Harley Sportster 883 Custom

[New GZ250]

Just made an appointment for a test ride, should be interesting especially since my wife has made no comments on my appointment. Have to assume if you do not hear a yes it is a no. (Learnt that a long time ago) I just feel I need a bit more power between my legs! Well I can dream, can't I?

[Easy Rider]

Just made an appointment for a test ride,

Don't let the stars get in your eyes......and blind you. :biggrin:

I've heard that they will shake your guts out......even the new "better" ones.

There are lots of other ways to "upgrade".

If you haven't noticed, several of us here have "moved on" and none of them are Harleys.
(Sarris doesn't count!! :shocked: )

[blaine]

My brother has a 2001"883 sportster" that I have rode many times.I find it to be very uncomfortable.Many vibrations at road speed.My brother only rides about a hour at a time before stopping.He admits he only rides it because its a "HARLEY".But to each his own.

[Sarris]

I bought a new 2006 Sportster 883cc and had it immediately converted to 1250cc with a Weisco kit.

First, unless you weigh substantially less than say.....175 lbs (I do not) you will find it an uncomfortable miserable motorcycle to ride. It has shitty suspension (I installed Prog Susp lowered shocks, but it didn't help) a small gas tank and an even shittier seat and is a tall skinny bike that folks under 5'-8" or so will have to tip toe at stops.

That being said, about $5k will really fix most of the "inherent" problems, and they are fast as hell. Your test ride will immediately confirm whether you are the "Sportster" type. For a couple thou more, I'd recommend a Dyna Super Glide . It's a herd more bike and infinitely more comfy. I sold my Sporster after only six months.

Here's some photos on site. The Sarris Bikes (http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=444)

But hey, you may like it.. Good luck on your test ride.

:2tup:

[JWR]

Enjoy, all bikes are different.

Some better than others.

[GZ Jess]

My husband has a Dyna Super Glide and it is pretty comfortable. I am shorter and can still flat foot it and love the power but the weight was just to much for me to learn on. That is how I ended up with my GZ250, which I am very happy with so far. I think a lot of people are turned off of HD by the Sportsters so if you don't like the feel of it try a Dyna next. Good luck!

[burkbuilds]

Pulled up behind a guy on a Harley at a traffic light last week and couldn't believe how badly his bike was visibly shaking. I don't see how he was able to hang onto the handle bars. All I could think was, "man, if I paid that kind of money for a motorcycle and it shook that badly somebody at the dealership was gonna be getting an earful from me!"

[GZ Jess]

It is funny though, the first time I sat on my bike and started it I couldn't tell it was running. Between it being so smooth and quiet I just couldn't tell! I understand why some people don't like the rumble of the HD and I am appreciating the quiet smooth ride of my new bike but I like the thrill of the loud pipes too! I may just have to have two bikes!

[burkbuilds]

Just get some headphones and make a long recording of loud pipes on a bike and play it while you ride. :)

[oakies]

My opinion..Go for it. Ive had 5 Sportsters over the years. Still have my 04 that I got new along with my 06 Wide Glide and my GZ. Yea, theres beter riding bikes, faster bikes,etc. But in my opinion..The Sportster is a FUN bike to ride. Thats why I kept it even after I got the Wide Glide.

[New GZ250]

Well, did the test ride thing, brand new bike off the showroom floor. Here are some of my observations after a 15 minute ride: (I rode a 883 Low)

The HD was quieter than I thought it would be
The HD is more comfortable for my 6 foot stature
The HD seat is more comfortable
The ride was softer, which I liked and enjoyed. (Not as harsh)
The HD screams quality, the GZ screams this is an introductory bike in to bikes
The HD was about 250 lbs heavier, took some getting used to.
Think the GZ would be a lot better on the real curvy roads many of the roads I ride are limited to 25MPH or less.
Great on the freeway with the extra torque I didn't feel like I was pushing the bike or holding on for my dear life.
Paints seem to be brighter and shinier and of better quality.

The HD vibrates a lot at idle, which I kinda liked, reminded me what I was riding. The idle smoothes of upon acceleration and at about 65 you begin to feel it coming back in the handlebars, nothing much but there. I do find the GZ is smoother and has a lot less vibration.

The out the door price is $8,900.00 for a new 2009 HD, extras/options were color, California emissions and HD security system.

Yes, I'm comparing apples to oranges but wanted to report back to all.

Overall it was a lot of fun and the salesman was super no pressure, next week maybe I will test drive a Sportster 1200 Low, the 883 had plenty of get up and go!

