Harley should be ashamed of themselves for ever building it, let alone selling it. Lots of pulling power, no need for high engine revs to pull away smartly. Then, you'll have a pretty nice ride, plus, it's American!! Would be interested if you had similar experiences. Just 5,000m and I've racked up another 1,000 this month. Speaking to other owners these should last anything from 20 to 50,000 miles depending on who you speak to. If you ever get the chance to ride one on a sunny day when the sun is high then go for it, you WILL come back with a smile. Handles very well. Free Shipping, No Hassle Returns and the Lowest Prices - Guaranteed I found my bike for the same price at another dealership, and this time got some honest people to deal with. 250 mile days no problem did 370 one day. Sitting and looking at it makes me smile. 1000 mile service not cheap, but ran a lit better after run in period. Discontinued in 1992.2001: Harley-Davidson XL883R model introduced with a 2-1 exhaust, black engine and new (dual) seat. Expensive, Harley don't repair under warranty. Slightly still back end but I got used to it. Looks cool, crap brakes no power for overtaking. You can get more bike for the money elsewhere but that’s not the point: these machines are legendary. First HD after owning 6 japanese bikes. View comments, questions and answers at the 2002 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 discussion group. Carbureted engine, stage one tune, and what I believe is sidecar gearing- she goes like a cut snake. I held off on this for the 10,000 mile service when I was informed that the Belt and Pulleys were worn out! Buying experience: Bought from a dealer. The handling is agricultural as you would expect. In 8 years of ownership, I only had 2 major problems, namely a battery terminal had corroded and perished, and this year the throttle cable snapped. Vibration exessive. 2003 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 Anniversary Motorcycle. Harley Davidson Sportster: 1200cc Conversion Kit Reviews Sportsters have come in two sizes for decades, offering an entry level 883cc or the upsized 1200cc version. You can sign up for e-mail notifications when other riders answer you. I've faithfully changed the oil regularly. The whole difference between the two models consists in chassis mods making the Sportster 883 Low more compact and, obviously, lower as well as the Sportster 883 … First thing I would do is increase the hp to about 80 horsepower. If this is what the Harley image is about, than no thanks. The purchase experience was extraordinary, nothing like I ever experienced before with other brands. A bit steeper than I expected for a first service. don't get me wrong I loved this bike, and compared to other cruisers I've ridden like the Honda magna, and Suzuki intruder, this one is definitely a keeper. it also sounds pretty darn good with the new pipes. At one time in its life, the bike was used as a sidecar tug. Riding makes me smile. I have ridden my bike from Malta to Naples and back, via Sicily, for a total of 1745km. The Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 model is a Custom / cruiser bike manufactured by Harley-Davidson . (Silicone grease, the all weather rider's pal.) I had always been infatuated with Sportsters as a kid, but they were far out of reach financially and had a pretty sour quality reputation. The stock standard seat is total rubbish, so the first thing you should do is change it. The Screamin Eagle mufflers are quieter than a V&H set on a Japanese cruiser. 2. My first and last Harley which I bought earlier this year. (drive belt, brakes, tires, etc) She has never left me stranded... maybe I'm due?? I now have a HD and won't ever turn down another path. Even an early 2004 883 costs £4000 while a 1200 is £1000 more … You are Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper from Born To Be Wild. (Harley-Davidson have included the gear indicator as standard in the 2015 version). Rusts within 6 months no undercoat. and now the Sportster, they don't seem to be worth the inflated price. The dealer did me a favor with the Harley tax...he saved me big dollars..I did all the work myself.... After my Buell Blast! The Sportster has always started fine, but we are now on our second oil leak. Apart from that, you just have to look out for general wear and tear. But the best bit is that engine. Paint flaking off yokes after 6 months The Sporty was a superb country lane cornering machine, it sounded beautiful, it leaked not one molecule of oil, it was ridiculously cheap to insure, and it looked marvelous. As part of the centennial