2017 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 (XL883N) Review & Ride │ In-Depth Review
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- Опубліковано 11 січ 2017
- Detailed information about the 2017 Harley-Davidson Iron 883. Walk around description of what's new and what to expect out of this staple in the Harley-Davidson line-up. Questions answered like, "who is the bike best for?" "Who isn't it great for?" Test Ride and review done by Matt Laidlaw of Laidlaw's Harley-Davidson
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Matt you sound like talking about sportsters brings you down dude:) Entry level, no good for cruising, not much power, gonna outgrow it etc., etc. I've been riding Harleys since the early seventies- army bikes, trikes, sportsters, outfits, dressers. I rode a customized sporty for years in the early eighties- long distances on really bad dirt roads- and loved it . I've just signed the papers today on a 2016 883. Traded a '99 ultra classic dresser for it. I'm in my sixties and forty five years of farming has taken it's toll- starting to fall apart. I know that I will get on the 883 next week and have a ball- it won't be too much bike in traffic, or too hard to move round in the shop. And slightly wider bars makes them a whole lot easier to throw around. Spread the word mate- sporties are for old farts too- we can downsize and keep riding V twins:) And changing the pipes, air cleaner and a retune will give 'em more punch too if you think you need it. Stay safe dude- and watch out for kangaroos- I do:) JayInOz
JayInOz1 well said
Bad ass men you right I love my sporster and they are fast I drive my 300 miles last weekend
JayInOz1 thank you ! You said wha I had in my mind I’m 48 and love it is not just for baby’s or girls
That is one of the coolest looking bikes I've ever seen I think. I LOVE the new color!!
That red denim is beautiful
Larry Watkins yeah I agree that bike looks great!
I have an '01 sportster XL883 that I bought new and still ride it a lot. It has 109,853 miles and still runs good, although it does burn some oil now. I ride it from Dallas to Colorado every year on vacation and numerous other road trips in Texas during the year. Never had any trouble with it and it's a good highway bike, cruises 80 no problem, about 4000rpm, not an issue. These are GREAT bikes, not good but truly GREAT!
Awesome man. Good to hear.
Trevor Jameson man thats awesome to hear. i have a 48 . love it. i thought about a twin cam but all.the problems with the engine with the cam tensioners it a ticking time bomb . no thanks lol
ALHD 48 , that's right about the twin cam. I've never seen a failure but have read about plenty of them having problems. Sure, they are faster and more powerful but who cares really? A sportster Evo engine, with its geared cams, will last a very long time and gets great gas mileage, and will take you anywhere
Trevor Jameson totally agree. If you have a 1200cc sportster with a stage 1 kit properly dyno tuned its enough for the streets..i had 1000cc ausper sports bikes and never used all that power so sold up got a sporty.
Trevor Jameson> Same feelings here! I got a '03 883r/1200 I bought new. I've put 46,000 miles on and I love it as much now as I did when new. No regrets and I don't care what others say. Every mile on my bike is by myself and I don't own a cell phone. Happy care free miles since I've owned it. Including about 50 dragstrip runs oh ya !!
This is probably the most in-depth review of the 883 I've seen so far. Thank you.
I am an experienced rider that has been riding for twenty years. I love this bike! Third Sportster that I have had.
The perfect entry level bike, but also the perfect "second" bike after a big twin... In the city...This baby will rock! Gorgeous! No wonder it it the best selling Sportster. Soooooooo tempting!
Great work Matt!
im getting on the HD scene iv done loads of research I feel this is gonna be great first choice thanks for the review
Thanks a lot for the great review and also for keeping your word and doing it in the first place :) This will be for sure my first bike and I am super excited.
You'll love it. Thanks for watching.
Nice review. I love those Iron 883's.
Thanks for the video, cleared up a lot of questions I had.
thanks for the video mate, i can't wait to buy it
Great review. I am one of those dirt bike guys you were talking about. Love the style of the bike but I am glad an honest review stating they would probably outgrowing it in year was in the review. Saved me some bucks.
ahh memories. my first bike that I learned to ride on was an 1985 iron head Sportster (1000cc) . Good review as always sir.