Yes, this would be perfect for me, when I wanted to play Harley, wish the GZ had a bit more power but for the money it's hard to beat. Maybe I will have that extra bike in my garage one day? The wife said yes to the HD, but I'm going to put more thought in to the whole idea.

[Easy Rider]

The wife said yes to the HD, but I'm going to put more thought in to the whole idea.

If it really is the RIDE you crave and not the "mistique", I encourage you to test ride OTHER bikes of a size similar to the 883 and then try to be objective. Suzuki S40 and M40 (800cc), Honda Shadows 750, Kaw Vulcan 900.....or even the Vulcan 500........ALL are better riding bikes than the 883, in my not so humble opinion. :roll:

[blaine]

[quote="New GZ250":2cl0wnhm]The wife said yes to the HD, but I'm going to put more thought in to the whole idea.

If it really is the RIDE you crave and not the "mistique", I encourage you to test ride OTHER bikes of a size similar to the 883 and then try to be objective. Suzuki S40 and M40 (800cc), Honda Shadows 750, Kaw Vulcan 900.....or even the Vulcan 500........ALL are better riding bikes than the 883, in my not so humble opinion. :roll:[/quote:2cl0wnhm]
:plus1: :plus1:

[Water Warrior 2]

H-D makes some good reliable bikes with paint and chrome that is second to none. But that isn't reason enough to rush out and buy one. Japan makes a lot of options that are cheaper to buy and operate with no reliability issues. For the price of a H-D, even an 883 you could pick up a Japanese bike and outfit it for touring, utility or just add some bling. The one thing I have noticed when on various forums is the fact that H-D tends to stand behind their products moreso than others and the dealers are generally better mannered when an issue comes up.

[New GZ250]

[quote="New GZ250":dyoqruog]The wife said yes to the HD, but I'm going to put more thought in to the whole idea.

If it really is the RIDE you crave and not the "mistique", I encourage you to test ride OTHER bikes of a size similar to the 883 and then try to be objective. Suzuki S40 and M40 (800cc), Honda Shadows 750, Kaw Vulcan 900.....or even the Vulcan 500........ALL are better riding bikes than the 883, in my not so humble opinion. :roll:[/quote:dyoqruog]

I'll go for the "mistique" and resale value of a Harley. As for the ride, most, if not all my rides are 75 miles or less, non highway. Not a done deal yet, just seriouly thinking of making the jump. Dealer is offering $1,500 off list on all '09's for cash deal, if not Harley is offering 1% financing, don't know the length of the contract. Don't think the S40 or the Vulcan are available in California. Not certified here. (California Air Resource Board)

Thanks for you input.

[Easy Rider]

I'll go for the "mistique" and resale value of a Harley.

Whatever trips your trigger.
The "true" resale value of a used bike can be pretty low......if nobody wants it. :cool:

[New GZ250]

[quote="New GZ250":q0pdxpo7]
I'll go for the "mistique" and resale value of a Harley.

Whatever trips your trigger.
The "true" resale value of a used bike can be pretty low......if nobody wants it. :cool:[/quote:q0pdxpo7]

Yea a good example would be a GZ250, but at the age of 61, I don't think there will be many more bikes in my life. Hope the Harley, would be one of those bikes, until death do we part! Again just seriously thinking, might go used, many good values out there!

Thanks for your valuable input! I continue to learn new things every day!
:neener:

[blaine]

The wife said yes to the HD, but I'm going to put more thought in to the whole idea.

I'll go for the "mystique" and resale value of a Harley. As for the ride, most, if not all my rides are 75 miles or less, non highway.


Exactly were the G.Z. shines. :)

[New GZ250]

The wife said yes to the HD, but I'm going to put more thought in to the whole idea.

I'll go for the "mystique" and resale value of a Harley. As for the ride, most, if not all my rides are 75 miles or less, non highway.


Exactly were the G.Z. shines. :)

Yes I agree, but a lot of my riding is in the Santa Cruz mountains and Highway 1 (California). Lots of good size hills and head winds, plus the wife wants to be a passenger. Can't say enough good things about the GZ, just need a few more ponies and torque. The GZ is a great learning bike, as for resale value. it sucks, might just keep the bike. The GZ shines in many ways! Thanks for your insight and input.

[Water Warrior 2]

New GZ 250, you might want to look at the Suzuki C-50 for 2 up riding. There are 3 or 4 different levels of factory equipment to make it comfy.

[New GZ250]

New GZ 250, you might want to look at the Suzuki C-50 for 2 up riding. There are 3 or 4 different levels of factory equipment to make it comfy.