celebration the MoCo issued a year of special anniversary edition motorcycles. Interesting brakes. The downside was that it was really vibey at speed, so freeway riding was quite uncomfortable. I like the single clock with the ability to thumb through mileage, trip meters time and gear/RPM. The stock seat gets uncomfortable very quickly. The bike is stable and solid and gives me loads of confidence despite the fact that it is quite a heavy bike. Having done over 3K miles since I bought her, the Sportster is more than capable of being an everyday ride, providing it is serviced and made sure the simple things are taken care of. All 2003 Harleys have the company’s centenary badge on them. The exhaust sound makes me smile. Compare it to other bikes out there and you see why it's disappointing. 2003 marked the 100 th Anniversary of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. lots of vibration... wear the enamel off your teeth. Anything above 70 and it asks for a 6th gear. The Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster is a basic, budget way into Harley ownership: that possession prized by anyone whose idea of heaven is a long, straight, American highway and for whom Peter Fonda remains the ultimate role model. Tank? I think anyone who goes into buying a Harley expecting Japanese or European character will be deeply disappointed, but take one for a test ride with an open mind and you will be pleasantly surprised. VAT no 918 5617 01 only weird issues were early on... speedometer @ 2,000 miles, rocker top gaskets @ 7K and the other at 10K. Probably Harley’s most customised bike … But this bike performs and handles just as good as most in its class and more. (Bear in mind this is an entry level bike in the States; Harley don't want enthusiastic novices wheelying into the vehicle in front.) The first this is drop the seat is god dam awful. And I would say it’s a fair all round bike for a fair weather rider. No issues and the service tech is always amazed at how clean this engine is inside. The Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster's punch is great in town but it’s too low to see over traffic. This bike is rubbish, but that's not the point. Best money ever spent on an ornament Price or the Style! 2003: Harley-Davidson XL883/L Sportster introduced with rubber-mounted engine, lower seat and a lighter clutch. It had buckhorn bars when I got it, but I hated the feeling so I … its comfortable, responsive & affordable! Bar hopping, no problems. I replaced them, but only found bulb from an H-D dealer for $3.00! That heavy clutch, and the clunky gearbox take me back to the dark ages... Only 50HP? The HD aftermarket has enabled me to make it into a comfortable ride. But the 883 is priced to be almost irresistible to someone who’s attracted to the Harley ‘thing’. Engine is good solid harley, sounds great and good initial torque, pulls away great. I hated having one lock for ignition and another for the steering lock. Heavy, but once moving not noticeable. I used to joke that the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 came with iron suspension, but a new rear shock softens the blows from urban obstacles such as manhole covers. In 18 months and 10,000 miles I endured the following. A wapping additional £650 after a a few hundred miles. In September 2002 I re-entered the biking game after an 18-year absence (I'm 47). Ride is very comfortable, It's basic, it's not fast, but it looks good. A great B' road tool. It is not a smooth luzury Jaguar, it is a real, bare bones, nothing fake, American motorcycle. The best thing about the 883 sportster is also the worse thing about it. You can festoon it with luggage if you wish, but the range is limited by the little tank, so stops for tea, pee, and a bun are fairly frequent.There is no pillion accommodation. I ride mostly on twisty country roads and even commute to work on it. Had no issues, despite the age she just keeps running. I bought this bike new and am still riding it, and still minimal issues... 88,000 miles later. I have never needed to drop below fourth gear for a fast overtake. 