So I get my 1st HD and it's an 883 Sportster. I'm thinking its just a starter bike for me. turns out my girl loves riding! So we go on a long ride to Cavecreek AZ. I didn't think a Sportster would do to well. It was cool. so we pull into Hideaway and they have all these bad *** bikes there. It was cool that we just pull up on this Sporty. Now she wants a bigger bike or her own does anyone ever take an 883 2 up for long rides?

 

I've done it a couple times maybe 20 miles on my 08 883C. I find it cuts the performance down so much you have to change down gears to go up reasonable hills on the highway, and makes it feel really gutless. Granted it was a combined passenger weight of 300lbs or so...

I think for long distance 2 up I'd get something like a Road King.

 

I rode a Sporty as my regular ride for 8 years. 150 miles two-up seemed like a long day.

 

If she knows how to ride,let her have the 883 and get you a Nightster.

 

Must be a personal thing, we do 2+ all the time and never have any issues. Last year we rode over 5000 miles together.

 

If a 883 is within your budget, it will do just fine 2 up at any distance.

 

My Step dad has a 2002 883 and I have rode 2 up on it before and there was no issue at all. Sure my 1200's have more power to deal with it, but the 883 will go down he road just fine.

 

Think of all the bikes of the past, 500cc, 650cc, 750cc bikes. A Harley 883 has more than enough git up to do 2up. Your limiting factors are going to a seat, and suspension. I do 2up on my bike all the time. Stock shocks set on middle or highest preload depending on weight/what we'll be riding, and the only complaint I have ever had is the sissy bar can make her back go numb. (It's solid mount engine/sissy bar, I can't blame her on that.) So as long as we take a break every 50-60 miles to stretch/get the blood flow back it'll go all day.

 

And how many years have you been riding 5k per year two-up on a Sporty?

 

One of the first thing i did with my 1200 custom was put on a solo seat and remove the passenger pegs. I have never liked riding 2 up. Get a bike for her and ride together, more fun.