You can do so much to a 883 and I love it if you wanna make your sportster a bagger that goes long distance you can do that and not spend 30 grand upfront you can do it slowly or don’t do it at all some people are just haters I love my 883
I get around 37 MPG cruising at 90-95 mph on the interstate on my 5 speed Dyna. That 6th gear is only necessary if you want to go over about 125 mph or you really like to lug the engine, starving it of oil and wearing it out prematurely!
Haha calling the Sportster a Rebel for 2 minutes probably didn't convince a lot of Sportster haters to come around. I never got the hate. I live in Chicago. The 883 is a decent city traffic bike. Riding a Street Glide or some larger bike in city traffic is annoying. Those are highway bikes. Your point about having different bikes for different purposes should be well heeded.
Haven't had the hate, love my iron 883, never been a part of the whole image thing. I ride what I like for the last 50 years. I also ride my zuma 50 and love it too.
20 year old son buying his first harley, 100 anny 883, we have 05 Road King and 18 steeet bob, very...excited for him, he can't stop talking about, told him I cant wait to ride it...God bless you all.
Lost my dyna about 3 yrs ago to the repo man, had to quit my job to enter chemo and radiation treatments. BEAT stage 3 lung cancer, still not 100% but getting better. Hopefully gonna get another bike soon? Buddies ask me what kind, I tell em the kind thats got two wheels and handlebars.... Its all about the ride.........
@@chefmax922 I go 5/5/20 for my next 6month check up, as of now I 'holding steady', no signs of the cancer. Currently being treated for damage to my lower back, good bit of nerve pain but the doctor stated I should see good results in about a month. Guess the cancer left me less than perfect, lol. Pulled a muscle, sliped a disc. Disc is back in place but x-rays show a good bit of degeneration of vertebrate and disc's. Radiologist told me it is due to the massive amount of radiation. He stated a term 'thinning of the bone', a direct relation to the radiation. If everything goes as planned I could be close to my old self soon. Currently, other than the back issue I would say I'm about 65-70% of what I was before cancer. I would love to return to my work but as of now it looks as if that's not going to happen. I still function just a lot slower. I know I'll never be 100% but at least I'm still on the top side of the grass and I thank God for that......not bad concidering they had told me I had about 90 days to live, thats about 5-1/2 years ago....no retreat, no surrender.......my heart and prayers go out to all who are in the battle, it is nothing nice......
The 883 Iron is a damn fine motorcycle. It's very affordable and reliable. It can run around town, or go interstate speeds. And it's damn good looking. So there, I said it.
As far as the 3.3 gallon gas tank is concerned, I have one on my 2005 Sporty and I love it. Switching to a 4.5 gallon tank would require a different seat and move me back 1.5". I know this because my bike came with an additional seat from a 1200 custom and it not only showed a gap behind my 3.3 gallon tank and the seat, it made me stretch farther to reach the handlebars. This affected the handling and my lower back in a bad way. Also, the extra 1.2 gallons of gas in a full tank makes the bike more top heavy. I'm vertically challenged with short arms and short legs. I love my smaller tank. As far as the buckhorn style handlebars are concerned, I disagree about my wrists falling naturally into that position. I had a Honda Magna with "buckhorns" and my right wrist started to ache about 30 minutes into a ride because I was not twisting my wrist toward me, I was twisting inward toward the gas tank. My lower stock handelebars on my standard Sporty are perfect. I can ride for hours with no problems at all with my wrist or lower back (see the note above regarding the 4.5 gallon gas tank). The only other bike that came close to my standard Sporty was my 1983 Suzuki GS650 GL. The mid-controls and handlebars were the same. I've been riding since 1964 on a bunch of styles of motorcycles from different countries. Granted, by body size (5'6" tall) puts me in a unique group but this is what works for me. It may not work best for everyone else but I've tried the cruiser slouching, hands in the air position with the arms hugging and it may look cool on Main Street, but definitely not for going on long trips in the mountain twisties. And speaking of mountain twisties, my little 883 with the shorter gears loves them and only tolerates the interstate which is perfect for my style of riding. It isn't called the SPORTster for nothing. Did I say I love my bike?
Man I love that you quote scripture in all your videos that is one thing that I have noticed and really appreciate because some of them have hit home pretty close
My first bike was a ‘03 HD Sportster Hugger. Short pipes, powder coated black, and super fun to ride. Enough speed and torque to be fun, but not enough to get a beginner into too much trouble (~95mph max).
I bought my XLH new in 1979. I never felt the need to impress or compete with others, and never felt the need to own multiple bikes. Myrtle is my primary transportation still after 40 years, and although I kicked it up to 80CID, I did that to better climb steep hills in my area of the country, without downshifting. Besides a handmade seat and controls that give me leg room, I've been very happy with my Sportster. Oh yeah, it's a 4 speed.
Actually I think I would like this bike. Good looking, sounds great. Fun run around bike. I see a lot of custom interpretations with the Iron 883. Build it your way and have fun.
My iron is definitely my daily bike because I live in the city. Especially when its cheaper on gas and it is easy to park on any street for free for 12 hours just slide in between two cars. Greatest feeling ever. Smaller bikes are really a trend in urban areas by small I mean can fit in tight spaces. I will say I have only got hate from my old man who hasnt owned a bike in over two decades so I dont bother with him much. Very customizable bike and you give a lot of big twins the slip when you do a 1275 conversion. Got to love that. Light fast and loud. But always well maintained. Ride safe Y’ALL!