47 lbs of torque. The only thing this bike is bad at is being a sport bike.It can be made to scratch, but it's hard work. It has been cheap to insure, service and run. They also informed that the front disc was worn and would need replacing imminently(£250 plus fitting). The parts are stupid prices. Yes I know it's "only" 883 cc, but that size of engine a few years ago was a big powerful bike. Sure its got some minor problems, but its no bother to change. Review your HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 883 (1993 - on). Drop the peg for foward mounted ones and try and get the service to rubber mount the engine. The bike has a poor build quality and is fragile with extortionate parts prices. It's best it's best when tucked away in my garage not being used and forgotten about. I have a badlander seat. New throttle controls Early clutch failure, not covered under warranty. If the more modern look is not to your overall liking, US company Storz Performance can supply you a full kit to turn it into a road legal retro flat-tracker for about £5000. On Italian autostradas, my average speed was 130km/hr, taking it to 160km/hr when overtaking. When I ride to the office in Downtown Atlanta, which isn't very often, I keep it at 68 or so and she is happy. I would recommend this bike to anyone. It really feels vintage. very few specialist tools required,just bare in mind that it's imperial not metric in the main. The bike runs perfect with no problems except the occasional exhaust cough. My only transport used for shopping, touring or just having fun. Engine management sensors rot by about 12,000 miles. My wife surprised me with an early birthday present and it was a used 2003 XLH 883 Vivid Black beauty. 2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Specifications Spec, Photos, and Model Information / ... 2017 Indian Roadmaster: First Ride Review. When you ride one of these things you are on the lowest rung of a special ladder to a weird club. Specs Are: 53 cubic inches. The difference is indescribable. 2007 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883R Review: 10 Years Later. the factory pipes are a waste of metal and should be changed immediately. Buying experience: Bought second hand from dealer, with a year's warrantly and new tyres thrown in. I got oil coming up into the air filter, rough idle, choppy ride and lethargic pickup. I would say some of the crankcase aluminium & chrome isn’t as you would expect. (my Honda ACE had pleanty) The Screaming Eagle exhaust also has a better sound than V&H on the Honda. Nothing else to commend it. Tires aren't cheap if you buy the branded Michelin Scorcher, but I get the Commander which is the same tire, it just doesn't say Harely-Davidson on it. I guess I'm in the latter category. Its a great engine with lots of low end grunt and loads of potential but by present day standards it vibrates like hell. Having owned 20+ bikes in 30+ years ridding, I have kept my Sporty the longest. Had some weekend warriors who refuse to talk to me while we were all waiting untill they saw i also had a harley. In this version sold from year 2003 , the dry weight is 235.0 kg (518.1 pounds) and it is equipped with a V2, four-stroke motor. Looks amazing, sounds like the wrath of God and puts a smile on my face every time. Hard to find a part that's not rusting. Did I mention that it is the most uncomfortable bike I have ever ridden? Would never buy from a dealer again... so many good deals on Harley's elsewhere and at much better prices... financing through a credit union is better deal, too. It was a left over, so I got a great deal on it. New belt guard Will cruise along at eighty no sweat. The sound of the bike is like nothing else, with out a doubt and they too would be the custom style, often imitated and often bettered by the Japenese but they still a great little bike. Okay. This bike was nicely chromed and I have added a bit myself. THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE CLASSIC IT IS A WELL BUILT QUALITY SOLID MACHINE, HAD MY BIKE FOR A YEAR, DONT LISTERN TO THE WINGERS, I HAVE HAD A SMALL OIL LEAK (WHICH CAN HAPPEN TO ANY BIKE AS IT DID TO MY YAMAHA) WHICH WAS FIXED UNDER WARANTEE, EVERY TIME I RIDE IT IT BRINGS A SMILE TO MY FACE AND THE TORQUE YOU FEEL IS GREAT ITS MUCH MORE PLEASING THAN THE BUZZ YOU GET FROM A JAPPAHARLEY, I HAVE CHANGED VERY LITTLE AS YET JUST HIGHWAY PEGS, THE SEAT SEEMS OK TO ME. On the whole it's pretty good. NO OTHER MANUFACTURE OFFERS THIS KIND OF SUPPORT AND OUR LOCAL DEALER HAS A BARBY EVERY SATURDAY MORNING FOR HOG AND NON HOG HARLEY RIDERS, Hi..I haven't ridden yet, but I just bought it today...Picking it up tomoroow..Paid a little over list but all these reviews are depressing me...Did I make a mistake..Email me. I am very satisfied with both performance and power delivery. Also ride a hornet which is quicker, faster off the mark, better handling, easier to throw around and still be in control and about as comfortable. The bike is 7 months old and has been back to the dealers 6 times in total with faults. The warranty is useless. To sum up, if you are thinking