883 perception?
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
even back in the early 70's when I had one (XLCH- iron 900) other riders at work would say,, When you going to get a Real Harley... I just had to toughen up...
IMO they are not a Girls bike.. too top heavy for most girls to handle unless they are Tall..
Now that I am 4'' taller and weigh a Lot more, well, one wouldn't fit me well now as it did back them.. more so when the wife and I ride two up most of the time..
Get what you want and like and don't worry about what other say... just ride it and have fun.
..
IMO they are not a Girls bike.. too top heavy for most girls to handle unless they are Tall..
Now that I am 4'' taller and weigh a Lot more, well, one wouldn't fit me well now as it did back them.. more so when the wife and I ride two up most of the time..
Get what you want and like and don't worry about what other say... just ride it and have fun.
..
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
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From: SW Washington State
My Perception is a basic observation that started back in the 60's. I was just a kid with no means to get a bigger bike than my little Honda CL70, but that lack of funds never stopped me from looking. There was this older dude selling his most cherry 650 Triumph and I asked him why he was selling it, The dude said " kid let me tell you something, You will always want a bigger bike" He was right, I got a bigger and bigger and bigger bike as funds allowed, But I was riding the whole time.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 652
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From: Maui, Hawaii
Ride Safe - Ride Smart
"He Who Lives In Joy Does His Creator's Will".
The Baal Shem Tov, Founder of Chasidic Judaism... ca. 1750's
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Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Lake County, IL
My Perception is a basic observation that started back in the 60's. I was just a kid with no means to get a bigger bike than my little Honda CL70, but that lack of funds never stopped me from looking. There was this older dude selling his most cherry 650 Triumph and I asked him why he was selling it, The dude said " kid let me tell you something, You will always want a bigger bike" He was right, I got a bigger and bigger and bigger bike as funds allowed, But I was riding the whole time.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 652
Likes: 7
From: Maui, Hawaii
[QUOTE=Mike Lawless;13715618]I think the 883 is under rated. No, it's not the most powerful, but how many go ***** out on these things anyway?[QUOTE]
Yep, the fastest I've been on my XL883 is 75mph and that was the extent of my comfort zone speed wise... I'm 71 now and would like to make it into at least the mid 80's - No sense in tempting the Fates at this stage of the game. Bottom line is... I love my 2009 XL883 and the feeling I get riding it, long live the Sportster 883.
Ride Safe - Ride Smart
"He Who Lives In Joy Does His Creator's Will".
The Baal Shem Tov, Founder of Chasidic Judaism... ca. 1750's
Yep, the fastest I've been on my XL883 is 75mph and that was the extent of my comfort zone speed wise... I'm 71 now and would like to make it into at least the mid 80's - No sense in tempting the Fates at this stage of the game. Bottom line is... I love my 2009 XL883 and the feeling I get riding it, long live the Sportster 883.
Ride Safe - Ride Smart
"He Who Lives In Joy Does His Creator's Will".
The Baal Shem Tov, Founder of Chasidic Judaism... ca. 1750's
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 264
Likes: 15
From: Calmar, Alberta
Way back in 1991 I lusted after a red 883 as a 19 year old but funds being what they were I ended up on a Kawi 440LTD. There's no shame in riding what you like. I wouldn't think less of a man for rockin' a Sportster.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
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From: Nevada
The 883 is a good bike. I have a friend who tours extensively on one. He rides more miles than most touring bike owners I know. Nice thing about the 883 is Harley offers a kit, so you can bump displacement to 1200.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Lansdale, Pa
The people that put other people down are trying to make themselves feel better, key trying.
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From: NE Philly
[QUOTE=Str8chuter;13754099][QUOTE=Mike Lawless;13715618]I think the 883 is under rated. No, it's not the most powerful, but how many go ***** out on these things anyway?
Yep, the fastest I've been on my XL883 is 75mph and that was the extent of my comfort zone speed wise... I'm 71 now and would like to make it into at least the mid 80's - No sense in tempting the Fates at this stage of the game. Bottom line is... I love my 2009 XL883 and the feeling I get riding it, long live the Sportster 883.
Ride Safe - Ride Smart
"He Who Lives In Joy Does His Creator's Will".
The Baal Shem Tov, Founder of Chasidic Judaism... ca. 1750's
I've cruised at 90 mph for hours on my last 883 and had it at about an indicated 100. Thats on my 220 lb frame and luggage. An 883 is more than capable. The one thing the 1200 cc does offer over the 883 is slightly better passing power.
I've always been a sucker for a redhead.
I do a lot of touring on a Sporty. Did thousands of miles on an 883.
Yep, the fastest I've been on my XL883 is 75mph and that was the extent of my comfort zone speed wise... I'm 71 now and would like to make it into at least the mid 80's - No sense in tempting the Fates at this stage of the game. Bottom line is... I love my 2009 XL883 and the feeling I get riding it, long live the Sportster 883.
Ride Safe - Ride Smart
"He Who Lives In Joy Does His Creator's Will".
The Baal Shem Tov, Founder of Chasidic Judaism... ca. 1750's
I've always been a sucker for a redhead.
I do a lot of touring on a Sporty. Did thousands of miles on an 883.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,074
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From: Snow Mexico
[QUOTE=Str8chuter;13754099][QUOTE=Mike Lawless;13715618]I think the 883 is under rated. No, it's not the most powerful, but how many go ***** out on these things anyway?
Yep, the fastest I've been on my XL883 is 75mph and that was the extent of my comfort zone speed wise... I'm 71 now and would like to make it into at least the mid 80's - No sense in tempting the Fates at this stage of the game. Bottom line is... I love my 2009 XL883 and the feeling I get riding it, long live the Sportster 883.
Ride Safe - Ride Smart
"He Who Lives In Joy Does His Creator's Will".
The Baal Shem Tov, Founder of Chasidic Judaism... ca. 1750's
Last time I was at the local dealer one of the sales guys told me that a lot of older guys are starting to trade in their touring bikes on sporties....I guess the weight of the touring bikes is getting to be a bit much for some of em.
Yep, the fastest I've been on my XL883 is 75mph and that was the extent of my comfort zone speed wise... I'm 71 now and would like to make it into at least the mid 80's - No sense in tempting the Fates at this stage of the game. Bottom line is... I love my 2009 XL883 and the feeling I get riding it, long live the Sportster 883.
Ride Safe - Ride Smart
"He Who Lives In Joy Does His Creator's Will".
The Baal Shem Tov, Founder of Chasidic Judaism... ca. 1750's
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