Thanks for your "positive" input, I will shoot by a Suzuki dealership and seriously consider if I can get a test drive. Shame the S-40 is not available for purchase in California. The price is right. The Harley dealer is offering a bike for $6,999, less $1,500.00 hard not to look at seriously. Plus I think Harley has a better resale compared to other bikes.

Thanks again Water Warrior!!!!!!!!

[Sarris]

As I said above, with a Sportster you also have the option of upgrading to 1200cc's with a HD kit or 1250cc's with a Weisco kit if, in the future, you find the need for more horsepower. No such kits are available for most imported cruiser bikes.

Although I'm too big for a Sportster, I love my Harley.......so I say GO FOR IT!!

:rawk:

[New GZ250]

As I said above, with a Sportster you also have the option of upgrading to 1200cc's with a HD kit or 1250cc's with a Weisco kit if, in the future, you find the need for more horsepower. No such kits are available for most imported cruiser bikes.

Although I'm too big for a Sportster, I love my Harley.......so I say GO FOR IT!!

:rawk:

Test driving a 1200 tomorrow and hopping on an 883 again. $1,500.00 list sounds inviting, if I make an offer I would go for $2,000 off list. Am in rush to purchase, it's nice to have some extra cash from the sale of a second home. I have some fun money. Want to buy a second home www.pajarodunes.com (http://www.pajarodunes.com). (Shorebird10) Think it might be cheaper to buy a 1200 rather than upgrading, but do not really know. i would love to gone the "Sarris" group as an owner of a Harley. A "real" plus is the Harley Club that has at least one get together, monthly, as I ride by myself now.

Sarris thanks for your input, better than some of the other input I have received!

[Sarris]

The 1200 is a shitload faster. My conversion was about $1600 including parts and labor. I had my old cylinders overbored to 1250cc's, but I'm fairly sure that the 2008 and up models you must replace the cylinders with a pre-2008 version which will add considerably to the cost. I would suggest the 1200 if finances allow, especially if you plan on riding two up.

Most of the HD dealers don't usually deal at all, especially on factory sales deals, so don't be disappointed if you get the "take it or leave it" program.

Too bad you're not in Florida. We'd love to take you riding and wear your ass out good.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

:2tup:

[Easy Rider]

New GZ 250, you might want to look at the Suzuki C-50 for 2 up riding. There are 3 or 4 different levels of factory equipment to make it comfy.

I think that was suggested already. No "mystique" in a Zuki. :popcorn:

[New GZ250]

Just fell very much in "love" with a Triumph Bonneville. Still looking for something new to put between my legs. Still looking for something new for me!
:popcorn:

[Easy Rider]

Still looking for something new to put between my legs. Still looking for something new for me!
:popcorn:

[attachment=0:20pramvi]VLX1.jpg[/attachment:20pramvi]

Sorry; couldn't resist. My latest "love". :tup:

[New GZ250]

I did it! I pick up my new '09 Triumph Bonneville tomorrow! Saved $1,200 over a 2010 model. Only had choice of Black, will post pictures in the near future. I'm in love with the retro look! Now to sell/trade in my GZ.
:) :) :) :2tup:

[Sarris]

Congrats!! Hey, why not keep the GeeZer?

:2tup: :2tup:

Black is the ONLY color as far as I'm concerned. :lol: :lol:

[New GZ250]

Congrats!! Hey, why not keep the GeeZer?

:2tup: :2tup:

Black is the ONLY color as far as I'm concerned. :lol: :lol:

Once I find out the trade in value I might be a two bike kinda guy. A 2009 with 9400+ miles I'm not expecting much. Either way I plan on sticking with the forum. You guys are great!
:2tup:

[New GZ250]

Here's my new toy I picked up today, a 2009 Triumph Bonneville. I'm in love!
:)

[music man]

:drool: :drool:

[Sarris]

Not like there's much diff between that and the GeeZer, eh??

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Great looking bike. Enjoy, and be sure to stay with us on the site.

BTW, any decision on keeping the old girl? :??:

[New GZ250]

Not like there's much diff between that and the GeeZer, eh??

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Great looking bike. Enjoy, and be sure to stay with us on the site.

BTW, any decision on keeping the old girl? :??:

Yup will stick with the site and all you guys. Keeping the GZ for a while, don't know about the future, was/is a great bike to learn on. Just out grew it with the moutains in the area and the head winds along Highway 1 along the Pacific Ocean. Plus I feel the Bonneville is a safer bike for the riding I do! Boy does it handle well, not to dismiss the power!
:2tup:

[Easy Rider]

Plus I feel the Bonneville is a safer bike for the riding I do! Boy does it handle well, not to dismiss the power!
:2tup:

From that angle, it looks somewhat like the Kaw 600 Eliminator that I had. It would do 100 mph with 2 gears left. Do you think I made a mistake getting rid of it ?? No, don't answer; I know. :roll:

I'll be interested to know how comfortable you find it for medium/long rides. I thought the cruiser seat would be better but the "feet forward" position actually makes it worse, I think.