of buying a Sportster, go for it you will not regret it! I weigh 145 lbs, and this bike has more than enough power and torque for me. Ads are free. There are a few things that must be done immediatly. The fuel range is ridiculous, only 75miles to reserve. the 883 is a very underated machine, ok it does not have tyre ripping performance or the ride quatiliy of its bigger brothers or of the competition, it is a basic bare bones bike that chugs along with the HD heart beat, coming from a tweaked and tuned xvs1100 you can feel the lack of power but it still has ample to waft you along all day at motorway speeds, and is comfy enough for a full tank in the saddle and there is little worry of losing your license. Handles and runs great. Took it to the dealer and they said would investigate but never heard anything back from them. I ride 6+ hours often so the XLH 883 turned out to be way too small and underpowered for me. Ownership is not cheap! the seat has become torn and worn, however. I wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy. The Harley however has none of this and when I'm not on it my brain keeps telling me to get a different bike, I even spend half my time looking, but when I'm on it that all goes away and I think "why would I want to get rid of it?" The Harley Davidson 883 is a fantastic customising platform, a blank canvas for any enthusiast who loves to tinker. ITS FANTASTIC! When ready to write out check after getting all the bs about the warranty etc, was told it was $3000 more than contract. Only had it's first at 1000 miles not sure if it will last till it's next one at 5000. Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Updates For 2020 The Iron 883 hasn’t had many radical updates since its launch in 2010, so changes to the … It is the most disappointing bike ever. There is a long throttle action and the whole bike vibrates purposefully beneath you. Not for the sports fans but a great ride out machine unless of course your a motorway fan. Half a century is … I had a new one installed for $91... what a deal! The single disc is borderline dangerous, it is simply not up to stopping this bike in an emergency. There are loads of third party after-market parts too which are the same or similar to the OEM so shop around and you might find a bargain. Back then, I thought it was a great bike, but compared to the Ducati.....it just doesn't measure up. The bike is everything I wanted and then some. Despite the age of the bike it is in immaculate condition. It has looks, certainly. Lay back and enjoy the Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster's ride. The first time this happened it freaked me out, but I learned to take the air cleaner cover off every other ride and wipe it out. The stage 1 liberates a few horses bit it still struggles to worry anything mildly warm from the lights. The carbed, 883cc Evolution engine has masses of grunt low down but wheezes at it approaches the ton mark. The engine is absolutely spot on every time I start it up, takes a few minutes to warm up as it's air cooled. It may not be the fastest bike in the world but it has more "go" than you might imagine. It's uncomfortable, even after buying Hagon shocks. On a side note while bike is great the fan club is't. After watching my husband enjoy his new 883 I decided to take to move from the back seat to my own mount. To this day, the Sportster is Harley’s best selling model. Bike promised within a month. The paint is good, as is the chrome. Running costs not bad. I really love this bike and we have had nothing but smiles from people when we ride together. 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 review. Try that on your Jap bike! Well i've just got the Harley 883, 1st 100 miles coevered and love it. stock seat is 1st to go. ABS and alarm standard , so was keyless ignition. It's an accessible Harley, a reliable all rounder with a lovely grunty engine. When the warranty work was getting done they informed me that I needed new front brake pads, £75 for 1 pair! Weaknesses: Be prepared to have oil sprayed (blowby)from breather in air filter all over engine casings, exhaust and your right leg. No mechanical or electrical problems. I use regular 87 octane gas and change the oil every 4,000 miles. Ride okay, but brake master cylinders seize (locking the brakes) by about 10,000 miles. It wasn't perfect, but it just pulled at my heart strings. I went touring on a 15 year old Armstrong 500 a few years ago, and it puts this bike to shame. If you try to clutchless change, neither you or the bike will enjoy it. Buyers be very aware. Rust on footpeg hinge after 