, depends on your comfort and stature.

Jim

 

To heck with the image
1200 "48" is the deal or whatever you want...trick it out your way
Rog48 is a nice looking bike!!!!!!

 

Can't keep up? Can't keep up to what? Anyone that claims the 883 can't keep up is talking out their "6".

Add the top roll not seen in the above pic, plus my 220# and I could reach 90 mph easily. Although I typically did about 75-80 mph. I was passing bikes on the slab. Fully loaded.

I will repeat for those that want to continue believing the myth. The 883 is not really underpowered. If you're looking for a crotch rocket, stop looking at any Harley and get a Ducati.

If the Sportster lacks anything, is it's overall long-haul comfort.

The girl bike thing is ***** too. It takes more toughness to ride a Sporty for 2500 mile trips than it does riding a rolling couch 2500 miles. Any girl will tell you that. Just kidding ladies.

 

Pros:
1. It is a Harley
2. Fuel economy
3. Cheap insurance
4. Can pick them up used for cheap often.
5. You can punch the engine out to 1200 later, if you want.
6. Capable of in town AND cross country travel, just dont expect a Winnebago.
7. Sportys are cool
8. Bronson *
9. Sonny*

Cons
1. If you listen to asshats, you think you will have made a bad choice when in reality you purchased one of the better deals in Harleydom, outside of the Dyna Superglide Custom. DON'T LISTEN TO HATERS: half of them never rode a Sporty and the other half regrets getting rid of theirs because of peer pressure to "upgrade"

* yeah I know ironheads, but the 883 is the spiritual descendant of the ironhead...

 

Pros - rode an 883.

Cons - Glad I now ride a Dyna instead.

 

Get the 1200. Big difference in power. Same weight.