Hi, just got here, so am looking to buy a Sportster, for day trips with the wife, 150 miles ish, what are your thoughts on the 883?

 

Sportster are great machines, 150 miles are no problem at all. The biggest limit, in my opinion, are the suspensions so for frequent trips with passenger i would advise upgraded rear shocks and a puffy 2up seat.

 

guess I am going to ride a couple and go from there

 

I think 883s are underpowered for two up, more so depending what your combined weight is.

 

I would recommend any Sportster with the 4.5 gallon tank. It will do that 150 miles without a refill.

 

My wife and I rode on several occasions on the Honda 600 Shadow I had before the Sportster, and it had no problems hauling the both of us even at Interstate speeds. That was with 300 less cc's and around 20 less hp. The 883 is more than capable of doing the same. IMO.

 

just a thought … yes you will need to gas up more with the smaller tank, but with a Sportster that isn't a bad idea … it lets you stretch your legs and bring filling back into your butt … ask me how I know, I'm on my 3rd Sportster

 

I travel often with my wife on Iron 883. I got 180cm , wife 170cm. There is absolutely no problem to ride 200-250 miles a day.
For comfort I got forward control, we have gel modified seats and a pillon for passenger
The power is in my opinion ok even in stock config, but stage 1 helps

 

No problem. Back in the day knew people to do 150 miles 2 up on Honda CB 350s.

 

Sounds like there are a few folks in this forum that say riding two up for 150 miles can be done on an 883. I’ll offer a different opinion... I own a ‘19 Iron 883 and have never ridden 2 up, also I haven’t done that many miles on mine in one day (100 max). I will say that any distance or even freeway riding isn’t the biggest area of strength for the Iron. There will be many people that say it can be done... but is it the best option? I would recommend that if you have the means and desire to jump up to a Softail I’d highly recommend it. The difference for just one person on the highway is incredible I can only imagine the difference 2 up.