I currently own a 2013 Street Bob and a 2013 883. They are my 61st and 62nd bikes(about 35 have been HDs). I traded a 2006 and 2008 1200R on the SB and regret it(the 1200Rs were the best all around Sportsters ever made). So I bought a new 883 last October. I have 8200mi on the SB and 4600mi on the 883. I put the longer 13.5 shocks on the 883 so it is a bit less harsh ride and I can lean it over in the curves much further. HD all but ruined the Sporty with the stupid *slammed suspension*!!! They all used to have 32/32 degree lean angles -- now the 883 is 29/30(if I recall).

I have had all kinds big motor HDs(except baggers), and quick/fast Jappers, but I keep going back to Sportsters. I just love the way they look, sit and handle. I was shocked at how well the 2013 883 motor performs. It has a wide power band and adequate acceleration for normal riding. I have had it on the interstate several times at 80/85 and even 90mph. I actually prefer riding it over the Street Bob. It's just way more fun. My average ride is about 110-125 miles. I will be riding it to Durango, CO on Sat and back on Sun - total about 700mi. Later in the summer I plan on riding it to Milwaukee, my home town. That will be about 2400mi.

My advice would be if you are just riding to work and back and a few short putts around town just keep the Sporty and forget anything bigger. You'll save a bunch of money and have more fun.

Oh, and btw, my SB is for sale on Craig's List and If it sells I will take a serious beating!! I have Almost $17k in it and will be luckky to get $12,500!

 

I'm selling my Sporty because I can only support one bike right now, but will pick one up again in the future. They're too much fun to rip around on.

 

My first Harley was a 1975 Sportster. Sold that, bought a 1974 FXE Super Glide. Sold that, bought a 1984 Sportster. Sold that, bought a 1981 FXS Low Rider. Sold that, bought a 1990 Sportster. Sold that, bought a 2000 Fatboy. Sold that, bought a 2007 Ultra Glide Classic. Sold that, bought a 2007 Sportster. Just sold that this year for my 2014 Sportster....guess I like Sportsters...so yes, I missed them when I didn't have one.

 

Yeah, he's got a good point. Plus you can do anything you want with a Dyna. They can easily be outfitted as a great touring bike, or make for a excellent bar-hopper or anything in between. They're just a little heavier and a little bigger than a Sporty, but a whole lot more comfortable.

I sold my Sportster this Spring and bought a 93 FXR. Just sitting on the bike, it feels a lot like my previous Sporty with the mid-controls and all. In fact it's only 60 lbs. heavier, and offers a little more seating room. But the ride quality can't even be compared. With the FXR's stock shock length of 13.75", it makes for an extremely comfortable ride. As far as lean angle goes, I don't know if HD ever made a bike with more. No matter how aggressive I get in the Canyons, I've yet to scrape anything on the bike.

It works out perfect for me. The FRX is so much like the Sportster that I haven't missed it for a moment. It was a great and fun bike, for sure. But the FXR is really "me". Fit's me like a glove

 

Yes, the FXR was/is a great handler. I was at Deals Gap (Tail of the Dragon) about 12 years ago and a guy who worked at an HD shop in New York was there with an FXR and he literally ground the foot pegs down to nothing. Then he repleced them with the passenger pegs on and had them about half gone.

I agree that my 13 SB can be a bar hopper or a touring bike, but in my opinion the 883 is just easier and more fun to ride. By comparison, today's Dyna Street Bob, though it's the best looking bike they make, is clunky, it weighs about 120lbs more than the 883 and the gear spacing is not good for going up and down the mountains. Longer shocks would indeed help though. The Sporty is like riding a bicycle by comparison.

 

If your main use is a 7 mile ride to work I'd stay with the sportster. I drive 13 miles one way on my XL1200 every day I can and its is the perfect bike for that kind of daily trip.

The Sportster is the perfect around town and daily driver bike. For long trips I'd get something bigger, but that's a ways off for me.

 

Friday the 883 leaves for Hanksville, UT, Durango, CO on Saturday and back to Denver on Sunday -- about 1150mi. The Street Bob stays in the garage!

 

With its 6 gears, wouldn't your Street Bob be more suited though? Just curious...

 

Actually, either would work just fine for this short trip. I just enjoy the 883 and it is perfectly comfortable on I-70 at 75-80mph. It also runs way cooler than the 103 motor. The 103 runs in the high 270s and the Sporty runs about 220-225 degrees. Air temps will be in the 90s.

 

I see... 1150mi is a short trip for you ehh?

Ahh, good point, yeah. Every now and then I toy with the idea of trading my XL1200L for a Street Bob. But I feel that at 220F my bike already runs hot enough as it is.