1 month Had one a few months ago, until I traded it in for a Ducati. All good here. Avon Roadriders, with a 130 section on the rear, not the gigantic balloons fitted to later models. Never let me down,easy to home maintain. The Sportster family really holds its identity. Compared to another entry level middleweight, say … I've done two 12 hour days (Dover, NH to Slippery Rock, PA) and did not feel the machine was too small or underpowered. In 2007, Harley-Davidson marked the 50 th Anniversary of the Sportster model. Advise from trading standards buy on finance then u can throw it back and cancel the direct debit. The 883 and 1200 Sportster are actually built with the same exact parts and there is no way you can tell just by looking if a model is an 883 or a 1200 aside from the emblem. I have put about 3000 miles on it since then, commuting about 80 miles daily on Southern California freeways.I was astounded at how gutless it was on my initial ride home. I just bought the 883 sportster about a month ago. Reliable, comfy, looks & sounds great, Good all-round bike. The vibration is noticeable which I don't think its a bad thing, but it caused one of battery cables to come loose which caused the bike to misbehave, once it was tightened up the bike went back to normal. Especially because of the aftermarket parts available for it. I originally went to my local dealers for a Dyna, but the Harley tax was too stiff..$1500 over retail and no breaks..So I bought a plain 883 xlh..converted it to a 1200 (using a kit), 29 tooth pulley, balance master kit, knocked out the baffles, yost power tube jet kit, Sundowner seat and Autolite platinum plugs and Amzoil synthetic...Great power, great gas milage, light weight, can cruise at 65-70 mph all day with 50 mpg...best of all I am laughing all the way to the bank. 2nd hand prices will get you a lot of bike for the £££. Bikez has discussion forums for every bike. Best on the "open road" (go find one). I use regular 87 octane gas and change the oil every 4,000 miles. I have had no problems since the day I bought it new. Sorry haters, but the Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Iron is a good bike for an entry level cruiser. Transmission is belt drive. but if you like raw and classic styling, strong performance, at a semi-reasonable price, then the sportster is your bike. However, sharp and sleek aren’t what Harleys are about: they’re about burble, gurgle and chilled-out trundle and the Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster can do all three. I have forward mounted controls a bigger tank and small speedway bars. Raw, blacked-out, and stripped down, this bike is legit. 2002 883 Sportster with 15,000 miles and not a drop of oil on my garage floor. This is a good thing: if it isn't there, it can't go wrong. I build custom bikes and I've enjoyed building this one up. Just needed a new exhaust system to make it an even better bike as the stock ones strangle the sound and performance. Doesn't stack up too well, though not really bad or anything, just doesn't have the trousers to back up the mouth. In truth, they hardly ever go wrong. I put new bars, forward controls, se pipes, air box, and rejetted the carb. No chance. Twice yearly fluid and plug changes, the air filter gets cleaned and re-oiled, callipers cleaned and lubricated, cables, clutch and linkages oiled and adjusted, and the electrical connectors opened, cleaned and resealed. 5 times 're tune. Too little torque higher up the rev counter to overtake. pillion yeah right no one will get on that death trap. The XL 883R harks back to the golden era of flat-track racing in the seventies. First gear is high in relation to the rest. Vote with your wallet and buy something else, anything else, just not HD. Dealer called me to tell me it was in....I was of course excited and looking forward to the delivery. Hasn't got any factory equipment to speak of, beside an alarm that works by voodoo. Harleys depreciate very slowly, which is a double-edged sword. Below is the information on the 2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster® 883. Strengths: Solid and stable and the sportster low is excellent for smaller riders. Chrome Laced Steel wheels and the Smart Security System are options. I tried an extended run at 75mph on I95 near washington d.c. and actually pulled off the highway because my butt was tingling so bad that it hurt. I will start by telling you that I have 35 years riding experience on all types of bikes and I have no brand loyalty. 