883 - and how I wanted to hate this bike.

[wysper]

So I have decided the dual purpose thing isn't for me.

I rode my friends XL1200 Harley Sportser.
Didn't really like it, feet forward, just not quite right for me.

Saw a 883 in at Road and Sport, so I did a bit of reading on the 883.

Lots of comments like,

“it is a girls bike”
“it doesn't have enough power”
“the brakes are crap”
“the seat is hard”
“it vibrates like hell”

So there I was, japper rider from way back, Harley mocker from way back.
Ready to hate the ride.

Rock up to the dealer, step off the DR and onto the 883.

Plonk my arse on to the seat, nice, fit like a glove (not that I usually wear gloves on my arse), reach for the bars, not bad, not a cramped riding position like everyone said. (I am just shy of 6ft).

Key on, press the starter, fuck me! That sounds good, stock pipes I think, but I know there is a motorbike round here somewhere. The idle is slow, sounds like an Iroquois helicopter going over head LOL. At first I kept thinking it was about to stall. Vibrating like hell just sitting there. (I am supposed to hate that, but I don't)

Off I go. Foot position good, not forward, gives me an upright riding position that I like.

Mirrors blurry – don't care – that shit is behind me.

Riding round town first, because this would be my commuter too, easy in traffic, not too big, no trouble splitting. Still loving being back on a twin, loving the sound.

Bit of a blat out on open road speeds, now sure, lots of vibrations here out at highway speeds. I think I could live with that. I suspect after a couple of hours I might have a numb arse and tingling hands and feet.

No pillion seat or pegs, but like most things can be remedied by throwing more cash at it.

Got used to cruiser cornering again pretty quickly, much different from the DR (wow what a big surprise there).

Brakes are pretty average, but I ride with pretty decent situational awareness so it is not too bad. Would be pretty hard to pull up in an emergency stop I would think.

Peanut tank, so only about the same range as the DR, 190ks ish. Not great but usually in NZ you will hit a servo long before that.

So back to the dealer.

Park it up, look over at the DR. Hmmm

Into to the dealer, called him a bastard, coz I was supposed to hate that and easily write Harleys off my possible bikes to buy list.

So to summarise my reasons not to buy list.


“it is a girls bike” - I could care less, ridden girls bikes in the past, usually the most fun
“it doesn't have enough power” - was enough for me – I ain't out to break land speed records
“the brakes are crap” - ok with riding with situational awareness
“the seat is hard” - yep so was my SV and DR and GSX
“it vibrates like hell” - yep – I think I like that.

So fuck it – I liked it. DAMN

Even the baby Harley has more personality than any of the Jap cruisers I have ridden so far. Still want to try the M50 or C50, but even if technically and price wise they beat the Harley hands down, thats not what it is about is it.

The ride home on the DR was a lot less fun than it usually is.

[avgas]

The 883 for me is the best Harley. And the only true harley in my mind.

For one simple reason......why do you buy a Harley?

History.

And the 883 is the only one that has had subtle changes.......for the very simple reason, it was good from the start. Its like the ol' stirling .22 I have at home. Does the job good so why the fuck would I change it.

I hope harley never change it.

[White trash]

The 883 for me is the best Harley. And the only true harley in my mind.

For one simple reason......why do you buy a Harley?

History.

And the 883 is the only one that has had subtle changes.......for the very simple reason, it was good from the start. Its like the ol' stirling .22 I have at home. Does the job good so why the fuck would I change it.

I hope harley never change it.

Are you on drugs bro? Pass some around will ya.

The 883 is updated whenever the 1200 is updated.

[Big Dave]

Some people just don't get that the most important criteria for motorcycles these days is how they make *you* feel.

[ratusratus]

Im not a fan of the 883 but the *48* sexytime........what a cool looking motorcycle:-)

[SPman]

Mstriumph hired an '08 883 in the States - said it was the most cramped bike she has ever ridden....knees up around her ears, bars too far back... and would top out at around 90-95 (mph) She's only 5'11. She hated the thing!

[JimO]

i know a harley man from before laywers and accountants owned them, he reckons only women and mexicans ride sportys

[White trash]

Skirtster

[Taz]

i know a harley man from before laywers and accountants owned them, he reckons only women and mexicans ride sportys

What's this "real man" riding now?

[slofox]

I'll stick with me sproties thanx...

[Murray]

So I have decided the dual purpose thing isn't for me.

Make up your mind!!

Never see you riding these days anyway, sure a 10 speed will be good enough!!

Don't forget if you get the Harley your not allowed to wave anymore

[Edbear]

Some people just don't get that the most important criteria for motorcycles these days is how they make *you* feel.

Thought that wuz the only criteria...?

[JimO]

What's this "real man" riding now?

a mid 90s fat boy, doesnt reckon he needs to update

[martybabe]

Good write up . I, like you, took a Harley out mostly because I could, I'll be honest I'd spent many years on the 'Anti' Harley team and indeed on my return to the Garage I had a list of design faults/shortcomings as long as your arm.

The dealer listened to me whine on for an age, slowly getting more and more despondent as his prospective Sale drifted away from him, No Freeking brakes, windscreens crap, 5mm ground clearance! etc. Once I'd got it all off my chest and the poor chap had resigned himself to a no-sale, I asked for the papers and bought the damn thing. Rather surprised, he asked why I was buying it if I disliked it so much.

Much as someone said in an earlier post, Despite all it's negatives, the fact is I'd had a great time on it. It's all about how good you feel when your riding it eh, doesn't matter a toss what any one else thinks, if it feels good do it.

PS. I happen to think the 883 and the 48 are two of the best looking, bare bones, engine and frame bikes out there today, they don't suit everyone and you do find yourself making compromises compared to other stuff available but so what, life's about enjoying what you do.

[phill-k]

“it vibrates like hell”

Key on, press the starter, fuck me! That sounds good, stock pipes I think, but I know there is a motorbike round here somewhere. The idle is slow, sounds like an Iroquois helicopter going over head LOL. At first I kept thinking it was about to stall. Vibrating like hell just sitting there. (I am supposed to hate that, but I don't)

Off I go. Foot position good, not forward, gives me an upright riding position that I like.

Mirrors blurry – don't care – that shit is behind me.

Riding round town first, because this would be my commuter too, easy in traffic, not too big, no trouble splitting. Still loving being back on a twin, loving the sound.

Bit of a blat out on open road speeds, now sure, lots of vibrations here out at highway speeds. I think I could live with that. I suspect after a couple of hours I might have a numb arse and tingling hands and feet.

No pillion seat or pegs, but like most things can be remedied by throwing more cash at it.

Got used to cruiser cornering again pretty quickly, much different from the DR (wow what a big surprise there).

Brakes are pretty average, but I ride with pretty decent situational awareness so it is not too bad. Would be pretty hard to pull up in an emergency stop I would think.

Peanut tank, so only about the same range as the DR, 190ks ish. Not great but usually in NZ you will hit a servo long before that.

I've just high lighted all the negitives u comment on, and u still want to buy the bike