max cruise speed on 883 iron?
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Katy, Texas
I have run 80mph for a 20 mile stretch, no problem. I did not notice the vibration issue that others talk about. The bike did not appear to be having any problem at that speed in a strong head wind. I just set the throttle lock and laid on the tank.
If it were me, I would keep it under 65mph for the first 500 miles for the break in period. I seriously doubt you would hurt anything if you ran 80 but the dealership told me to keep it under 3500rpm if I could, so I did but did not have much open highway riding.
If it were me, I would keep it under 65mph for the first 500 miles for the break in period. I seriously doubt you would hurt anything if you ran 80 but the dealership told me to keep it under 3500rpm if I could, so I did but did not have much open highway riding.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
+1 on the post above. Break her in more when you're only at 500 miles.
Eventually you will find you can 'stretch' the gears for more power.
I had a '98 - 883 and what I'd do is accelerate as far as possible with each gear - ex: 4th I took up to 60-65mph - then kick it into 5th and she'd use that power to take me to 85+. That also depends on your load. I rode out to Sturgis this past summer LOADED down plus a major wind factor and topped out at 92mph (mileage went waaaay down tho- stopped for gas way too often). Unloaded would change the story.
That Sporty was a work horse! She always ran smooth not matter the speed.
ps/ I had no tach. I use my ears...
Eventually you will find you can 'stretch' the gears for more power.
I had a '98 - 883 and what I'd do is accelerate as far as possible with each gear - ex: 4th I took up to 60-65mph - then kick it into 5th and she'd use that power to take me to 85+. That also depends on your load. I rode out to Sturgis this past summer LOADED down plus a major wind factor and topped out at 92mph (mileage went waaaay down tho- stopped for gas way too often). Unloaded would change the story.
That Sporty was a work horse! She always ran smooth not matter the speed.
ps/ I had no tach. I use my ears...
Last edited by softone; Jan 12, 2011 at 07:51 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 606
Likes: 2
On every bike I ever owned, I beat the crap out of it as soon as it rolls off the dealers parking lot.
A hard break in is best, as long as you don't overheat the motor.
No getting stuck in traffic, no steady full throttle operation, seat the rings while they are wearing in and the pistons look like new after high miles.
Break a bike in easy like they say, and they run hot and scuff up the piston sides and have lots of blowby.
In 1986 I had a new 883, solid mounted motor, 4 speed trans, and used to keep the thing pegged and zip through heavy traffic. 95 north of Philadelphia all the way past center city was a blast, that was about 110 mph indicated, it did not seem uncomfortable and did not hurt the motor at all.
Lots of air flow, lots of oil flow, the motor is happy.
As far as hard use goes, people ride 250cc bikes like the TU250, the various dual sport bikes, and the micro ninja's at 70 mph plus full throttle for hours on the interstate, does not bother them at all....
A hard break in is best, as long as you don't overheat the motor.
No getting stuck in traffic, no steady full throttle operation, seat the rings while they are wearing in and the pistons look like new after high miles.
Break a bike in easy like they say, and they run hot and scuff up the piston sides and have lots of blowby.
In 1986 I had a new 883, solid mounted motor, 4 speed trans, and used to keep the thing pegged and zip through heavy traffic. 95 north of Philadelphia all the way past center city was a blast, that was about 110 mph indicated, it did not seem uncomfortable and did not hurt the motor at all.
Lots of air flow, lots of oil flow, the motor is happy.
As far as hard use goes, people ride 250cc bikes like the TU250, the various dual sport bikes, and the micro ninja's at 70 mph plus full throttle for hours on the interstate, does not bother them at all....
Stage III
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: sumter,s.c.
i have a 99 883 that seems most comfortable fanning the throttle to feel and sound topped out at 68-70 mph.Anything over that would seem harmfull to this bike.This is my first bike and have friends with hondas 750cc that run trips at 80mph.want to ride with them but this bike just doesn't feel right for the long ride at them speeds.The bike has 11,000 miles on it.Like I said,my first bike.I had the same question about cruising speed for my bike and how to get more speed at lower rpm.what about changing belt drive pulleys?I have lots of questions about horsepower mods without doing the 1200 transformation.what about hyper charger intakes?
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
i have a 99 883 that seems most comfortable fanning the throttle to feel and sound topped out at 68-70 mph.Anything over that would seem harmfull to this bike.This is my first bike and have friends with hondas 750cc that run trips at 80mph.want to ride with them but this bike just doesn't feel right for the long ride at them speeds.The bike has 11,000 miles on it.Like I said,my first bike.I had the same question about cruising speed for my bike and how to get more speed at lower rpm.what about changing belt drive pulleys?I have lots of questions about horsepower mods without doing the 1200 transformation.what about hyper charger intakes?
You can change the front drive pulley to a 30 tooth for a lower highway cruise RPM .
The Hypercharger is junk, it's All Show and No Go
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
That's how I find my SuperLow. I have a qd windshield which makes holding a steady speed at 80+ easy. I also routinely use earplugs when on any other than short local trips -best tuning aid known to man and makes life at speed easy!