Back in 78 I bought a new 79 XLH. Some of my friends had bikes, among them a 900 Kaw, a 550 Kaw, a Honda 750 and a couple had dirt bikes. No judgement ever, we bought what we liked and what worked for us. Harley's weren't the big image thing back then. Sure there was somewhat of an image but I was a 21 yr old kid driving around with Levi's, converse athletic shoes and a Lasobek Harley Davidson t shirt. Only leather was my belt. Other Harley riders still waved and complimented my shiny red sportster. Some congratulated me on getting a new bike. The point is these are all opinions. There are certainly faster bikes but what if you don't want to go fast? There are certainly bikes that are more refined but what if you don't mind the vibration and extra maintenance? If you enjoy every minute you are on your bike then you own the right bike. I have read opinion pieces on Sportsters over the years and this is the first time I've commented. Harley makes Sportsters because people like them and buy them. If you don't like them then just don't buy one. Harley's aren't built for everybody, never were. But whatever you do, do not buy for image unless you just want to look at the bike sitting in your garage. Riding the wrong bike sucks. So if you are in the market go test drive every bike in the category you like that you can. One will stand out from the rest. The only opinion that counts is yours.
Really love your videos guys....i really want to get an iron 883...i grew up riding on the back of my Dad's Super Glide and later on his FXR. After coming back from Iraq I had a lot of issues with being on the road due to PTSD from roadside bombs. I am finally after 15 years starting to be comfortable being on the road again without swerving away from every single peice of trash in the road lol. I think it's time to finally ride. Thanks for bringing so much fun, and objective views to the bikes you review.
Not sure why so many don't like them. Mine is my boy hood dream and I ride it everywhere! For real, I do. Even a 7 hour trip each way for lunch and then right back in the same day. Btw, I was the only one that rode a bike on that trip. Everyone else were in cars.
Bricklinsv1970 I rode (and still own it) a Honda shadow for years. Guys at work used to give me so much crap over it. “Buy a real bike...” Funny enough my bikes are the only ones I ever see parked in the parking lot
I've owned many the Harleys and bought a brand new 06 Honda Shadow 1100 Shadow Spirit. Best bike I ever owned. I have 45,000 + miles on it and nothing major has gone wrong. Runs like day #1 still. I think it will out live me and I'm 48 years old. great bike! And fast!
Bricklinsv1970 heck yeah. Mine is a little 750, but absolutely great bike. Well balanced, great lean angle, super reliable. I’m currently on a 2012 Dyna
Bricklinsv1970 My son has an 06 1100 Spirit too. His has been very reliable over the past 12 years and 40+k miles too. My 04 Harley Softail has been at least as reliable with only clutch cable in the past 14 years and 55k miles. It's not what you ride, it's where you're going.
As another commenter mentioned. I absolutely love my 883. Its a bike that i can own and still be able to live,pay bills,raise my kids. A motorcycle is a toy. Something to enjoy and have fun with. Its not an essential item. For that reason i think a well maintained 883 is by far the best value out there. I am not in the place to spend 20-30K on a bike and even if i was i wouldn't do it. That's just me. hey to each is own!!! Thanks for the video
I have a 2011 sporster 883 xl white i just fixed today. After an accident it was a hit and run I always have compliments every time i ride it including today too I love my bike its more than enough for me, cruising around
After 3 years on my Sportster, I wanted it to have a bigger engine, an extra gear, a little more comfort, and a more solid ride. Answer: DYNA. Ding ding ding!! The Sportster is great at being what it is.
Love my ‘02 Sporty 883 Hugger. Lots of compliments wherever i go. Wouldn’t trade it, but would get a 2nd bike, something a little bigger and quicker for longer rides, like maybe a Road King.
started on a sportster, moved to Fatboy and now Road King but plan to get another sportster for fun. Really miss the simplicity of that bike and the mod options.
Hey thanks for watching the channel. I ve paid over 300 for good set of gloves. There are alot of cheap gloves out there. But the M1 Moto gloves are not. These were really expensive to make because of the materials that we put in them. I will be wearing these gloves almost every day when I ride and I value my hands. So I wanted the best
I would never want another rider to go down, but if you did and tried to brace yourself with your gardening gloves they would be picking asphalt out of your palms. Not to mention the friction burns.
Screw the haters. Love my Rebel... i mean Sportster. Lol. Got my 09 xl883c back in Dec 08. Intake, pipes, tuned. The 5spd has been great, tho at highway speeds, it utterly screams. 70mph @ almost 4500rpm. And i agree on wrists. Bar placement on the Custom is great, besides wrist angle. This is my first and only bike, and the 883 was a great choice. Plenty quick enough that you won't get into too much trouble.
What a B/S premise. My now 29 y/o daughter got a (2 y/o) 2007 XL883R when she was 16. She still rides it / loves it/ and doesn't want to trade up. Dependable as all get-out!
I’ve had a 2001 Harley Sportster and a 2001 Harley Ultra at the same time, I now have a 2003 Goldwing and a 1985 Honda Shadow. It all depends on whether you’re going to ride for 3 days or 3 hours, it’s also nice to just ride what you’re in the mood to ride. If you’re not worried about having new bikes, you can have a lot fun for very little money.
You make a lot of sense my friend. I'm the fortunate owner of a 1989 H.D. E Glide Classic which I've had for thirty years and I take very good care of it both mechanically and motorwise. If I had a sportster sitting next to it my riding time would probably at least double.