I just picked one up last week. Absolutely love these bikes. This isn't my first or third bike. I've been riding for over 15 years now and have owned everything from a big HD street bob to a Ducati Streetfighter. Currently right now I have a 2016 Suzuki DR650, 2014 Yamaha FZ-09 and now this 2017 Iron 883. Same color and all.
Why did I get such a small bike? Because they're fun super solid bikes. I don't live in the city, in fact I live out in the country. Yet with enough work they can be turned into a 1250cc bike in no time. Which in the end does make the bike worth it for people who don't need this as a first.
Before I wasn't into Harleys but when I saw this I was like WOW it really caught my attention to get one it looks absolutely amazing Great Video !!
Great review man. Very helpful thanks
Such a great review. Thorough. Professional. Always improving ! Thank you sir !
Thanks for watching
this is a really good review... actually it's the best review of this bike....
congratulations!
Jose Lemus thank you.
This bike looks great
Great review. I'm a bigger guy too 6'-4" 260lbs and I'll probably end up going with the Street Bob instead of the 883 because of comfort. I wish they made a bigger 883 for us taller guys because it is one stylish machine.
good story big goofy bastard.
@@bobdavis95lol wut
My local dealership needs to just start doing reviews like this. Well they just need to do reviews period. Very well explained everything in the bike.
Thank you. Thanks for watching
bought a 2013 last summer and have been riding it every chance I get. it's my 1st HD, and really my 1st bike. it's a great starter bike for sure. it's fast enough for freeway riding (IMO). I'm looking to upgrade with the next year, but if you're looking a starter, you can't go wrong with the Iron.
HD 883Nightster cool. Thanks for the comment.
Nice review. I'm enjoying my 2016.
I have a 2016 with upgrades that doubled the tourque and horse power easily over 100 mph no problems on high way. Stock sucks bad I test rode it and it like tops out at 70. I got a 1200 conversation with new pipes and new air intake from V&H!
I love my Iron 883
Great video thanks for posting. Subbed. What size harley would you recommend for someone 6ft4. But I am also a new rider so nothing too crazy!
I love that matte red color. Looks great
Great review. I started on an old 883 and it would be screaming whenever I'd be on the highway.
4-5k rpm 😁
I just realized you reviewed my bike haha. I purchased this bike in July : )
haha, I was wondering when someone would recognize their bike in one of my reviews. Don't worry man I treat all the bikes I ride with care.
Of course, I enjoyed your review. Nice video!
Ver good honest review. Ride safe oner many miles with many smiles.
If I wanted a longer rear fender for the 883 kind of like the low rider what would you suggest?
Great videos and fantastic information. I was really interested in this bike but im a fat SOB and short, so I guess ill save for the Dyna Street Bob. My byrd might like this bike though with a SE 1200 conversion as it does have great appeal for the money.
I own one. Nice bike. Getting an FXBB next year.
Hey Matt, Best honest review I've seen so far. Looking to get a Harley. This will be my first Harley. I have previously ridden dirt bikes, and a Suzuki GSXR 600 that I borrowed for a couple rides. I am 6'3" and 200lbs. Would it be better for me to go with a Dyna? I just want something to ride on weekend cruises 25-75 miles at a time. Thanks!
Crystal clear & on point👍 would love to see a 48 review frm u, thanks
atq42 will try to do one soon.
Cool bike. Nice job on the review! 👍🏼
Does HD offer saddlebags for this and Roadster model?
Hey Matt thanks for your detail videos. Im a new rider and really like Harley but im 6'2" and im around 215 220 what do you recomend what kind of bike i should ride? Would the soft tail breakout be a good match? Thats what ive been told. Thanks
Sportster is best bike for 99% of what Kind of riding I do... I’ve owned and ridden just about everything in my 50 years of riding and I will never not have a sportster in my lineup! 🇺🇸
really enjoy the sportser look, im 5'9" about 180 pounds i think id do alot of local driving but id also like to drive from portland oregon to sacramento Cali when i get more experienced is it a good fit for me? based off that info
GREAT Review!
