I requested the most simple / basic bike in the Sportster line up, and that's exactly what they gave me. I wasn't sorry, after riding her for a while, but I was in a quandary. What does this bike want to be? Is it a standard, a daily commuter, or a first bike? I know it's a whole lotta fun, little roust about, and a big vibrator for the ladies? Yes, is the answer to all of the above.
The japs and some others all claim to have standards in their line up; most of them are just stripped down ancient sport bike technology. The 883 Sporty, Triumph and a very few others are the only real standards out there and have been for a helluva long time.
Around town, she ain't gonna break any land speed records, but that is not this bike's purpose. The 883 Iron is built for plane 'ol basic fun. Mission accomplished. Don't get me wrong, there's enough power to blast away from fat soccer moms talking on their cell phone, in those SUV's, or scatter brain high school pukes texting away while driving. They don't see you, and would like to use you for traction.
It also handles the open highway just fine. I personally wouldn't take it to Las Vegas, although it is capable of rolling across the desert daily. But then again, I'm a middle-aged clown with a back that seems to have defective parts, so that's just me. While climbing up the speedo, 60 mph is a little buzzy up to about 72 mph. From then on, it's smooth up through 85/90 mph. Not that I would know, because I obey all traffic laws at all times. Do keep in mind that this bike sits real low, so scraping the pegs is easy to do, if you start getting a little nutty in the twisties. It's not a Ninja, so just stop that kind a shit, and just have fun instead of charging.
One day, while out for a ride, it seemed like it was like 140 degrees in the shade, with maybe 3 percent oxygen in the air due to a million big ass fires on the coast, in the Socialist Republic of Calli-Fownia. The bike didn't miss a beat. Even oil consumption was totally fine. The more I rode, the more fun I had on her.
You can pose as almost anything while on this Sportster, from a college kid with a backpack, to an old dude sporting a wife beater, peeling to the store for some beer. One day for kicks, I donned some “hey look at me, I'm a hardcore biker” attire and the “real” harder fuckers even waved! My fat ass has been on many different kinds of motorcycles for quite some time, and I have to admit…. I had a lot of fun on this little shit.
I wasn't sure if that would happen at the beginning. I can also see the 883 as a High school graduation present considering its low price and ease of handling. Now, here's a little secret… If you want your wife, girlfriend or chick buddy to start riding motorcycles, get her the 883 Iron and make sure to keep the stock seat. She will love you until the deficit is paid off! The stock seat design has an area up front that is placed perfectly for her “good stuff” down stairs (wink, wink). It's the biggest goddamn vibrator she'll ever come across. I hated the stock seat because at times it would make my balls go numb, and it kinda hurt my tailbone. But that could be from my gene pool; maybe it wasn't all that long ago my bloodline actually still had tails, who knows. For the guys, swap out the stock seat and yer good ta go.
Next, you'll want to consider new rear shocks. This bike doesn't deal with big hits on the road very well. In fact, just like the Nightster, my fat carcass was launched about six inches off the saddle in some bigger dips. No adjustment settings on the front end so yer fucked there.
A lower sticker price sometimes means trade offs, so deal with it. I personally hate the levers. If you like to shift by grabbing the clutch lever with all yer fingers with only yer thumb touching the grip, then yer fine. I grab the lever with only one or two fingers, leaving the rest on the grip. If you shift like me (and most people) the bend on the lever will bite down on your grip fingers…drove me fucking nuts. I'd swap 'em.
Starting the bike is like all new bikes today. Turn the key, push the cute little button (yawn) and it fires up. God forbid we would be forced to kick start it…someone might hurt their little leg and then sue the company. It's the world we live in now.Anyway, the bike handles fine. At one intersection, on a fresh green light, Mr. Flatbed Driver (on his cell phone) decided to tap his brakes for some reason. I saw the edge of the flatbed heading in the direction of my face. A slight whip of the Sporty, and I was free and clear of a 10,000 pound sucker punch, while sending the stupid fuck a thank you gesture from one of my fingers that decided, all on its own, that it wanted to be in the wind. Quick handling got me out of that one.
The 883 is more quiet than the bigger models, which is great for yer neighbors, but some of the evil cage demons will not hear you and not know you are gliding near their precious space, which sometimes results in death. We will miss you! I'd swap out for real pipes and let the world know you plan on sticking around for a while.
Similar to some other models, I think the mirrors are too close to the grips. On more than one occasion, after picking my nose or scratching my balls, I'd reach for the grip only to find my hand kinda bumping into the mirror, and I have little mitts! Can you imagine Bandit doing that? The mirror would be fucking smashed clean off the bar…. not good.
The brakes work well, even if yer stupid like me and sometimes come in a little too hot. We all like to ride fast here or there, but being able to stop is our friend. No worries here. Again, I didn't do the math, but mileage seemed to be great, and I was jumping on it often.
I had a blast on the 883 Sportster. It's basic and bare boned with just enough balls to keep things interesting enough to plant a big smile on your mug. Get yer ass down to the local dealer and try one on. They hold their value really well because these fuckers hold up very well. All right god damn it, I'm done here. The next test coming your way is me taking a little trip on the 2010 Road King to a really bitchen location out in the desert that you really need to visit, Primm, Nevada. Stay tuned!
You can also purchase a Sportster, ride it for a year, then return it, and move up to a bigger model. The price of the Sportster will be your down payment. Check it out.The Iron 883™ pushes minimal Dark Custom styling to the edge with a V-Twin beat and gritty, old-school garage features. The $7,999 MSRP makes this model a great starting point for customization.
Born on the gritty dirt tracks and drag strips of the 1950s, the Harley-Davidson Sportster represents the uninhibited essence of motorcycling. Today's Sportster combines soulful styling with the flat torque delivery and distinctive sound of an American V-Twin engine. Among the most-affordable Harley-Davidson models, Sportster motorcycles offer a low, comfortable seat and smooth clutch effort.