LOL , he is calling the Sporty , a Rebel , he is a clown . Needing a big red nose , and floppy feet maybe , funny stuff . I have had my 883 for 23 years , never once grown tired of it , I have had eight bigger Harley-Davidson's , and eleven metric cruisers , some as big , and or bigger than the Sportster . At 5' 2" my 883 fits me well , has been the most dependable , and the longest kept machine I have ever owned . I still love this bike , for its simplicity , ease of obtaining custom , and original parts , and the un ending style . Ride safe .
My dad owns a Harley Sportster 1200T super low and it’s great. Very low vibration, it’s heavy, comfortable, and has a lot of power. There’s nothing wrong with sportsters just get the right one.
Sean, for the record: Sportsters got five-speed transmissions in 1991; prior to that it was a four-speed. Belt drive came along in 1993. My first Sportster was an '86 883 with a four-speed. It was great! Rode it all over hell. My latest is a '96 five-speed, belt-drive which is...nicer...I guess...but I'd own that '86 again in a heartbeat if not for those damn, ugly curved rear fender struts. Yuck.
Something sketchy going on within the Matrix. 5 minutes prior to watching this video I was looking at parts to fit onto my Rebel classic from a Sportster 883 as I want to do a replica build (I don't have a full license so I'm limited to what I can ride). I came here looking for videos to watch on Sportsters so I can get it right, and here we are.... Mind blown.
I love the 883 it is what I think of when I think Harley Davidson. Shame they're discontinuing them. If I could get away with having more than 1 bike I'd have an 883 in my garage.
Looking to replace my Fat Boy with this. Seems like a great bike. Smaller, easier to handle, easier for city riding, cheaper to maintain while still being a Harley. Can enjoy other life luxuries without breaking the bank.
Just picked up my brother's 2000 sportster 883 screaming eagle and it's a great bike...rough around the edges, I am use to the Honda goldwing 1800 but this bike sounds great, runs great but has its flaws...absolutely hands down one of the better starter bikes.
First, I ride a '99 Bandit 1200. I know it's apples to oranges. Test rode an 883 at the very friendly and accommodating HD dealer here in N.J. I love the way it looks. Stared at it for 1/2 hour after I brought it back in. The ride? Reminded me of my first ride, a Rupp Mini Bike .
I just traded in my 2019 forty eight special Sportster for a 2019 Street Glide 107 and it is a big difference I love the comfort of the Street Glide but I know that I'm going to miss that jumping on that Sportster that I had all set up how I liked it and just bobbing through town like it was nothing you are totally right on that
I got the xlc package on my 07 883 and ive taken it from San Antonio to Corpus Christi which is about 150 mile give or take 5 miles man I love my bike wouldn’t give it up for anything in the world.
no this bike is amazing. looks amazing. 545lbs perfect to begin harley riding with. comfortable. looks sick with ape hanger hanle bars (Like you have) 10/10
I have a 2002 883 Sportster and it vibrates so bad I can't ride it more the 30 minutes without my left hand going numb. It also need you to tighten down the bolts all the time, because it vibrates them lose. Just yesterday the shifter bolt cam lose and had to slip the clutch to get some where to put the bolt back. He is right you need a second bike to go with a sportster, but then again why not just buy the other bike and leave the sportster at the dealership. I really don't see any place this bike fits in. If you are a beginner I suggest you get a dirt bike and go to the trails. It teaches you to handle a bike and what to do when surprises show up in front of you. You will crash but you will be going 15 to 20 MPH and it won't kill you. The move up to a used 500 cc bike and ride it around to see if you want to get out in traffic. Remember that car is 5 feet away and it will kill you. Then if you want bigger pass on the sportster and go to the big bike. Ride it around the neighborhood for a while to get use to the weight and then hit the open road. But as far as this sportster I find no use what so ever for it. As he said it isn't fast and it isn't quick and you don't want to be on it for very long time. Just my opinion of the sportster.
David I'm just telling my experience with this dumb bike. As far as continuing to make the bike it's a Harley. They are riding on their name. They make the 750 and 500 still and I hear there bigger junk then the 883. But they have the Harley name on them. People seem to only look at the name when buying the bikes. But in my opinion Harley makes sorry bikes in comparison to other bikes. And their expensive. But I don't look at the name, I look at the quality of the ride, the power and speed of a bike. I'm not a sheeple. Even the guy in the video said that you would want to have a second bike if you owned a sportster. These are not my words, but the man in the videos. Now I'm not saying that you can't buy a Harley 883. Hell go right ahead. As I said these are my experiences and opinions of the 883. But for me, unless there are major changes at Harley which I dought will ever happen, this Harley will be the last Harley I will ever own. But anything you get have a nice ride.
David Harley doesn't build bikes that all people want. They build the bikes they want and then expect the people to buy them because they are Harley's. That is apparent in the fact they only build "V" twin. Now the Japanese manufacturers build that "V" twin if that is what you want. They also build a "V" 4. They build a straight 2 and Honda just came back out with the old straight 4 cylinder. Honda even builds an opposing 4 for their gold wing. You see they build a variety of engines for different people. But David if you don't believe me and want an 883 TYA. I would suggest getting the bigger cruiser because I think they puts some rubber mounts on them to cushion the blow of those big pistons going up and down, but if its the 883 you want...….ok. Just sayin.
I have a 1994 Sportster. Not an 883, and is about to be even larger. Love this bike. I am building a street tracker out of it. 1400CC. I'm going big twin hunting with it. Tired of all the piglet jokes. Love the bike. It's a keeper. Gas mileage is going to be lousy!