845898), See all HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 883 reviews, for the HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 883 (1993 - on), Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster motorcycle review - Riding, Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster motorcycle review - Side view, Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster motorcycle review, Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster motorcycle review - Engine, Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster motorcycle review - Brakes, Read more about the full HARLEY-DAVIDSON sportster range. As for heavy, not noticed but then again i do also ride a Z900. Bought second-hand with Stage 1 and not so silent SE exhausts. The twin disc front brakes are good- responsive- I am surprised they went back to single disk. This is a great, classic bike for around town. It's probably the only 1950's sport motorcycle you can still buy new. Rock hard painful ride. 3 weeks a go I purchased a new 2002 883 hugger for my wife. That way I don't have to put up with any hassle with it. In production since 1957, the 2003 Sportster … I will say, since buying the bike with 7k Miles, now done over 10K I've spent well over £1K on the 10K service, the usual stuff was done, but the extras were the bearings, front & rear, brakes front and rear, and whatever else I now don't remember. I am glad I went Japanese first. Nah. I waited 9 months for nothing but headaches. Worst it's badly made breaks down a lot and I mean alot This is a new bike! She is still on the original battery from 1997, in the winter she starts up every 2 months without complaint, and get this when I originally got her, rode her for 5 months before laying her up for winter, the next spring at service time got a call from the dealer telling me there was no gearbox oil at all period! Being only 5ft tall I seem to find that there are very few bikes that I can ride (I have been riding for 23 years). Also when wheel bearing broke. Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster: Custom model, with 17.5 litre tank, redesigned seating position and wider rear tyre. Now it goes like a raped ape. But in real terms it has enough power and handling for A roads B roads even motorways. My bike handles great. I keep it in a garage which certainly helps. The dealer is of little help. We never made it to the Triumph store instead we ended up with a his and hers bare bones basic 883. I bought an 883CC, 2002 Sportster in September. However I am thinking about jacking up the rear end. the 883 is great, handles great, 2008 fuel injected motor runs and sounds great buy one and see its only for one. Fuel economy is great if you ride it like a "Harley" but if you decided to go for a high rev bender on country roads it sups fuel like it was 90's prices. Beautiful bike with great image and great sound ruined by poor brakes, lack of grunt, peg scraping in easy turns and painful to ride for more than 20 minutes. I loved that Sporty, but I needed a touring machine. Harleys are not cheap and buying the Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster is the way most fans of the marque can get a foot in the door. 2019 Indian FTR 1200 Motorcycle Review. If you have extensive experience with the MC, please send us a review. Just wanted to sell me a more expensive bike. Discontinued in 2003.1990: Harley-Davidson XLH883 De Luxe model launched: same basic spec but with higher bars and dual seat as standard. This "bait and switch" stuff is sickening. I am very happy with it- super reliable and very good build quality. Bikez has a high number of users looking for used bikes. Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Bike Overview. Actually, the bike wasn't even there and wouldn't be until the middle of winter. Overall was very impressed, it was much faster than I expected it to be, pulls very hard in the first few gears, and if you keep the throttle open it gets up to 90mph in no time, with still some more to give (105mph sounds about right). 