Great review as always. I like how you honestly describe the characteristics of the bike and not just say everything is amazing. Would you recommend a 48 for a person of 6ft? Cheers!
Rick Deckard I would say you're probably as tall as I'd go but there are a lot more things that go into that question. What type of riding, weight, etc
zeallistic Cheers for the reply, so basically I'm 6ft and 190lbs. I enjoy various types of riding, city, country etc. I want a HD but the sportster is the only one in my price range. Which sportster would you recommend for my height and weight? Thanks in advance!
Being a newer rider...I’m 6’1 and 215 would you suggest this bike?
Love the sportster fam.... my dream bike, ever
I'm getting an 883 but I'm keeping my ninja 650. I get it. Not as much power as a bigger engine but I'm not looking to break the speed limit. I'll still have fun in it.
Can you move the controls forward so your more stretched out...? And can you do a review on the new 48 sporty. Thanks...®😎👍
another good review!
Thanks for the honest review, Matt!Do HD dealers as a rule have the same "dealer prep / assembly fee" amount?
No, Setup/prep charges are all over the map.
I will buy mine tommorow! i cant believe it i will have a harley!!!! holy! im so excited!
What's your opinion to the Superlow 883 as a first bike? Would it be better than the Street 750? Would the 883 be too big for a new rider?
Im getting into Harley World however Im thinking about 2 optios, this iron with some updates or Fat Bob Im a little bit afraid of fat bob's tork however I wont be able to change my bike for about 5 years so thats why Im thunking about that big twin engine what do you recommend???
Nice bike, what about closer to 300 lbs, what kind of bike recommendations
Really wanted the Sportster but bars and seat just didn't work with my 59 year old back. Dealer quoted close to 1000.00 for bar conversion, parts and labor, and seat...oh well. In fairness the labor rates were in line with other places and I know a bar switch is very labor intensive.
Great review
Hi matt, my time to buy a HD is coming up, I'll finally be able to purchase one in february 2018. I was keen on the 2018 lowrider but have come to the decision that I really like the look of the sportsters, I've also decided to get a sportster through the fact that I work 6 days a week and as much as I love doing long road trips on my bikes that the chances are I hardly ever will. I know you can upgrade the engine in the 883 to the 1200 but was just wondering if you can upgrade the engine in the forty eight to something bigger? thanks so much for your time, I know you're a busy man.
Good review. I am British and at 58 years old I've suddenly got the Harley thing after years of Japanese bikes. The 883 is on my radar, you mentioned the revs at 70mph, just wanted to know at that speed in 5th what is the 883 revving at? Also looked at the 1200 iron but the tank is on the small side for distance riding. I also like the street rod 750, what's your opinion on that Harley?
I love this one more than the street rod.
I've rode dirtbikes and quads before. Owned a big minibike and did everything with it. I'm 5'10 and 210lbs, I want a fast bike but also within a modest budget. I was interested in the 883 because I figured I could build it up to a 1250cc with a goal of 100hp. Thoughts or recommendations?
Great Review
Matt's video was great, but, I would like to ask someone else who knows, is a sportster a good beginners bike? and how are the maintenance costs? Would appreciate feed back.
Nice review! Thanks!
You're welcome, thanks for watching
I’m 6 foot 250 pounds I love the thing at the same time just like you said I am a new rider so this is perfect for me I live in the city of Philadelphia so I’m constantly making stops I do take it on 95 and the only problem I have with it is not the speed or power it’s the wind so I’m going to invest into a windshield and I’m going to invest into a heavy duty suspension system because again and 250 pounds other than that I changed out the seat I changed out the mirrors I changed out the shifter bag and I put a sissy bar on there I like it for what it is and because it’s customizable and you can upgrade it to 1200 for now that’s enough power for me I appreciate the video it’s a very good review of the bike and that’s my take on it
Just bought a 2020 model and love it. Just wish, wish, wish, they had not changed the logo on the gas tank!
I wonder what the top 5 best selling HD's of the last decade have been? I know the Iron & Street Glide have to be up there.