If you ride 4th gear up to your cruising speed then shift to 5th you will never be feeling you need 6th If you twist shift twist shift twist shift twist shift into 5th at 50mph then when you hit 60 you will feel you need 6th........and you're actually just getting too where 5th will run good. If you're going to cruise at 70 then run it up to 70 in 4th.......don't worry it will handle it
I love my 883, for my 64 mile round trip to work.. everyone likes it and it handles great. cheep on gas. my only complaint is the 2gal tank.. thats it... I have plenty of mods to make it unique/my bike..
That exhaust sounds sick! The reason Harley Davidson only makes the sportster in the 5-speed is because it's meant to just cruise around town on & geared low.
That's my thing. Too small. I'm a bigger guy so they are just too awkward for me. I also dont like the way they look generally but looks ain't everything
My first bike was an 883 sporty and it was a 4 speed. I loved the bike but it really didn't like to cruise at highway speeds. 65 mph was about as fast as you could cruise on that bike. I loved that bike but I couldn't keep up with my buddy's.
Harley introduced the Sportster in 1957. You don't keep producing
a model for over sixty years because "everyone hates it".
Yeah it’s the same way with meat and stuff, you just don’t
It's nice to see someone with common sense
I've had a sportsters to road king and honestly I'll take a sportster over them all
You can do so much to a 883 and I love it if you wanna make your sportster a bagger that goes long distance you can do that and not spend 30 grand upfront you can do it slowly or don’t do it at all some people are just haters I love my 883
@@user_name35tdekb4 lmao
What you CAN do when you own just the Sportster is continue to feed your family, pay your mortgage, own a car...
the Harley-Davidson Rebel not to be confused with the Honda Sportster
😂😂😂
That’s what I was thinking too
Have I been saying rebel
whatever..anyways both bikes a awesome.
Hahaha
You have no idea how much i don't care what others think of my 883 when i'm on it.
Same here
Same
People love my Snake venom 883
I feel the same way with my ironhead
Loved my 1998 xlh, put a lot of miles on it.
Sportster are arguably one of the most loved bikes
So why did they stop making them?
@@Frip36 you could make that argument for pretty much every discontinued vehicle.
Anyone else just impressed with how well the sticky note stayed on the tank? lol
yup lol
Yep it's from the pussies mum says be careful son I love you
Thats a tough ass post it note
Hell yeah. On a wet gas tank no less
DAN DAN THE DISCOUNT MAN
@Vin Commons WE SWITCHED TO CHEVY
@Bunnyshooter 223 NO BOOK KNOWLEDGE
CUZ I'M GOOD LOOKIN
@@deanmlshredder👉🍌🍌🦍
They won't make it a 6 speed because then some people wouldn't buy the bigger bikes
This bike would be fun with a 6-speed transmission.
I get around 37 MPG cruising at 90-95 mph on the interstate on my 5 speed Dyna. That 6th gear is only necessary if you want to go over about 125 mph or you really like to lug the engine, starving it of oil and wearing it out prematurely!
They were 4 speeds and chain up to 1990. I had one. Changed to 5 speed and belt in 1991
@@johnschnellbach986 partially true, they had belt drive pre 1990 as well, I had an 89 883 that was belt drive
What's with the title? Lots of people love Sportsters!
It's not what he's writing, it's where he's going... on his rebel.
Lotsa people love 1200's. What do 883's push...like 48hp? No offense, just another rando opinion.
@@ima_cringy_tryhard yeah the extra 320ci gets you 6 hp
Clickbait...
This entire channel is click bait, he's a salesman.
Haha calling the Sportster a Rebel for 2 minutes probably didn't convince a lot of Sportster haters to come around.
I never got the hate. I live in Chicago. The 883 is a decent city traffic bike. Riding a Street Glide or some larger bike in city traffic is annoying. Those are highway bikes.
Your point about having different bikes for different purposes should be well heeded.
I live on a tiny island where the top speed limit is 40mph (barely any roads) so the 883 makes sense for me haha. Plus I'm a small lady.
I've had my 883 for 25 yrs & I still love her!
Haven't had the hate, love my iron 883, never been a part of the whole image thing. I ride what I like for the last 50 years. I also ride my zuma 50 and love it too.
me to mate i ride fatboy klr 650 honda ct 110 i love them all 👍👍👍
I love Sportsters 883 or 1200.
I ride a Softail Deluxe.
Would absolutely have a Sportster as an only bike.I don't give a damn what anyone else thinks.
A '93 Sportster 883 is my only bike. It's been my only bike since '93 and, like you, I don't give a damn what anyone thinks!
Had mine 40 years,and will pass it on to family when I die in ten or so years.
20 year old son buying his first harley, 100 anny 883, we have 05 Road King and 18 steeet bob, very...excited for him, he can't stop talking about, told him I cant wait to ride it...God bless you all.
Ridden most Harleys a stripped down Sportster is most fun.
If it has two wheels you will have a blast plain and simple
Lost my dyna about 3 yrs ago to the repo man, had to quit my job to enter chemo and radiation treatments. BEAT stage 3 lung cancer, still not 100% but getting better. Hopefully gonna get another bike soon? Buddies ask me what kind, I tell em the kind thats got two wheels and handlebars.... Its all about the ride.........
@@jamesmoore3346 god bless you. Amen. How are you doing now?
