2006 Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster

**matt77** · 28th August 2006, 10:53

Hi - Contemplating part-exchaning my current bike for this, just wondered if anyone has one, how it runs/handles and can they be used for day to day stuff?

Cheers

**scumdog** · 28th August 2006, 16:57

Originally Posted by matt77

Hi - Contemplating part-exchaning my current bike for this, just wondered if anyone has one, how it runs/handles and can they be used for day to day stuff?

Cheers

Won't be up to the Ducati standards but should be a reliable and predictable handling if not over-powerful bike for day-to-day use.
And they're quite thrifty on gas.

**Big Dave** · 28th August 2006, 17:06

Originally Posted by matt77

Hi - Contemplating part-exchaning my current bike for this, just wondered if anyone has one, how it runs/handles and can they be used for day to day stuff?

Cheers

Ideal for day to day stuff and feeling good about yourself riding it. Great fun bike with endless bling.

**SlashWylde** · 28th August 2006, 18:42

Some good comparisons here:

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roa...ke_comparison/

Helped me when I was shopping for an 800.

**Scotty** · 28th August 2006, 19:04

Great for day to day use, the sportys are good around town.

**Shadows** · 29th August 2006, 00:22

Something to ponder, you can get so much more only a couple of years old for less than a brand new 883R, and you won't get hit with the couple of grand depreciation that comes with the privilege of wheeling it off the showroom floor... in fact you could probably ride it around for a couple of years for little more than the interest payments when it comes to onselling it.
Try doing that on a Jap bike (or pretty much any other bike for that matter)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...px?id=66979128

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...px?id=67097544

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...px?id=67736289

**popelli** · 29th August 2006, 00:37

Originally Posted by matt77

Hi - Contemplating part-exchaning my current bike for this, just wondered if anyone has one, how it runs/handles and can they be used for day to day stuff?

Cheers

will do everything that you want but why???

620 duke will out perform 883 sporty

if you want to go to a sporty go for a 1200 or knock the 883 out to a 1200 otherwise you will be disappointed

**matt77** · 29th August 2006, 09:30

I had my first ever accident on Friday at the end of the Rimutaka's on that bend and I think its knocked my confidence. Coming from the UK, the thing I've noticed is that there is absolutely no tolerence for speeding here, not to mention a lower national speed limit.

This has kinda made me think whats the point in having a bike if you can't push it with out getting busted by the old bill so started looking at HD's over the weekend as something to enjoy a cruise on.....

**davereid** · 29th August 2006, 16:27

Yeah, thats why I got a sporty. It's actually great fun to ride, and its comfy at legal speeds. And the lazy power is great around town. I've got an FZR400 as well, and I have to be careful not to stall it, but the harley is great, just lugs off the line.

I get 65mpg easy, even more if I am a little careful with the gas tap.

The small tank is not that great - I'm looking for gas with a real keen eye by 220 km, but it only costs a few bob to fill.

Worst thing is I worry about it getting pinched.

**HenryDorsetCase** · 29th August 2006, 16:48

XL1200R would be better IMO. also, you'd want 2005 model year on, surely, (for the rubber engine mounts and slightly more power).?

I really like them but thats all I can add to the discussion...

**Lou Girardin** · 29th August 2006, 16:54

You might get bored with the 'sedate' power delivery. 1200 kits aren't too dear.

**Big Dave** · 29th August 2006, 18:47

Originally Posted by matt77

the thing I've noticed is that there is absolutely no tolerence for speeding here, not to mention a lower national speed limit.

This has kinda made me think whats the point in having a bike if you can't push it with out getting busted by the old bill so started looking at HD's over the weekend as something to enjoy a cruise on.....

I'm currently putting together a Kiwi Rider article with exactly those sentiments in mind - presenting numerous 'slow down and have fun' options.

**jase the ace** · 29th August 2006, 20:08

Originally Posted by Big Dave

I'm currently putting together a Kiwi Rider article with exactly those sentiments in mind - presenting numerous 'slow down and have fun' options.

you would be better off with a push bike than that hog . a good head wind stuffs them . i guess u wont ever get a speeding ticket . cheers jase the ace .

**davereid** · 29th August 2006, 20:34

Yer missing the point jase.. lots of bikes are great fun and can't go 300km/hr.
And having the greatest handling bike in the world is pointless, if its resale value next year is zero, and you don't want it cos there is a faster one.

Thats why bikes like the lil' sporty are great.

They are practical transport, a comfy seating position, good commuters with low fuel usage.

Capable of a weekend fang with your mates, and just as much fun as your superbike, even more on a twisty road where you have to use skill, not horsepower to keep up with the group.

Want to take the missus or mistress to a winery or a dirty weekend - the sporty is your bike.

She'll love it cos its a Harley, its low so she can wear her heels and its comfy as all hell. An the guys at the hotel will help you park it safely in the foyer. They park the GSX-Rs by the wheeliebins.

And it cops more admirers in an hour parked at the cafe, than a superbike gets in its whole 6- months at the top lifespan.

So, ride your superbike and enjoy it for what it is, a great piece of engineering, reliable, fast and currently what you want. One day you'll want to enjoy a bike without seeing 155 on the speedo - we may even see you on a cruiser !

**Big Dave** · 29th August 2006, 22:07

Originally Posted by jase the ace

you would be better off with a push bike than that hog . a good head wind stuffs them . i guess u wont ever get a speeding ticket . cheers jase the ace .

Atchally,
It's ~because~ I've got far call points left!