Yea they are. The Street Glide Special is #1 right now, at least in Southern CA
I’ve had my 2017 since July someone owned it prior to me and looks like he must of gotten that upgrade along with a tank lift different style handle bars. I was going for a more of a bobber look and being a new rider it was recommended now highway speeds 75-80 I’d have to agree the handling feels uncomfortable but some where between 90 and 95 I’ve gone into a bit of a death wobble luckily it just sets it’s self right . Now shifting can be rough I recommend steel toe boots it gives you ankle support and helps pop through the gears also the rear feels funny as far as handling goes the lightest of dirt or water on a black top it want to slide expecilly on a turn but all around I love my bike and don’t really feel I’m ever gonna get rid of it I almost got a Honda rebel I’m glad I went with Harley
Don't laugh now, but I recently bought a Honda PCX150 to commute and I never cared for bikes nor rode on one. Now, not only do I love riding that little scooter, but I want to upgrade to an 883. Can I do it and does it make sense to upgrade to that level of bike?
Good video bro, now Im sure that is the right for me.
Hi, now this is just hypothetical for now (sorry, I'm a lil nervous about sales people and not yet certain I"m going to get a bike, even though you seem to be a great guy), but If I were to want an Iron 883 and in ABS when the model you carry (the Iron 883 in Black denim) doesn't have it, what options do I have if I want to buy an Iron 883 in Black Denim with ABS from you?
Oh man if it was legal I would marry this bike hahaha
Great review. The Iron looks nice, but that 883 just seems gutless. I test rode a Victory Gunner last year and was pretty impressed but I didn't care for the 650+ lbs frame. I think the Forty-Eight might be the perfect mix between city riding and the longer 150 mile trips on WOH.
is this bike is comfy enough for ROAD TRIPS like VA to TX...!!
Is this ok for a rider 5'4" height?
Do a review on the street 750 or street rob!
Dude, I want that helmet, and where you get that?
i just started riding 3 months with this bike and I already want an upgrade but that's fine I'm keepin the 883 for another year then takin her in to a reputable shop to get a quote on the 1275 upgrade , and on Harleys 1200. not trading this bike in
HI MATT!! good overview i own a 2011 with 75k on it its been very dependable ;mine is yellow i have had so many compliments from young riders out their!! its been out in gaspe cape britain all of quebec ontario ext ext one great thing about this machine modesty and nostalgia its a great motorbike!! i do admit when on long trips i have to stop and streatch a bit and i must refuel every 200 km but thats what riding is about
will this bike do for short riders?
probably the biggest thing i like about this bike is you can make it into what ever you want want a cafe racer you got it want a small bagger it can do that want a bobber hell yea its cheaper and if your just starting out its easy to learn on need to go faster theirs a 1200 conversion kit plus loads upon loads of performance parts for it and affordable it's what you want it to be
Freakn beautiful bike!
hello i been looking at a iron 883 or a 72. what I like about the iron is the gas tank bigger then the 72.. they both look great.. idk what to get lol
They stopped making the 72. The last yr for it was 2016.
That explains so much your freaking tall. I was like I have a sporty 72 I was thinking about stepping up to a street bob or standard and was like shit those still look small. Maybe I need a road king. 6'6 explains why that street bob looked cramped in your video lol. I'm 5'9 235 (round) lol.
thank you for the review im looking at an 883 for my possible first bike. i fit the smaller guy group at 5 9 and 170lbs. my question is im already sure if i get this bike Id do the 1200cc upgrade but im curious if i do plan on driving it freeway a good deal of the time im riding it will the upgraded engine be enough for a smaller person as myself to get up to speed on the freeway n not bog out thanks
Brian C I'm 5"8 and 140 new rider and I was also going to buy the 883, is kinda small but when researching used bikes it seemed a lot had low miles which made me think it was not enough bike. I ended up with a used 16 Slim S which has plenty of power for the freeway and a lot of the new features such as throttle by wire, cruise, clutch, security without having to trade in or sell a bike which wasn't going to be the One. I would definitely look at used low mile bikes either way. Good Luck
hey someone actually answered and still wasnt this guy lol anyways thanks for responding to me i didbend up getting the iron 883 im more thsn happy w it as a new rider and someone whose 5 9 and about 165lbs. its enough bike for what i wanted and looks n feels grest om the road. thanks again
WHY DOESN'T THE MOTOR CO PUT THE REAR TAIL LIGHT AND PLATE HOLDER IN A SENSIBLE PLACE, LIKE ATOP THE REAR FENDER?