@@chefmax922 I go 5/5/20 for my next 6month check up, as of now I 'holding steady', no signs of the cancer. Currently being treated for damage to my lower back, good bit of nerve pain but the doctor stated I should see good results in about a month. Guess the cancer left me less than perfect, lol. Pulled a muscle, sliped a disc. Disc is back in place but x-rays show a good bit of degeneration of vertebrate and disc's. Radiologist told me it is due to the massive amount of radiation. He stated a term 'thinning of the bone', a direct relation to the radiation. If everything goes as planned I could be close to my old self soon. Currently, other than the back issue I would say I'm about 65-70% of what I was before cancer. I would love to return to my work but as of now it looks as if that's not going to happen. I still function just a lot slower. I know I'll never be 100% but at least I'm still on the top side of the grass and I thank God for that......not bad concidering they had told me I had about 90 days to live, thats about 5-1/2 years ago....no retreat, no surrender.......my heart and prayers go out to all who are in the battle, it is nothing nice......
@@jamesmoore3346 how old are you?
I LOVE Sportsters.....They are the hotrod Harley!
that would be the HD VRod.
@Andrew Almond 😂
I geared my 76 xlch top end because 1000 is enough power to get off the line anyway.
The 883 Iron is a damn fine motorcycle. It's very affordable and reliable. It can run around town, or go interstate speeds. And it's damn good looking. So there, I said it.
Heith Watkins but the range is only like 100 miles? That’s killing me.... CBR500 has double the range.
@@kw.g who cares about range in motorcycles? You are not going to daily drive it
Juhani Tanskanen I’m going to ride it daily...
@@kw.g swap the tank..wats the deal? 😎
@@kw.g they also come stock with 4.5 gallon tanks. Ive only run it to empty twice and it was dead nuts at 200 the first time and 180 the second.
Love my sportster, everything I need in a small package. Sportsters Rule 🤙
As far as the 3.3 gallon gas tank is concerned, I have one on my 2005 Sporty and I love it. Switching to a 4.5 gallon tank would require a different seat and move me back 1.5". I know this because my bike came with an additional seat from a 1200 custom and it not only showed a gap behind my 3.3 gallon tank and the seat, it made me stretch farther to reach the handlebars. This affected the handling and my lower back in a bad way. Also, the extra 1.2 gallons of gas in a full tank makes the bike more top heavy. I'm vertically challenged with short arms and short legs. I love my smaller tank.
As far as the buckhorn style handlebars are concerned, I disagree about my wrists falling naturally into that position. I had a Honda Magna with "buckhorns" and my right wrist started to ache about 30 minutes into a ride because I was not twisting my wrist toward me, I was twisting inward toward the gas tank. My lower stock handelebars on my standard Sporty are perfect. I can ride for hours with no problems at all with my wrist or lower back (see the note above regarding the 4.5 gallon gas tank).
The only other bike that came close to my standard Sporty was my 1983 Suzuki GS650 GL. The mid-controls and handlebars were the same. I've been riding since 1964 on a bunch of styles of motorcycles from different countries. Granted, by body size (5'6" tall) puts me in a unique group but this is what works for me. It may not work best for everyone else but I've tried the cruiser slouching, hands in the air position with the arms hugging and it may look cool on Main Street, but definitely not for going on long trips in the mountain twisties.
And speaking of mountain twisties, my little 883 with the shorter gears loves them and only tolerates the interstate which is perfect for my style of riding.
It isn't called the SPORTster for nothing. Did I say I love my bike?
The pink note was to remind you it was not a Honda rebel.
Rebel 883
Honda Davidson
Aaron Blossfield REBEL THIS DICK
It's ok, Aaron doesn't ride anyway, just trolls from mommy's basement...
5 speed Sportsters weren't available until 1991, so not 4 or 5 decades...
My 1979 XLH is a 4 speed, so yeah. I just love these self proclaimed experts too. Thanks for pointing that out bro.
@@Joe-kb1sm Looked through this thread for these two specific comments
Yup. My brand new 1990 883 Sportster had a 4 speed
Right, I had an 1989 1200 sportster it was a 4 speed
My 73 was a 4 speed. I loved that bike.
Man I love that you quote scripture in all your videos that is one thing that I have noticed and really appreciate because some of them have hit home pretty close
Its corny
My first bike was a ‘03 HD Sportster Hugger. Short pipes, powder coated black, and super fun to ride. Enough speed and torque to be fun, but not enough to get a beginner into too much trouble (~95mph max).
Wish you would film a walk around of these bikes so we can get a good look at them.
I bought my XLH new in 1979. I never felt the need to impress or compete with others, and never felt the need to own multiple bikes. Myrtle is my primary transportation still after 40 years, and although I kicked it up to 80CID, I did that to better climb steep hills in my area of the country, without downshifting. Besides a handmade seat and controls that give me leg room, I've been very happy with my Sportster. Oh yeah, it's a 4 speed.
Actually I think I would like this bike. Good looking, sounds great. Fun run around bike. I see a lot of custom interpretations with the Iron 883. Build it your way and have fun.
My iron is definitely my daily bike because I live in the city. Especially when its cheaper on gas and it is easy to park on any street for free for 12 hours just slide in between two cars. Greatest feeling ever. Smaller bikes are really a trend in urban areas by small I mean can fit in tight spaces. I will say I have only got hate from my old man who hasnt owned a bike in over two decades so I dont bother with him much. Very customizable bike and you give a lot of big twins the slip when you do a 1275 conversion. Got to love that. Light fast and loud. But always well maintained. Ride safe Y’ALL!
