People are paying less than that for Street Bobs. Oddly enough, I often see 1200 Sportsters (regardless of what you actually call it, it's a Sportster if has a Sportster engine) priced very close to the Street Bob.

It used to also be true that one of the best deals to make was to buy an 883 and buy a reversed dome Wisece piston kit for cheap which required no head work. Or ride it for zone year and trade it in on a big twin and get full MSRP for the trade.

My point was, the OP should also consider other options that there might be more room for price negotiation if they won't budge on the price of the Sportster.

 

The Sportster 883 is a fantastic bike for solo riding two lane roads with an occasional blast out on the freeway. Years ago, I would also do two up, but the ladies were in the 110lb or less range. Rt. 66 from N. Va. out to Skyline Drive was a great ride.

When you go to the Dealer, take a look around and see what their floor inventory is on 883 Sportsters. If they have multiple bikes, see what the most common color is. Focus on the bike that they have multiples of in inventory. You should be able to get one for about msrp, out the door. Meaning, they knock off $1000 and then add back in prep, freight, title, etc. Since your not trading in, you'll get wacked for full sales tax as well. To some extent dealers are told what they are going to get from the factory. This is why, when I bought my 2017 Iron, I chose the demin red, because the dealer had 3 of them. I actually like the color and enjoyed the $1000 discount from msrp.

Contrary to the nay sayers, the 883 is a fantastic bike, but like any bike, it doesn't do everything as well as some other models. None of them do. The 2017 Iron is particularly nice, 2 piston front brake, and better than pre-2016 suspension set-up. https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/201...cs-done-right/

The bike also has to fit you. If you are 6'6" I doubt the 883 is for you. At 5'7" the 883 is a better fit than my Road King, Deuce or my BMW K1200RS. The Iron is my favorite bike.

 

All excellent points.

I want to be clear I am not knocking a Sportster, but exploring options before handing over cash is always a good thing.

 

Whatever you end up getting, do negotiate your first service free, 15% off parts, merchandising and service for 3 months, a T shirt and don't pay the set up and delivery fee.

 

And don't forget to buy some good ear plugs.

 

Maybe you want the "shiny/new" experience, but if you want to save a ton of ca$h...look at used bikes in your area. You're in Maryland...used bike mecca. Here's just one example (2014 Iron for $5.5K)...!!

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/...099247498.html

 

THIS! No idea why anyone would buy a new Sportster. Definitely have a look at Craigslist.

Expand your search easily at http://www.searchtempest.com/ and make a roadtrip. Get cheap trip permit at the DMV and ride her home.

 

+1 and as others have said, be prepared to walk.

I also agree with the suggestions to take a look at used if you're sold on the 883 Lot's of them come back quickly as folks get comfy on them and in no time want some more oomph. Lot's of clean, low milage 883's out there that will save you a few bucks. Can't hurt to take a look

 

I've owned over 100 bikes over 50 years and never bought new. I'm guessing you want to finance and that's why you're going new. Especially with sportsters, lots of folks buy them for price and within 1000 miles figure out they're too small and unload them for a fraction of their price. There is almost no market for used sportsters, especially 883's so they're sitting in garages all over the country. I can buy an 883 sportster with under 2,000 miles for $3,000 or less all day long. Remember, don't buy on price you always get your money back on the other end. You'll lose $5 thousand the first day on a sportster. This doesn't happen on the bigger bikes. Also, do not put crash bars on a sportster or people will laugh at you every time you take it out.

 

then you have fright and prep on top of the 7200.... Does this dealer have 50 of these in stack, if not, you may pay msrp. Buying an hd is not like buying a car.. Some dealers negotiate, some dont. Some negatiated then destroy you with a 900 prep and 900 frieght. They have thier number..

On this bike, I'd shoot for 5% of the bike/freight and prep