Why do people knock 883s ?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 4, 2007 | 08:28 AM

quig

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 374

Likes: 2

From: central WI

Why do people knock 883s ?

I dont get why you hear all the under powered stuff about 883s. The originals were 883cc my 64 CH was plenty fast and would pull the front wheel in 2nd if I wasnt careful. After that was stolen I got a 79 XLH 1000cc it was a pig. Both motors were stock the "little" one was faster. I did get a 1200 this time but only because I got a good deal and dont like the customs as much as the roadsters. I havent been able to ride the 12 yet since it wont stop snowing but I wont be suprised if the old CH is faster

Mar 4, 2007 | 08:58 AM

Uncle Scrooge

Road Warrior

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 1,785

Likes: 4

From: Oklahoma

RE: Why do people knock 883s ?

I had a 1997883 before I got my 1450 Superglide.I'm not into brute acceleration or speed anymore, so the 883 was plenty sufficientfor me in those categories. But I am interested in being able to cruise at highway speed at a low RPM in order to eliminate buzziness. (If I ever move to the 6 speed, this will be the reason.) Larger displacements can pull the same load at amuch lower RPM. Check out the final drive ratios on the differentmodels at the spec section on the HD website. The final drive ratio on my 883 in high gear was comparable to the drive ratio fora 5 speed big twin in fourth gear, and the 1200 was somewhere in between.Still the 883 was a fun bike that gave me a lot of enjoyment!

Mar 4, 2007 | 09:28 AM

cHarley

Club Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 16,320

Likes: 306

From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

RE: Why do people knock 883s ?

I agree with dynageezer. There are a number of threads here on the forum that cover this question endlessly. I think when the snow melts and you strap on the 1200 the difference will be quit noticable. That's not to say that the 883 is underpowered. Many newer riders buy the 883 and are happy with its performance, but as they gain confidence, decide they are ready for more power. Hence they install a 1250 upgrade kit. Others stay content with thier 883s for years. Who knows, maybe after a few months you may be ready for a stage 1 or stage 2 upgrade. It all comes down to how much you like to twist the throttle.

Mar 4, 2007 | 09:33 AM

dbleagle

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 8,438

Likes: 6

From: Gulf Coast of Mississippi

RE: Why do people knock 883s ?

Quote:

ORIGINAL: dynageezer

I had a 1997883 before I got my 1450 Superglide.I'm not into brute acceleration or speed anymore, so the 883 was plenty sufficientfor me in those categories. But I am interested in being able to cruise at highway speed at a low RPM in order to eliminate buzziness. (If I ever move to the 6 speed, this will be the reason.) Larger displacements can pull the same load at amuch lower RPM. Check out the final drive ratios on the differentmodels at the spec section on the HD website. The final drive ratio on my 883 in high gear was comparable to the drive ratio fora 5 speed big twin in fourth gear, and the 1200 was somewhere in between.Still the 883 was a fun bike that gave me a lot of enjoyment!

It all has to do with the torque the bigger motors produce... thus you can pull more weight at a lower rpm...

Charlie D.

Mar 4, 2007 | 09:59 AM

OldFenderGuy

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 8,641

Likes: 26

From: Ozark Country

RE: Why do people knock 883s ?

Quote:

ORIGINAL: quig

I dont get why you hear all the under powered stuff about 883s. The originals were 883cc my 64 CH was plenty fast and would pull the front wheel in 2nd if I wasnt careful.

Not to knock the current day 883's, but the original 900cc Iron Head engine used in the Sportster was a completely different animal than the 883cc EVO used today.

Mar 4, 2007 | 10:42 AM

bigtop1

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 861

Likes: 0

From: Grosse Ile, Mi

RE: Why do people knock 883s ?

The possibility to be able to go faster has been around for centuries in all of us. I guess that makes us all normal. I have the 883. It meets my expectations and needs quite well. I'm very happy, to say the least. I'm confused over this need to make the bike mine totally on an individual basis.You know, changing this and that, modifying, adding to it, etc.It just boggles my mind that I would take a good looking bike and, start fabricatingparts and moving lights and, changing internals to make it a one of a kind. But, I'm doing it and actually having a rewarding, enjoyable time at it. Maybe its because the 883 leaves enough room on its agenda, and, at its cost, to be able to feel this way and do these things.

Mar 4, 2007 | 11:23 AM

RICHE

Tourer

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 264

Likes: 2

From:

RE: Why do people knock 883s ?

The sportster was 883 and the big twin was 1200 for years.Now people seem to think if you dont have 90 cubic inches the bikes a toy.I bet most people dont use half the power that some of these big inch engines produce.Its all about bigger is better.The 883 is plenty fast and as far as making your bike individual thats just the natural course of things.