Back in 78 I bought a new 79 XLH. Some of my friends had bikes, among them a 900 Kaw, a 550 Kaw, a Honda 750 and a couple had dirt bikes. No judgement ever, we bought what we liked and what worked for us. Harley's weren't the big image thing back then. Sure there was somewhat of an image but I was a 21 yr old kid driving around with Levi's, converse athletic shoes and a Lasobek Harley Davidson t shirt. Only leather was my belt. Other Harley riders still waved and complimented my shiny red sportster. Some congratulated me on getting a new bike. The point is these are all opinions. There are certainly faster bikes but what if you don't want to go fast? There are certainly bikes that are more refined but what if you don't mind the vibration and extra maintenance? If you enjoy every minute you are on your bike then you own the right bike. I have read opinion pieces on Sportsters over the years and this is the first time I've commented. Harley makes Sportsters because people like them and buy them. If you don't like them then just don't buy one. Harley's aren't built for everybody, never were. But whatever you do, do not buy for image unless you just want to look at the bike sitting in your garage. Riding the wrong bike sucks. So if you are in the market go test drive every bike in the category you like that you can. One will stand out from the rest. The only opinion that counts is yours.
Really love your videos guys....i really want to get an iron 883...i grew up riding on the back of my Dad's Super Glide and later on his FXR. After coming back from Iraq I had a lot of issues with being on the road due to PTSD from roadside bombs. I am finally after 15 years starting to be comfortable being on the road again without swerving away from every single peice of trash in the road lol. I think it's time to finally ride. Thanks for bringing so much fun, and objective views to the bikes you review.
Not sure why so many don't like them. Mine is my boy hood dream and I ride it everywhere! For real, I do. Even a 7 hour trip each way for lunch and then right back in the same day. Btw, I was the only one that rode a bike on that trip. Everyone else were in cars.
I had so much fun on my Sporties I have to admit. Just got sick of Assholes calling it a Chick or Poor Mans bike.
Bricklinsv1970 I rode (and still own it) a Honda shadow for years. Guys at work used to give me so much crap over it. “Buy a real bike...” Funny enough my bikes are the only ones I ever see parked in the parking lot
I've owned many the Harleys and bought a brand new 06 Honda Shadow 1100 Shadow Spirit. Best bike I ever owned. I have 45,000 + miles on it and nothing major has gone wrong. Runs like day #1 still. I think it will out live me and I'm 48 years old. great bike! And fast!
Bricklinsv1970 heck yeah. Mine is a little 750, but absolutely great bike. Well balanced, great lean angle, super reliable. I’m currently on a 2012 Dyna
Bricklinsv1970 My son has an 06 1100 Spirit too. His has been very reliable over the past 12 years and 40+k miles too. My 04 Harley Softail has been at least as reliable with only clutch cable in the past 14 years and 55k miles. It's not what you ride, it's where you're going.
Sportster is pure fun!👍
As another commenter mentioned. I absolutely love my 883. Its a bike that i can own and still be able to live,pay bills,raise my kids. A motorcycle is a toy. Something to enjoy and have fun with. Its not an essential item. For that reason i think a well maintained 883 is by far the best value out there. I am not in the place to spend 20-30K on a bike and even if i was i wouldn't do it. That's just me. hey to each is own!!! Thanks for the video
I recently bought a 2003 Harley Davidson 883 sportster for my first bike and I absolutely love it
I have a 2011 sporster 883 xl white i just fixed today. After an accident it was a hit and run
I always have compliments every time i ride it including today too
I love my bike its more than enough for me, cruising around
Not everyone, I own a 2017 1200 Custom Sportster and it freaking rocks...
883 is a fun Harley to ride and own. It gets you in to the Harley Davidson family. You can always upgrade and put the 1200 cc jug kit on it!
Why not get the hammer performance 1275 kit? Its better performance for less money
Haha...rebel. I agree 100% though. The sportster is perfect for zipping around the barrio and just blasting the boulevard.
lol the barrio. you must be loco
After 3 years on my Sportster, I wanted it to have a bigger engine, an extra gear, a little more comfort, and a more solid ride.
Answer: DYNA. Ding ding ding!!
The Sportster is great at being what it is.
Yo I am same ,had 2 Sportys a 89 ( 4 speed )and a 92 .last 15 years been on a FXDWG.
BluesriderDF yea Dynas are dope.
Love my ‘02 Sporty 883 Hugger. Lots of compliments wherever i go. Wouldn’t trade it, but would get a 2nd bike, something a little bigger and quicker for longer rides, like maybe a Road King.
started on a sportster, moved to Fatboy and now Road King but plan to get another sportster for fun. Really miss the simplicity of that bike and the mod options.
Best sounding bike on the planet. Ya gotta love it.
Thx for the wise words, been going through the trenches lately and I needed to hear that. Stay up and keep riding
Shawn, love the videos, but $120 for a pair of those gloves is ridiculous bro. Make them affordable so we can afford them
Hey thanks for watching the channel. I ve paid over 300 for good set of gloves. There are alot of cheap gloves out there. But the M1 Moto gloves are not. These were really expensive to make because of the materials that we put in them. I will be wearing these gloves almost every day when I ride and I value my hands. So I wanted the best
@@Srkcycles too bad they are ugly
I wear leather work gloves from home depot. Under $20.
I would never want another rider to go down, but if you did and tried to brace yourself with your gardening gloves they would be picking asphalt out of your palms. Not to mention the friction burns.
$120 for that kind of quality is cheap! His gloves are overkill
I love my Sportster it’s an amazing ride!
