883 perception?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 3,066
From: USA
Who gives a turd what others think. The real question is do YOU like them? Are you comfortable on it? Does the styling catch your eye?
My son is over 6', 240 lbs, combat veteran with three (3) Purple Hearts. He rides an 06 883 Low. Nobody says S*%t to him. The only person I heard refer to the Sporty as a Girly Bike was an a=hole poser with a 10 year old bike with 1500 miles on it. My son put more miles on his Sporty riding out to Sturgis in three days than that a=hole did in 10 years.
Get what YOU want, ride what You want, and smile all day knowing it's yours!
My son is over 6', 240 lbs, combat veteran with three (3) Purple Hearts. He rides an 06 883 Low. Nobody says S*%t to him. The only person I heard refer to the Sporty as a Girly Bike was an a=hole poser with a 10 year old bike with 1500 miles on it. My son put more miles on his Sporty riding out to Sturgis in three days than that a=hole did in 10 years.
Get what YOU want, ride what You want, and smile all day knowing it's yours!
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Again, it may just be a regional thing. Remember, I said I USED to say that and think that... Back when "Me and the boys would ride up to the Waterin' Hole" which was 50 miles from any store that wasn't bait n tackle or a bar. I'll state clearly that I do not feel that way now and will exclaim my narrow mindedness in my youth and apologize to any whom I've offended... AND THAT is why I posed this question in the first place... Because not only do I not feel that way anymore but an considering the bike myself. I'm just curious as to how others see it. That's all.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 243
Likes: 6
From: Texas
When I first started riding I heard it all the time. Ricer, ***** bike, anything different always got some kind of shyte remark. I've had a ton of bikes over the years. Never had a bike I liked more than my hopped up 883. Great bike.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 492
Likes: 139
From: Bel Air, MD
It depends on where you ride and with whom.
If you want to fit in with riders then ride what they're riding.
I love the 883 for town riding, backroads twisties, and local commutes.
It might not be the best for longer rides with a touring crowd or cruiser crowd.
Hey--like they say, when in Rome...
You wouldn't have any odd looks from folks if you were riding solo and pulling into the local dealership, charity ride event, or rally.
Also--if a bigger bike might be better if you ride 2 up regularly--just depends on how you set it up and who's on the back.
If you want to fit in with riders then ride what they're riding.
I love the 883 for town riding, backroads twisties, and local commutes.
It might not be the best for longer rides with a touring crowd or cruiser crowd.
Hey--like they say, when in Rome...
You wouldn't have any odd looks from folks if you were riding solo and pulling into the local dealership, charity ride event, or rally.
Also--if a bigger bike might be better if you ride 2 up regularly--just depends on how you set it up and who's on the back.
Last edited by Lightyear68; Feb 15, 2015 at 06:50 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
The only reason an 883 is considered entry level is because it's the least expensive bike Harley makes. And the only reason some fools call it a girl's bike is because it's smaller and lighter than a big twin. I'm certain most of them who call it that have never ridden one.
My first Harley was an 883 and I've had 4 big twins since then. That 883 was a shitload more fun to ride than my Night Train, Super Glide, Springer, and now the Deluxe I just bought. Only reason I don't ride a Sporty now is because it isn't practical for the type of riding I want to do.
Funny how my first bike was a Honda 650 and nobody ever thought it was a girl's bike, but the 883, which is 233 cc's bigger, somehow is. Ride whatever appeals to you and ignore the weekend pirates and posers who look down their noses at other people's choices.
My first Harley was an 883 and I've had 4 big twins since then. That 883 was a shitload more fun to ride than my Night Train, Super Glide, Springer, and now the Deluxe I just bought. Only reason I don't ride a Sporty now is because it isn't practical for the type of riding I want to do.
Funny how my first bike was a Honda 650 and nobody ever thought it was a girl's bike, but the 883, which is 233 cc's bigger, somehow is. Ride whatever appeals to you and ignore the weekend pirates and posers who look down their noses at other people's choices.
Last edited by High Roller; Feb 15, 2015 at 06:50 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 720
Likes: 6
From: South Jersey
I wouldn't worry about what other people think. I love my Road King but also love my Honda Shadow. People on here will say you can't ride a Honda but never have a reason why. Most of them are not real intelligent so who cares. I grew up with the theory that if it has 2 wheels and an engine it's a motorcycle. Brands and models really don't matter. Ride what makes you happy. My wife has an 883 and loves it. My only problem with it is it doesn't have forward controls and that makes it uncomfortable on a long trip.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
Tools will trash any bike that's not like the one they choose to own and you want to avoid those people anyway. My ride isn't the fast, the best in the corners, or the best braking but I enjoy riding it more than any motorcycle I've ever owned or ridden. Enjoyment is what motorcycles and motorcycling is all about so get whatever bike makes you happy.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 638
From: Up North
People who say things like "It's a girlie bike" are just trying to get under your skin and put you down. It's an 883cc bike for crying out loud, that's not a small bike. Sportsters are a damn nice motorcycle. Don't let anyone put down your bike.