Hey everyone, I'm still a Harley newbie (please go easy on me) and I don't own one yet.

My original plan was to get a new Iron this winter for next year but now I'm probably buying this August/September. A local dealer told me 2018s come out in mid September but said he doesn't know if there will be any changes. At what point does HD reveal next year's specs? I understand HD gave these bikes a different suspension and seat for 2016/2017 from previous years.

Smaller stuff like that doesn't really concern me. What I'm really hoping for is a factory 1200 Iron but I'm not holding my breath. If there is a chance of a factory 1200, then yes, I will hold my breath. My "dilemma" is do I buy a 2017 in August, or wait for the 2018s to come out in September and miss out on a excellent month of riding? I live in Canada and it can get cold quickly. Riding after September is unlikely. Thanks.

 

According to an article I read from American Iron magazine yesterday it will be Sept before they introduce the 2018 models this year. Normally it's August and still may be but with all the promised new models there might be a delay this year.

 

Depends on if you want to ride this summer, I guess.

You might also want to check and see if your dealer is participating in a trade up program: http://www.jsonline.com/story/money/...ing/356472001/

(EDIT: - oops - looks like it only applies to trading up to a touring model)

that way, you could get an Iron now, and trade up to the 1200, if one turns up for 2018.
The Iron is a big seller, I think. So the idea of a 1200 Iron might not be that far fetched.

 

Even if they delay shipping of new models till mid September it maybe that we find out in early August. For that short of time I'd wait.

 

Not sure how long summer lasts in Ontario. You are losing lots of great riding time. If your dealership is offering the no interest deal that some are offering, just grab an Iron, add the stage one and 1200 upgrade, and put the whole thing into the deal. You'll be riding the bike you want with a 1200 engine today!

 

Old Iron Man, you sir are that devil on my right shoulder. I have thought about that - just doing a full conversion day one - but my sensible side feels that would be a huge waste of money if HD does offer a factory 1200 just a month later. I'm paying cash for this bike.

Thanks all for the replies.

 

reality blast:

if you wait til 2018s pop up. you'll find 1200s for less than irons. 8999 roadsters.. just saying

 

The 883 Iron is one of HD's best buys. It is the least expensive "real" HD. Depending on dealer inventory, the 2017's will be discounted when the 2018's are hitting the showrooms. My 2016, that I bought about 3 months ago was under $8K, is waiting for me at the dealer after it's 1000mi service.

Here's the caveat for the 883. Solo riding, minimal highway use.

If your going to do 2up and lots of highway, buy the custom 1200 for about $3K more.

 

If you can do the work yourself, it's not a bad idea.
If you have to pay a dealer to do it, not so good.
The gearing will still be different too after a conversion.

Also, the time you spend working on the bike is time taken away from riding.
One last thing is that is a big assumption that a 1200 Iron will show up for 2018.
If you wait for it, and it doesn't happen, you'll have another choice to make.

 

waiting on a 1200 iron is silly period. just convert it at purchase or get a used 15/16 and have it converted at or as part of the purchase. you come out ahead and save money. i know people like irons... i have no idea why but, there are better stock bikes in the sportster line. and you could buy a street bob for not much more.