Screw the haters. Love my Rebel... i mean Sportster. Lol. Got my 09 xl883c back in Dec 08. Intake, pipes, tuned. The 5spd has been great, tho at highway speeds, it utterly screams. 70mph @ almost 4500rpm. And i agree on wrists. Bar placement on the Custom is great, besides wrist angle. This is my first and only bike, and the 883 was a great choice. Plenty quick enough that you won't get into too much trouble.
What a B/S premise. My now 29 y/o daughter got a (2 y/o) 2007 XL883R when she was 16. She still rides it / loves it/ and doesn't want to trade up. Dependable as all get-out!
The Freudian slips had me laughing!
had my sportster since 2012 and I have never had one problem with it...I love it and will never give it up.
I’ve had a 2001 Harley Sportster and a 2001 Harley Ultra at the same time, I now have a 2003 Goldwing and a 1985 Honda Shadow. It all depends on whether you’re going to ride for 3 days or 3 hours, it’s also nice to just ride what you’re in the mood to ride. If you’re not worried about having new bikes, you can have a lot fun for very little money.
You make a lot of sense my friend. I'm the fortunate owner of a 1989
H.D. E Glide Classic which I've had for thirty years and I take very good
care of it both mechanically and motorwise. If I had a sportster sitting
next to it my riding time would probably at least double.
The move I watch and learn about the Sportster, the more I like it's simplicity. It's not a big bike but there's a kit you can do with the Sportster.
You said Rebel so many times that I was starting to think you meant it 😀
LOL , he is calling the Sporty , a Rebel , he is a clown . Needing a big red nose , and floppy feet maybe , funny stuff . I have had my 883 for 23 years , never once grown tired of it , I have had eight bigger Harley-Davidson's , and eleven metric cruisers , some as big , and or bigger than the Sportster . At 5' 2" my 883 fits me well , has been the most dependable , and the longest kept machine I have ever owned . I still love this bike , for its simplicity , ease of obtaining custom , and original parts , and the un ending style . Ride safe .
He called a Harley a rebel 10x 😂
I just miss riding. Hopefully I can buy one soon. I don't need a fancy bagger with a bunch of electronics. The sportster will suit me fine!
Loved my 2007 Sportster 883 !! It's now my son's, and I'm riding 2011 Road King!! Ain't God good!! All the time!!
My dad owns a Harley Sportster 1200T super low and it’s great. Very low vibration, it’s heavy, comfortable, and has a lot of power. There’s nothing wrong with sportsters just get the right one.
Sean, for the record: Sportsters got five-speed transmissions in 1991; prior to that it was a four-speed. Belt drive came along in 1993. My first Sportster was an '86 883 with a four-speed. It was great! Rode it all over hell. My latest is a '96 five-speed, belt-drive which is...nicer...I guess...but I'd own that '86 again in a heartbeat if not for those damn, ugly curved rear fender struts. Yuck.
Something sketchy going on within the Matrix. 5 minutes prior to watching this video I was looking at parts to fit onto my Rebel classic from a Sportster 883 as I want to do a replica build (I don't have a full license so I'm limited to what I can ride). I came here looking for videos to watch on Sportsters so I can get it right, and here we are.... Mind blown.
I have a 2021 883 iron and i love it like no other
The 883 HD is like the Honda Civic of the motorcycle industry. Tons of mods and super cheap.
I love the 883 it is what I think of when I think Harley Davidson. Shame they're discontinuing them. If I could get away with having more than 1 bike I'd have an 883 in my garage.
ah yes the harley rebel
Looking to replace my Fat Boy with this. Seems like a great bike. Smaller, easier to handle, easier for city riding, cheaper to maintain while still being a Harley. Can enjoy other life luxuries without breaking the bank.
Kept saying rebel instead of sportster
I'd guess he made a Rebel review the same day.
Rebels.
Beets.
Battlestar Galactica.
Just picked up my brother's 2000 sportster 883 screaming eagle and it's a great bike...rough around the edges, I am use to the Honda goldwing 1800 but this bike sounds great, runs great but has its flaws...absolutely hands down one of the better starter bikes.
I love my 883 wouldn't trade her for anything 🤠🤠🤠 ooh and by the way I never get any hate
Loved my stage 1 883, I now have an Electra Glide ultra limited, still miss my sporster
Anyone else impressed by how strong that sticky note is holding onto the bike?
I have one all stock. I love how simple and good on gas it is
First, I ride a '99 Bandit 1200. I know it's apples to oranges. Test rode an 883 at the very friendly and accommodating HD dealer here in N.J. I love the way it looks. Stared at it for 1/2 hour after I brought it back in. The ride? Reminded me of my first ride, a Rupp Mini Bike .
I just traded in my 2019 forty eight special Sportster for a 2019 Street Glide 107 and it is a big difference I love the comfort of the Street Glide but I know that I'm going to miss that jumping on that Sportster that I had all set up how I liked it and just bobbing through town like it was nothing you are totally right on that
2018 Sportster
Big Harley suck. The Sportster is the best Harley made and the only thing worth buying. The big Harleys are over hyped, over priced and useless.
I got the xlc package on my 07 883 and ive taken it from San Antonio to Corpus Christi which is about 150 mile give or take 5 miles man I love my bike wouldn’t give it up for anything in the world.
I love the words of wisdom at the beginning of your videos. I remember the first time I saw you read them, I was hooked from that moment
You killed me at “ who can endure it!!”
