XL 883 - Plain Vanilla
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 50
From: A barrier island in NJ
XL 883 - Plain Vanilla
I'm new to this forum but have ridden everything from Maicos, to Yamahas, to Triumphs, and Hondas. I've wanted a Sportster since 1963 but just never got around to being able to cope with all of that oil burning and dripping.
Well, the Sportster's come along way since 1963, and I'm just about ready to add a Harley to the bikes I've owned. My thoughts are leaning towards the plain vanilla black XL 883 and I'd be interested in any feedback on this bike that anyone can give me. All input will be greatly appreciated regarding your experiences and/or opinons, and I thank you in advance!
Thumper26
Well, the Sportster's come along way since 1963, and I'm just about ready to add a Harley to the bikes I've owned. My thoughts are leaning towards the plain vanilla black XL 883 and I'd be interested in any feedback on this bike that anyone can give me. All input will be greatly appreciated regarding your experiences and/or opinons, and I thank you in advance!
Thumper26
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 1
From:
RE: XL 883 - Plain Vanilla
Weelcome from central IL. I'm afraid that you've missed the boat and waited too long to buy if you wanted oil leaks and lack of reliability. Also if you're looking at an '04 or '05, you'll have a rubber mounted engine and a lot of the famous vibration and shaking will be missing.
All in all, I'd have to say that the Sporty's a great bike, lots of fun and good re-sale value. Enjoy and welcome.
All in all, I'd have to say that the Sporty's a great bike, lots of fun and good re-sale value. Enjoy and welcome.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,925
Likes: 5
From:
RE: XL 883 - Plain Vanilla
Hi, and Welcome to the forum! Sportsters are great bike for crankin around on, a lot you can do to them. Plenty of power and handeling also. It all depends on the riding you want to do, around town, back and forth to work, weekend, city driving the sportsters are great. If you plan a lot of highway, longer trips, touring, I would go with a big-twin. The great thing about the sportster is that in a couple of years you want a bigger bike, the value is still there as a trade or sell. Good luck with your decision!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
RE: XL 883 - Plain Vanilla
Like MM said, your satisfaction with the Sporty will depend on the type of riding you'll be doing. Beyond that, it is all about personal preference. Get what you like.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From:
RE: XL 883 - Plain Vanilla
I just purchased an '03 XL883R and really like it. I use it for running around town and to and from work. It works great for this. I would have to agree with the above posts that it is not a long distance motorcycle. I will upgrade someday but mine was in my price range and fit my riding needs. Good luck on finding a bike!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: XL 883 - Plain Vanilla
There are no plain vanilla Harley's. Some have more chrome and more options, but they are all Harley's, and that's not plain vanilla.
Just an opinion.
Regards,
Bill
Just an opinion.
Regards,
Bill
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,925
Likes: 5
From:
RE: XL 883 - Plain Vanilla
ORIGINAL: billnourse
There are no plain vanilla Harley's. Some have more chrome and more options, but they are all Harley's, and that's not plain vanilla.
There are no plain vanilla Harley's. Some have more chrome and more options, but they are all Harley's, and that's not plain vanilla.
Trending Topics
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,954
Likes: 9
From: jacksonville, nc
RE: XL 883 - Plain Vanilla
sportys rule!! i still love mine! just dont take it on long trips any more (no cigarette lighter)
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From:
RE: XL 883 - Plain Vanilla
It's nice to ride a motorcycle period! It's like dying and going to heaven riding a Harley Sportster! Welcome to the forum. I just joined last week and the people as well as all the available information is just great.
John
John
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 50
From: A barrier island in NJ
RE: XL 883 - Plain Vanilla
Thumper here. I did buy the XL1200R back in June and couldn't be happier! It's got the agility and "deep stomach guts" I was looking for, and so far it's been comfortable for me on day-long trips. I just ordered some Willie and Max Super Slant bags for it and will be taking some weekend jaunts to check it out for some touring. I just love the way it handles and IT loves the twisties. I'm an "old school" racer from way back and the ride of the XL1200R is nice and tight - just the way I like it!
Thanks for all the input and feedback, and I agree - there is no "plain vanilla" Harley - my mistake in using the term...
Thumper26
Thanks for all the input and feedback, and I agree - there is no "plain vanilla" Harley - my mistake in using the term...
Thumper26
ORIGINAL: Thumper26
I'm new to this forum but have ridden everything from Maicos, to Yamahas, to Triumphs, and Hondas. I've wanted a Sportster since 1963 but just never got around to being able to cope with all of that oil burning and dripping.
Well, the Sportster's come along way since 1963, and I'm just about ready to add a Harley to the bikes I've owned. My thoughts are leaning towards the plain vanilla black XL 883 and I'd be interested in any feedback on this bike that anyone can give me. All input will be greatly appreciated regarding your experiences and/or opinons, and I thank you in advance!
Thumper26
I'm new to this forum but have ridden everything from Maicos, to Yamahas, to Triumphs, and Hondas. I've wanted a Sportster since 1963 but just never got around to being able to cope with all of that oil burning and dripping.
Well, the Sportster's come along way since 1963, and I'm just about ready to add a Harley to the bikes I've owned. My thoughts are leaning towards the plain vanilla black XL 883 and I'd be interested in any feedback on this bike that anyone can give me. All input will be greatly appreciated regarding your experiences and/or opinons, and I thank you in advance!
Thumper26