When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Got a 1000 miles on my 07 883, 120 miles on the freeway everyday, 65-75 depending on the flow. NOT a problem for the 883. What part of the nation are you in that allows you to push a sustained 80? HD's are also not engineered to be flying around at 80+ like a metric rocket. Apples and Oranges.
im in maryland but in parts of wva the speed limit is 75 with traffic moving around 80 so to go with traffic. dont get me wrong I have no problem staying around 65 70 its just for the most part to stay with traffic 70 is the minimum on the hwy.
Never owned a crotch rocket, but I wouldn't mind having one! Of course, that's only if I could keep my Harley!
Go with the 1200. I have the 883 and although it would probably do me just fine, I often find myself looking for that next gear. One of these days I'll be trading it in for the 1200 I'm sure.
Otherwise, the 883 is still a BLAST to cruise on. I love all of the Sporties!
I did a lot of dirtbike racing/jumping back in the day.
I have the 883 and although it would probably do me just fine, I often find myself looking for that next gear.
The 5th gear is not the best in the 1200 either. I do 50/day on the highwy, speed limit is also 70 here. I sure would like a 6th for sustained driving. After about 10 miles or so I get used to the higher rpms. I guess the nice thing about it is the bike is making more noise to wake up Granny Cadilac with the blinker going before she bumps ya into oncoming traffic.
Doing some research. Found out the 1200 has a 29 tooth trans sprocket. They ship overseas with a 30 tooth, my 883 has a 28. When I put in the 1200 kit, at the very least I'll get the 29 tooth sprocket. The 30 would probably quench everyone's concerns about a 6th gear for the highway, but your sure to loose a little bottom grunt. Tradeoff?
well, i picked up my 883 today. took it for a ride & was pleasantly suprised. of course it's not my old R1, but that was the point of getting this. now i havent had it on the highway yet, but for the speed i was up to, i was happy. cant wait to get this thing inspected & on the road! just after about 20 mins of riding im sold on harleys!
Hey guys - I'm a future Sportster buyer. Experienced rider, just never Harley. Now looking hard at the lineup, and Sportster 1200C looks like it for me. I thought about the 883, (which is still bigger than anything I've ever ridden), but opting for the 1200. I like long cruise sessions on a hot summer day, so figure the 1200 would prove a bit better in the power dept.
The custom I prefer over the R, just for the riding style (love the slightly wider tank, straighter handlebar and forward pegs).
Any difference in ride between the R and the C? Just curious....
I just finished my first long ride on my 06 883C. On the last leg we did about 70 miles on the Oregon Interstate, sustained speed of 65 or so, the last 60 miles on Idaho interstate at 75. I was riding solo & the only mods so far on my bike are windshield & seat. I was worried about the interstate cruising but it seemed to handle the sustained higher speeds fine. I still had plenty of throttle left. I'm sure 2-up it will be a lot different, but solo it seemed fine
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.