Harley Davidson 883 low Sportster 883 cc

Bought '05 used with 5K miles. I'm a chick 5'5" so wanted be able to sit low enough to touch the ground without having the bike push me over at stops. The size is perfect. Only complaint is Mustang seat has NO give, but I carry my own padding if you get my drift. Would like to have foot rests for it, but there is no stock accessory for the 883. Only thing I would caution against is that the 883 is not real comfortable for long rides. I ride 4 or 5 hours at a time, and could benefit from a more comfortable ride but don't see the need for a monster Glide right now. All in all, it's a great bike with more than sufficient boost for highway riding. Oh, I'm an American Girl, living on the West Coast of the USA.

Next bike will be the Seventy Two or Softie.

I have recently moved from a 250cc Yamaha Virago to a Harley Davidson XL 883L Sportster. Despite only having owned it for a short amount of time I would say that overall it was a good decision.

Pros:

A very solid, well balanced, well built machine with good fuel economy.

For a Harley, it's quite affordable if you look for a decent second hand machine, and if you are buying second hand they tend to have been well looked after!

I personally found it cheaper to insure that some of it's competitors, these being bikes from the Triumph Bonneville range and even Japanese bikes such as the Yamaha Dragstar or Suzuki Intruder. (I am 20 years of age, ncb, 1 years riding on a full UK license)

Easy to get used to. Despite initially being very nervous about riding it, after 20 minutes of driving it for the first time everything felt natural and most of all fun.

The engine noise (yes, very cliche I know). Even with the stock pipes the v-twin is a pleasure to listen too.

It's a Harley ;)

Cons:

Not many to speak of, however:

Being the 883 'Low' it doesn't have much in the way of ground clearance (as the name suggests), so your approach to things like speed bumps will need to be thought of in advance to avoid any unwanted scraping. Ground clearance also needs to be kept in mind in the corners. You can't really lean the bike too vigorously or your pegs, or worse your exhaust pipe may have an impromptu meeting with the tarmac. However I don't find this to be too much of an issue as my preferred riding style is to take it very easy.

As with the majority of Harley's, they're not meant to be able to turn on a penny so the Handling is slightly sluggish on occasions, and you can really feel the weight of the bike going through the bends. Although as I've just come from a much lighter machine it may simply be a case of getting used to the way the bike handles.

The suspension is a little, how should I put this, 'over-zealous' in letting you know if you're on a bumpy road. However, this can be negated by purchasing a better seat (mine came with a very comfortable two-up sundowner) or a better rear-suspension kit (if you have deep pockets).

Harley Davidson accessories are bloody expensive.

All in all, despite the cons (most of which can be minimized by adapting your riding style), I would definitely recommend this machine to anyone interested in starting to get into the cruiser/ Harley Davidson market.

Oh and as a side not to any trolls who come up with the usual "Hur hur, Harleys r s**t, buy a sports bike" nonsense. What you ride is a matter of personal preference. I personally don't like sports/ import bikes but that does not mean I think they are inferior because I can appreciate why people like them. Kindly afford other riders the same respect.

General Comment: I have recently moved to an XL883L after owning an XL1200C and an XR1200. While it is obvious that the 883 doesn't have the torque of the 1200's, I am finding it to be a nimble and fun to ride machine. The only additions I have made are a screen and tail bag off the XR1200, and a dual seat off the XL1200C. These have made the bike very comfortable (except for the terrible rear shockies) and more useful. It has plenty of torque for its size, and the lack of relative power isn't an issue to my style of relaxed riding.

Against: A fairly ordinary suspension that bottoms out too easily.

For: Value for money, a nimble bike, and its a Harley.

I love the bike, but find it so hard to get the side stand down.

Tried to find an extension to fit on but not one made for this year.

Any suggestions please apart from my boyfriend stretching my legs

Owned a 1200 sportster for 3 yrs and 19,000 miles. Had to replace the head gasket's twice and the clutch basket retaining nut came off during a 5 hr ride. Nice looking bike handled well but a little weak on reliability for my preference.

I'm a newer rider who is short, so the size of this Harley Davidson 883 low Sportster 883 cc bike is perfect. It fits me like a glove. I've had experienced riders tell me that the 883cc engine is not powerful enough and that I shouldn't waste my time with it and I should get something with more power. That's not the case for alot of riders. I've learned that every rider has their own preferences. If it feels right, it probably is. The engine has plenty of kick and when riding with a group, there is no problem keeping up. Handlebar and control placement is perfect. It corners well. Brakes are fine. The Harley Sportster 883 Low is an excellent sturdy bike, made with the same quality as the bigger models. It has the classic Harley look to it. Mine is black (with a lot of chrome like most Harley's). Just my opinion.... if you're a newer rider or shorter in stature, this could very well be the bike for you. I may never upgrade to a bigger bike. It's just that good.

The Sportster was a great bike if not for oil leaks and bulbs blowing... and 2nd gear broke from new 50 miles away. 2 weeks repaired. Hotel stay. broke.

if not since 1957 when launched. As a bike had many admiresers. Or looks a lots. But I would park it if not ride it.

Just to look cool...fuel eco was great 110. Reserve was 10 miles at 30 mph. it ' s a BIKE. Pity its still primary cases. As to gears its 21st century...not 20th.gone.

But cheap bike.

The Harley Davidson SPortster needs better brakes also would bennifit from a more varieable suspension

factory fitted brakes are a total waste of time'they just do not work' the handlebars are too short,and the seat uncomfortable,the factory fitted tires are also unfriendly.

not enough umph throughout all the gears,found it to be very flat at high speeds! Nothing left to give.....

I wanted a Harley Davidson all my life but school, wife, kids, life kept me in Ford Pintos and such. Now, in my 40s (late) I finally get to ride one, bought new and glossy, and experience the dream. Keep you anime creations, I'll ride a Harley from here on out.

A good all round 'old skool' motorcycle. If your not in a hurry and want to enjoy the scenery AND look cool you can do no better.