I also have a stock SuperLow and it is fine at around 85mph. Your bike is fine, it is you we need to modify, to make you better suited to those performance levels! Take triumph900's advice. I've been wearing plugs since the '70s, when the subject of hearing loss was first raised. Changing gearing, adding an extra gear, will do absolutely nothing to improve your comfort.

 

Due to the high RPM at freeway speeds, there is excessive vibration.

We're going to agree to disagree on this.

 

Try earplugs, there's a good chap! You will be surprised how effective they are. Part of the challenge of riding at speed is that noise creates tension, makes us hold on tight. I've been wearing them for almost 40 years and you may find they provide some relief - it'll cost cents to try them.

 

There is plenty of power in the old 883 motor and there are bikes out there with this motor that have had the wheels 'rode off of them.

Power is not all it's cranked up to be. It can help as well as get you into trouble. So take all the "you shoulda gotten the 1200" bull$hit you hear along with all of the talk about needing more power to get out of "sticky" situations with a grain of salt. The art of driving at any speed is the key no matter what you are driving, be it a bicycle or jet fighter.

Have fun with the new bike!

=8^)

 

I always wear them, but they are ineffective against vibration.

Thanks -- I'm going to try. It's a nice bike, if a little buzzy on the freeway. (And that can be fixed.)

 

Congrats on the bike, now how 'bout those pictures?

Sarah

 

Attached is one photo of the Nightster in the Eastside service department, where it will undergo its beauty treatment after five and a half years of neglect, and one of the 883L outside the showroom. (I'm open to any tips on how to display photos better.)

Bear with me; we've had lousy weather here in the Northwest, as usual for this time of year.

 

I use photobucket for pictures; it's easy and free. That's a beautiful bike!

Sarah

 

Thanks; I think it's sharp, too. I've come full circle since 2008, when I wanted to drop Sportsters in favor of a Dyna; I'm hoping that with the new grips, a new seat and a primary ratio change, this one will be almost as comfortable on the highway as the Dyna is.

When the weather improves, I'll post some more pictures.

 

Nice bike.

I haven't had any issues with cruising at 80-85 and I don't think my 883 lacks power. I just wish mine had the 4.5 gal tank and would like ABS. I also wish I could get better fuel mileage. While loaded up I'm getting 35 mpg on the slab. That's wile cruising at 80. At 70 I get about 40 mpg. That's about the best I can get on the bike.