I use it for commuting. 50 mpg on a $3500 bike with 1500 miles. I have to ride it 40 days a year to pay for the bike and upkeep.
no this bike is amazing. looks amazing. 545lbs perfect to begin harley riding with. comfortable. looks sick with ape hanger hanle bars (Like you have) 10/10
this is my type of model when im going to take lisence for Heavy bike when im 29 or 30 year old :)
I have a 2002 883 Sportster and it vibrates so bad I can't ride it more the 30 minutes without my left hand going numb. It also need you to tighten down the bolts all the time, because it vibrates them lose. Just yesterday the shifter bolt cam lose and had to slip the clutch to get some where to put the bolt back. He is right you need a second bike to go with a sportster, but then again why not just buy the other bike and leave the sportster at the dealership. I really don't see any place this bike fits in. If you are a beginner I suggest you get a dirt bike and go to the trails. It teaches you to handle a bike and what to do when surprises show up in front of you. You will crash but you will be going 15 to 20 MPH and it won't kill you. The move up to a used 500 cc bike and ride it around to see if you want to get out in traffic. Remember that car is 5 feet away and it will kill you. Then if you want bigger pass on the sportster and go to the big bike. Ride it around the neighborhood for a while to get use to the weight and then hit the open road. But as far as this sportster I find no use what so ever for it. As he said it isn't fast and it isn't quick and you don't want to be on it for very long time. Just my opinion of the sportster.
David I'm just telling my experience with this dumb bike. As far as continuing to make the bike it's a Harley. They are riding on their name. They make the 750 and 500 still and I hear there bigger junk then the 883. But they have the Harley name on them. People seem to only look at the name when buying the bikes. But in my opinion Harley makes sorry bikes in comparison to other bikes. And their expensive. But I don't look at the name, I look at the quality of the ride, the power and speed of a bike. I'm not a sheeple. Even the guy in the video said that you would want to have a second bike if you owned a sportster. These are not my words, but the man in the videos. Now I'm not saying that you can't buy a Harley 883. Hell go right ahead. As I said these are my experiences and opinions of the 883. But for me, unless there are major changes at Harley which I dought will ever happen, this Harley will be the last Harley I will ever own. But anything you get have a nice ride.
David Harley doesn't build bikes that all people want. They build the bikes they want and then expect the people to buy them because they are Harley's. That is apparent in the fact they only build "V" twin. Now the Japanese manufacturers build that "V" twin if that is what you want. They also build a "V" 4. They build a straight 2 and Honda just came back out with the old straight 4 cylinder. Honda even builds an opposing 4 for their gold wing. You see they build a variety of engines for different people. But David if you don't believe me and want an 883 TYA. I would suggest getting the bigger cruiser because I think they puts some rubber mounts on them to cushion the blow of those big pistons going up and down, but if its the 883 you want...….ok. Just sayin.
So true. I had a 2016 XL1200C and I was always having to retighten the shifter lever bolt and apply lock tite to keep it from vibrating out.
Had buckhorn bars on my '93. Only mode of transportation for 6 yrs. Then got a '00 XLC w/ drag bars, and could never get used to it or feel comfy.
I had an 04 1200 Sportster. I'm glad I owned it but don't miss it. Ó9
I have a 1994 Sportster. Not an 883, and is about to be even larger. Love this bike. I am building a street tracker out of it.
1400CC. I'm going big twin hunting with it. Tired of all the piglet jokes. Love the bike. It's a keeper. Gas mileage is going to be lousy!
I don't know how i ended up on your channel lol but after the third vid I subscribed lol. I appreciate your words of wisdom at the beginning.
Sounds good ,dial speedo, nice and simple ,what's not to like ?
If you ride 4th gear up to your cruising speed then shift to 5th you will never be feeling you need 6th
If you twist shift twist shift twist shift twist shift into 5th at 50mph then when you hit 60 you will feel you need 6th........and you're actually just getting too where 5th will run good.
If you're going to cruise at 70 then run it up to 70 in 4th.......don't worry it will handle it
Yeah the bike is awesome and all but is nobody gonna talk about that sheet of paper that wont let go ? 😂 2:15
Got a 883 modified to Stage 1. I love it. At a stop light it speaks English, potato, potato, potato.
I love my 883, for my 64 mile round trip to work.. everyone likes it and it handles great. cheep on gas. my only complaint is the 2gal tank.. thats it... I have plenty of mods to make it unique/my bike..
Yessir I have felt like that. Im so ready to get my first Harley I want a 883 or a 48
My 05 883 (cam) all original stock is my favorite go to.
That exhaust sounds sick! The reason Harley Davidson only makes the sportster in the 5-speed is because it's meant to just cruise around town on & geared low.
The 883 is to small for me,
The 1200 is too,
But it sure is fan to ride around!
That little bike sounds good!!
That's my thing. Too small. I'm a bigger guy so they are just too awkward for me. I also dont like the way they look generally but looks ain't everything
I like your intro proverbs and bikes 🏍 🙌 👌.
Love the ground pounders, but to each his own
Love my 883l its a blast to ride. Especially like you said for them short drives when you just need to get their.
Click bait title, i learned nothing.
Haha haha you learned that honda has the sportster .
Hmm I’m not liking the exhaust either but it does sound pretty nice! Would love this bike
Hang on, where's the link for the gloves again?
I love Harley rebel.
Lol
My first bike was an 883 sporty and it was a 4 speed. I loved the bike but it really didn't like to cruise at highway speeds. 65 mph was about as fast as you could cruise on that bike. I loved that bike but I couldn't keep up with my buddy's.