i might buy a harley 883 ! should i ?

Question

hi i d like to know all the bad things and all the good things about the harley 883 please ...is it a really cool bike and easy to ride ? is the engine alright ... please tell me as many things about it as posible ...thank you very much

Answer 1

My friends call it a "Skirtster". Save your money for another year or two and get a real Harley.

Answer 2

If you're looking at the 883 instead of the larger Harleys because of cost, go shopping for a Honda or Yamaha. You'll get a nicer bike. The 750-1000 range in the japanese bikes are really nice. Then you can hold off on the Harley until you can afford one of the nice big ones.

If you just really like the sportster, it's up to you. But the 883 does have the "girl's bike" reputation, so if that bothers you, get something else.

Answer 3

When I bought my first Harley, I was looking at the "sportys" as well. All my riding friends said get the big twin. I don't regret spending the extra $$, but if I were you I would consider the following; Are you going to ride on the road or in town. On the road go for the big twin. My friends that have ridden Sportys say in town the Sporty is great.
How big are you. Make sure that the bike fits. For one example, can you hold it up at a red light. (See the motorcycle safety foundation web site (www.msf-usa.org/) and get some lessons from them or Harley's rider's edge if you have not already done so.
My first bike was a Dyna Wide Glide. I had it less than a year when I ordered a Road Glide fairings, stereo, cruise, heated seat, etc. I wanted more comfort. So all I can tell you is think about what you want to do with your bike, make sure that the bike fits and that you know how to handle it. If you do your overall enjoyment will be enhanced.

Answer 4

I had a new 883 in 2005. It is fast off the line, ran great, and I thought that it was enough power for me. I'm 6'2", 240. When I first bought it, my nephew wanted to go for a ride. He is 16 and probably weighs 140-160 and is 6'0". Anyway, on Route 15 south of Dillsburg, PA, I took him for a ride. He asked how fast it would go, so I opened it up. At 95mph, I said, well, that's enough, even though the engine wasn't screaming. Takes hills with ease and no loss of power or speed. The only down side to it, was that I wanted to go for longer distances, and after an hour or so, my butt would go numb, but other than that, it was a lot of fun. I now have an 07 Street Glide. A little more expensive, But I can go all day with feeling in my legs.

Answer 5

You are not going to want to hear this, but alas my answer is a resounding NO. Bike is underpowered and overpriced. Harley riders will kid you for riding a "girls" bike. And finally, rumor is the the 883 will be dropped from the Harley line starting in 2008. Sorry, but there are much better choices out there.

Answer 6

Harley 883 are Yamaha 250 being the size that you are you need to get a 1300 so you dont outgrow it anytime soon . Go to diffrent bike shops and see what you really want /Peace

Answer 7

The resale value is not as good as with other Harleys and the one thing that you notice is people buy them and then realize that it isn't as comfortable as a bigger bike so they trade up.

Answer 8

I will recommend metrics over a H-D any day. But if you want a H-D look for water cooled!!! You'll be much happier. My friends 883L. overheats really fast and won't start. Funny thing is that is a 2007 yr model.

Answer 9

if you get the harley do the 1200 conversion as soon as you can affor it...you will get GREAT performance because the gearing is sportier (sic) then a stock 1200.

Answer 10

the ride is terrible.. resale is worse...top heavy... under powered. spend the extra cash and get the real
harley... and you won't be tradeing next year...
they ride 20 times better...