Just joined a group on Facebook called Harley Davidson Sporster Iron group 883 , it is a closed group . I have been talking to owners all over the world , Germany , France , Australia, Japan . It appears the Sporster is well regarded all over the globe with the exception of the USA Geezer Glide, Billet Barge Harley riders here at home . Even noticed that in most of the pics most riders are wearing full safety gear , unlike your typical American pirate garb .

 

Billet Barge. I had not heard that one. Love it!

John

 

Have to give credit where credit is due , another member of this group used the description first before me. So I cannot take credit for it, it is funny as hell !

 

Heave Ho the Landlubbers. Bilge-sucking Scallywags. Hang 'im from the yardarm.

 

Sportster Sickness in the UK has a very good following as well.

I believe another closed group on facebook - I don't do FB so don't know how you gain access.

 

I've always loved the Sportster, it was my first Harley. Then I started to travel long distances and a Sportster just wasn't in the cards. If I could afford it, I'd have another one as a local run around bike. I don't put down any Harley or any motorcycle for that matter. I've had probably 15 or 20 motorcycles in my 74 years. Foreign and domestic - liked them all.

I hate the new tank. To me it isn't a Sportster unless it has a peanut tank. That's the true look of a Sportster.

 

I have watched some of the Sporster sickness UK videos on YouTube . Wish there was a group like that here in PA , All we have are the 950 lb baggers , I Have never seen another 883 Iron on the road where I live . Maybe there are so many Sporsters purchased in Europe because the Harley's are so costly over there people just buy the base model ? Or maybe it is just a totally different mindset when it comes to cycling .

 

HDF has Sportster, indeed Harley, owners from all around the World!

 

IRONY

Only on HDF does a guy complain that the Sportster is maligned by other riders and then call some else's mount a "Geezer Glide" or a "Billet Barge" and make fun of their clothing. Priceless.

 

People who bash Sportsters are just trying to over compensate....I have seen plenty of Street Glide and Road king owners who never do more than bar hopping. Overkill for a big expensive bike IMO. Shoulda bought a Sportster...