Looking to buy an 883 (2003-2009) for my wife. Are there any years or models I should avoid? Any years/features I should look for? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

2004 + are rubber mounted.
2007 + are fuel injected.

If it were me, I'd look for 2007 and up.

 

Me too

 

Starting with EFI bikes the 883 got the 1200 cams. You will notice the difference.

 

I would skip 03, simply to get a rubber mount. I've owned Harleys since the 70s, but have never got on well enough with Sporties until the rubber mount came along. Very nice bike! My '11 EFI certainly has plenty of performance and as it is not my only bike I have left it bone stock, except for windshield saddlebags and a front crashbar. So it is now in mini-touring style, a sort of budget XL1200T!

 

agreed on all the above stay away from the 2003 why put her through the solid mount experience. the only issue i would have 2007 and above is you have to get an auto tuner or the like or bring it to the shop to tune if you mod the motor. This being said i like CV carbs as i can do it myself and that is my only issue with efi's. i could probably get an efi tuner and get a newer bike but i love my Elly.

 

No need to get a tuner for a EFI bike unless you want to do a stage 1. A stock 1200 sportster has plenty of power and can cruise all day 70-85 mph...throw on a louder exhaust (if that is your thing) and go riding.

 

You dont even need a 1200 to cruise at 70-85. My 883 is its smoothest between them speeds and I can go all day long stopping only for gas and hydration breaks, done it several times. 1200 will do nothing more at them speeds other than drink more gas.

 

I have owned 3 Sportsters (2 rubber mount and 1 solid mount) I eventually sold the 05 and 07 and kept the 2003. I personally like the solid mount better with the vibrations and all, feels like how a Harley used to be. A real viseral experience. If I want plush, I ride my Road Couch (Road King). To each his own.....

 

My first Harley was a 1975 Sportster...thank gawd new Sportsters don't feel like they used to be...