I'm 5'11 what would you recommend if I did love this bike for me to adjust or mod for a more comfortable fit?
I’d ride it stick at first and see how you feel. You could probably go to forward controls if you started doing longer rides. It would stretch you out more.
How much horse power do these bikes have?
Are there any sportsters that would be okay for 2 people on short trips? (Under 4 hours). I'm 6" at 240 and my wife is 5,5 at like 120. I want a dyna but the price point is keeping me at the sportsters. Thinking of the 1200 custom or the roaster. What do you think?
Pred get a used He's for sale.Im sure you can find a used softail that you will like.Good luck and ride safe.
My opinion on this bike, based on 2 test rides and a day trip in the Alp mountains near Salzburg:
The bike is a lot of fun; works great for me. Ergonomics for my high 1,70m is perfect, the good vibrations just right. The power for my style of riding, (easy and touristic) is good enough. Even the ~ 15 km on the autobahn back to Salzburg were very enjoyable. Fuel consumption and range is ok.
I love the overall styling, the visibility of the engine and the wheel designs. I dislike the visible cables, especially over and behind the rear cylinder. Front fender looks cool, however, on wet street or in rain, I guess you and the bike get dirty very quickly. Not a point in California ? Is dislike that the fuel tank cap cannot be locked.
The main downside of this bike is the faint sound (reminded me of an automatic sewing maschine) , at least the Irons sold in Europe. Aftermarket pipes for good sound costs about 3000 Euros (including labour), so all in all quite expensive. I keep safeing for a softail.
As a former owner of an 883, I can say that HD does that bike an injustice by not adding a sixth gear to it. That was the primary reason I traded it as it I felt I was overworking it at just 80MPH. It should be comfortable at that speed & then top out around 120mph. That said, great review & great channel. This is coming from an owner of two BMW motorcycles who still likes HD.
Thanks I appreciate the feedback.
You could have put a 1200 sprocket on it. I have an 07 1200C and between 70-75 it hits it really nice sweet spot where the mirrors are clear and it is running smooth. The motor is turning around 3000 rpms and doesn't sound stressed at all.
Jacob James. Thank you. I never knew that was an option with belt driven motorcycles. I did contemplate a chain conversion kit along with the 1200 upgrade but felt I was trying to make the sporty into something it wasn't. Like a heavy 'murcan version of a Ducati Monster.
That's what's stopping me from buying a Harley. Making it into the motorcycle I want will cost so much more than it's worth.
Derek Jonez Jacob James makes a good point. Or you could get your current cylinders bored and have a 1200. I did and kept my stock heads and cams and stock gearing. I now have way more torque and highway speeds are no issue. I've got 30,000 on conversion and 46,000 on bike." Making it something it's not". Nonsense! Happy days!
What helmet are you wearing ?
question for you guys...what is the cheapest harley davidson bike and how much is in US Dollar
Hey Matt. I've got a quick question for you. I'm seriously looking into getting my 1st bike. I a bit torn between the 883 and the 48. I'm 5'8 and about 210. The 48 has more power but bigger tank, while the 883 has center controls and is less likely to scrape than the 48. What's your opinion on the better bike to get for the first time. I do have some riding experience from when I was a kid motocross racing. Thanks for your help!
Micky Hayden are you doing freeway riding at all? If you are get the 48. If it's just around town then you're probably fine with the 883. I personally would get the 48. Just better power and I like the fat front tire. The gas tank will need to be filled often which is a pain. If you have previous riding experience and you're 210 LBs get the 48
Matt Laidlaw. Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely be doing some freeway riding, especially when I head to other cities. Looking fwd to getting my first HD. Thanks again Matt.