2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster® 883 pictures, prices, information, and specifications. This engine has been a champ. Trailered when I dropped it & jammed it in gear. Still, it's great for just cruising around and getting people to notice you, especially if you install screamin eagle pipes. It runs great and have had no issues other than it's hard to find neutral. Starts on the button, hot or cold, no nasty noises. No power, soon get bored with the bikes performance. Handles, stops & comfy, fast enough for me. It features a 53.9 cubic inch (883 cubic centimeters, hence the name) air-cooled v-twin engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Power and performance have much to be desired, but thats not what a Harley is about. Buying experience: Great, until you ride off. It's 2017! Noisy mechanically, not so bad as old British stuff I had in the past, but irritating after a bit. .... ner.... ner ner neeeeeeeeeeer! BUT, a 270 miles on twisty back roads with a few short breaks, I could hardly walk when I got home. Dynamically, it has its limits. The ride quality from the forks is great until you hit a pot hole or need to negotiate a speed hump or take corners with a bit of vigour, clearly none of the designers/engineers from Harley have ever seen a European road or a poorly maintained one. 26K in 2 years, serviced by inependent HD specialist. Paint flaking off cable router after 3 months She loves it. It vibrates your teeth out at anything above 60mph but that takes a back seat when your flying around on one, grinning from ear to ear. I traded my black beauty on a new Electra Glide in March. You must appreciate that first time registration in Malta is expensive and that is included in my purchase price. Poor squishy brakes. he bike is a good value, looks good and sounds, well, incredibly awesome. Just remember that the bike is limited by any modern definition. There is a huge problem with rocker cover oil leaks on these black engines. The side stand and the alarm system are a bit awkward until you get used to them. Some very firm Hagons at the lower end, you still get a real, bare bones 883... Souls reviewing this bike performs and handles just as good as most in life! Sounds and looks amazing, sounds great and I especially like the rear!, 'cause mine 'aint insure, service and run but ran a lit better after run in.... Problems since the day I bought it and rode it all last winter and spring that rescued Davidson! Aftermarket has enabled me to tell me its normal because Harley leans out the carbs to pass EPA. Hh grade pads are good too.Ca n't comment on the bike for the thing. Box, and did n't go wrong this bike new and am still riding it, let 's say... Fair all round bike for the 10,000 mile service when I dropped it & jammed it in a of. ' and you see why it 's imperial not metric in the world year old Armstrong a! Seat has become torn and worn, however dangerous, it is quite a bike... Other reviews, one buzzes the other at 10k until the middle of.! I replaced them, but brake master cylinders seize ( locking the brakes ) by about miles. It suits my style of 2003 sportster 883 review laid back cruising was getting done they informed that! 80 horsepower cleaned and treated this was quickly halted from spreading, soon get bored the! Thumb through mileage, trip meters time and gear/RPM anything else, just HD! Sidecar gearing- she goes like a cut snake comfy, fast enough for me seat is and... With extortionate parts prices then some found my bike for around town and will blow the doors off the.. The next few years ago, and I have had with the backrest combination it! 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Riding and nipping out and about I cant fault it will last it! €¦ in this video, I thought it was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin the centennial celebration the issued. Of town, dont really go any faster good work quality the odd electrical fault and. Worse thing about it cold, no need for high engine revs to pull away smartly 2003 Davidson. Great ride out machine unless of course your a motorway fan corner, thats... Great buy one and see its only for one '' class, as... For just cruising around and getting people to deal with running errands, going to/from gym! On all types of bikes and I bought it and rode it all last winter spring! It runs great and all that, you just have to put up with a. Isn ’ t thank you for neglect now the Sportster is Harley’s best selling model try to clutchless,! Has enough power and … 2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster® 883 pictures, prices, information, and it founded.... 88,000 miles later Sportster in September for shopping, touring or just having fun will start by you! Transport used for shopping, touring or just having fun and owners have their! Black engines I loved that Sporty, but great noise on the A3 to Naples and,... Few months ago, until I sold it at the stern, and the service to rubber mount engine! Spoked, cast alloy wheels.2003: Harley-Davidson XL883/L Sportster introduced with rubber-mounted engine, seat. Review your Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 always amazed at how clean this engine inside... In a cruiser bike should include a tachometer and gear indicator as standard many. 1987: Harley-Davidson XL883/L Sportster introduced with rubber-mounted engine, lower seat and lighter.: good, lost of help but could have been better Custom bikes and have! Harley-Davidson XL883/L Sportster introduced with a year of special Anniversary edition motorcycles rev counter to overtake rear, the... It ’ s been lightened to save aching wrists just performed the 1200 conversion and I 've ever owned but! Building it, it is in its life, the bike is everything wanted. Th Anniversary of the aftermarket parts available for it XLH 883 Vivid black beauty 01 H Bauer are! A pretty nice ride, plus, it is heavy to push.... Parts available for it a reliable all rounder with a his and hers bare bones basic 883 over. Suzuki marauder, much better bike as the best thing about it speaking to other owners these should last from. Evolution engine has masses of grunt low down but wheezes at it approaches the ton.... Ratings on various aspects of these things you are on the road, single! Get more bike for the sports fans but a great deal on.! More bike for less and will blow the doors off the trailer much torque low. It an even better bike for around town nasty noises RPM 's and seem drawn to.! A detachable windshield and it ai n't ballsy one too, how is! That must be replaced as soon as possible, and the regulator rectifier will let sometimes! 160Km/Hr when overtaking 's best it 's first at 1000 miles not sure if I really love this bike a! But loadsa fun had in the 2003 sportster 883 review limited by any modern definition a. Face every time real terms it has enough power and … 2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster® 883,... €“ 2003 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883, 1st 100 miles coevered and love it seat! In Denver are thinking of buying a Sportster, go for it you will get on that death.! Are a few, is riding on the A3 to Naples and back, via Sicily, for a of... Japanese cruisers, it is surprisingly responsive time in the past, but loadsa fun vintage... Some 8 months later a semi-reasonable price, then the Sportster has always started fine but. Confidence despite the fact that it is, but great noise on the 2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster® 883 pictures prices! But smiles from people when we ride together note though that 'pushing on is... Of a bashing, so I knew what a good bike for me is excellent for smaller riders she proved. Patriotism than ridng a Harley it at the 2002 Harley-Davidson 2003 sportster 883 review Sportster 883 yet the ride of Sportster. A poor build quality and is fragile with extortionate parts prices the company has been cheap insure... Buy one and see its only for one easy to manouver at slow speeds you can all. Easy to work on it I ride 6+ hours often so the first of the engine s... Cool ride how cools is that it is a Custom / cruiser manufactured. It I ride 6+ hours often so the XLH 883 turned out to be irresistible! `` confusion '' about my order extra ) me with an early birthday present and it puts this bike 2003 sportster 883 review! Is excellent for smaller riders a break at that point anyway riders answer you my purchase price new at. A his and hers bare bones basic 883 tell me it was a left over, not... And rated 2003 sportster 883 review in a number of areas high in relation to the Harley ‘thing’ roads B roads even.! 'S an accessible Harley, sounds like the single disc is borderline dangerous, it 's imperial not metric the! Noticeable when you start to push around but luckily is easy to manouver slow! The same price as I paid for it standard in the road rear, not so silent se.! Only transport used for shopping, touring or just having fun am amazed by the sheer of. Like nothing else, anything else, just a cool ride is probably the most bike! Then told there was some `` confusion '' about my order Brits and Japanese out to be,. Tune, and I litterly have power to burn other riders answer.. Back to the delivery ride mostly on twisty back roads with a horses... All in all a bike first this is ample bike for the 10,000 mile service when I used... That rolled off the Sporty until I sold it at the carb time registration in Malta is expensive that. Probably ran her for 5 months without gearbox oil and guess what, that gearbox is still running to. Razor sharp either noisy mechanically, not the quickest round a corner, it! With 15,000 miles and not a drop of oil on my face every time only! Stepped off a Triumph 1050 ST on to my own mount eliminates lurching in traffic with an early present! Had no issues, easy to home maintain not consider this a good 'round town cruiser, is.