Just bought me a 2017 iron 883 today🙌🏽
+Delicia Bartee very nice congrats!
Matt Laidlaw thanks much!
Delicia Bartee how tall are you?
juan ruiz 5’7” .....i can flat foot on the iron comfortably
Delicia Bartee I’m 6,1, idk how well I’ll fit it
What do you recommend for 25 mile highway commute for 38yr old. 5' 10" 220lb with occasional low back/neck pain. Beginner bike.
Shaun Moreno wheelchair
I have always been confused as to why the XL is considered a girls bike or not a real Harley Davidson. Jump off your Street Glide and let us see how long you last on the XL. Best bike I have ever owned. Mine us an XL1200N, it is hardcore, raw, and old school mechanical reliable. If you want to ride this bike should be on your list. If you can't stand being uncomfortable or cold or you can't get a bug on you, then get a faired bike. I ride motorcycles because I love riding. The Sportster is a motorcycle
You seriously do a great job on reviews! Thanks for all the hard work that goes into it.
Detroit Dizzle thanks man. Thanks for watching.
You gonna do a review of the new Roadster?
TheCrewgadjy I already have a review up on that bike. It's under 2016. It's the exact same bike.
I'm thinking about getting an 883. I'm possibly on the taller side of what people might say the bike is good for (5'10" with legs that are quite long for my height. I'm around 150lbs)... When people say that this is a beginner bike relating to the engine... or that people will outgrow it... I'm wondering if they are making that statement with the assumption that the riders they're speaking to will want faster and faster bikes. And.. when they say that it isn't that good on a highway, I wonder if those statements are purely general, or if what they're saying is more like "It's not that good when compared to larger cruisers"?
I don't care about going fast. I don't think I'd want a bike any heavier or more expensive than a Sportster. My last bike was a 250cc Dual Sport that did 0-60 in around 7 seconds, and probably topped out around 100. I never wished it had more power. That is plenty for me. It was comfortable for me to ride that tall, light bike on the freeway, aside from the seat being really hard.
So - What are your thoughts on an 883 for mature adults who don't care about fast acceleration, and don't want a huge Harley? And people who, when they do go out of the city, will ride mostly on highways, up to 200 or 300 miles per day max, and are not in any hurry (would very rarely ride on Interstates).... people who, if they don't get a sportster, would instead get some other small cruiser like a Bolt, or a different format of bike that is fairly similar to the Sportster in weight and power? Are there still reasons that folks like this will 'outgrow' a Sportster?
Is this a good first bike? Ik a lot of people say get a used first but i don't want to go through the hassle of buying and selling. I just want a good, fun and nice bike that i can keep for a long time to enjoy my ride.
Mr. Savage Yea. It's a good first bike. Get an engine guard. When you're learning how to ride chances are that you might drop your bike. This will save you some money and heart ache.
hy matt. I have a problem. Im a little bit bigger than you: 6,7-6,8 and around 240 pounds. The thing is that i am a big fan of harley davidson, and also sporster fan. The iron isnt very expensive, also the 48, but you said that isnt going to fit me at all. So my question is: for a guy that doesnt have much money to spend on a bike but wants a harley, would you recomend the 48 over the iron, or is it better the iron with a forward controls installation? Thank you for all you videos and keep going. Congratulations from Spain!!
If you have to get a Sportster than at your size I would get a roadster. Or get a used touring bike. Get something 2009 or newer. You need the newer frame
Right thanks!! I will be looking to some touring bikes. But i am really interested with the iron and the 48. The 48 does have forward controls and the iron dont, and i saw your video with the 2017 HD 48 but you dont said how the bike fits you, and here in Spain we doesnt have HD dealers where you can test ride their bikes. I am a beginner rider so i am looking better to the HD entry level models. Maybe a touring bike its too big for me at the beginnig. So between a 2017 HD 48 and a 2017 HD iron with forward controls, which one would you say it will "better" with my size? Thank you again
Nice Jacket
Is ODB on vacation? Or did he get a job with Honda.