[Sarris]

What size motor? Any accessories available? Is it sewing machine quiet? Give us the scoop-de-poop.

BTW, how old are you? And we'd still let you ride with us. It's that you ride, not what you ride.

:) :2tup: :)

[New GZ250]

Twin cylinder 865cc's, with 67 horses. Lots of accessories available, even came with an outlet for a heated jacket. As I have no money left, I did not buy any accessories, I did negotiate a free Triumph Cap. I'm 61 as of last Saturday. (For my 60th my wife bought me my GZ) Kind of her to let me move up in size. Oh yea all Bonneville models have the same engine. I'm retired and put about 50 miles in every day weather permitting in Sunny California. (The San Francisco, area) Just wish some of you guys were out in my neck of the woods. The dealership does have a group ride every month, which I plan on attending. Plus it includes free donuts and coffee! :)

[Water Warrior 2]

Here's my new toy I picked up today, a 2009 Triumph Bonneville. I'm in love!
:)
Good looking bike. New and modern with some old styling in the appearance. You will be very entertained by the power for a long time.

[New GZ250]

[quote="New GZ250":2gfzyx37]Here's my new toy I picked up today, a 2009 Triumph Bonneville. I'm in love!
:)
Good looking bike. New and modern with some old styling in the appearance. You will be very entertained by the power for a long time.[/quote:2gfzyx37]

Love that retro look, plus it is a standard style which I very much prefer. Just like my first bike when I was young. Yea it has fuel injection, oil cooler, oxygen sensor, low fuel indicator etc. Most of all it reminds me when I was young and wanting. :)

[bonehead]

Congrats!! Hey, why not keep the GeeZer?

:2tup: :2tup:

Black is the ONLY color as far as I'm concerned. :lol: :lol:

Once I find out the trade in value I might be a two bike kinda guy. A 2009 with 9400+ miles I'm not expecting much. Either way I plan on sticking with the forum. You guys are great!
:2tup:
Nice new bike. BTW, I was looking at a dealer site and they had an 08 GZ for sale @ 3199.00.

[dhgeyer]

That's a nice bike you have there! I think you made the right decision over a Sportster. The Triumphs get good reviews, and I have always secretly coveted one because the 650s were so much the thing back in the day, and the newer ones have kept the look and spirit of the older ones while adding better engine control and brakes.

Also, there was some talk here of Harley's holding their value better than many other bikes. Generally they do, but used Sportster 883s are a dime a dozen, at least around here. People tend to buy them and get sick of them real quick. You'll do better with what you got. Not that you'll want to sell it anytime soon.

[diffluere]

Very nice!! I love that style of bike. Triumph makes some cool looking stuff. I went to the dealer the other day to sit on all of the new bikes and I really liked the Street Triple.

I'm REALLY in love with this pearl white gsx-r600 though...man if I only had $10k..=P I plan to upgrade next year when I pay off my Jeep.

[New GZ250]

Very nice!! I love that style of bike. Triumph makes some cool looking stuff. I went to the dealer the other day to sit on all of the new bikes and I really liked the Street Triple.

I'm REALLY in love with this pearl white gsx-r600 though...man if I only had $10k..=P I plan to upgrade next year when I pay off my Jeep.

At the age of 61 I prefer the look of the Bonneville reminds me of the good old days, plus I like a standard bike, not many to choose from. I feel the sports bike are for the more youthful crowd. The triple is one beautiful bike, I picked mine up for $8,400.00 out the door, I thought that was a good deal considering California has a 9.25% sales tax an 2010 would of been a shade over $9,600 and they have made no changes in the 2010 model. I only had one choice of color and that was black, they do make the Bonneville in white for the '09 model year. I also like the Bonneville because their are very few out there, I have only seen two in over a year. Guess I like to stand out in a crowd.

[5th_bike]

Guess I like to stand out in a crowd.

You sure do with this one, that's one sheer beauty you have there. That engine, no, the entire bike, just radiates "no nonsense, quality transportation". I loved the youtube videos I watched about this bike, a few years ago. The Bonneville sounds great too.

I'm still dreaming about a Moto Guzzi V7 Classic... similar, but not as powerful.

PS (edit) Glad you didn't get the Harley, this Triumph is so much better. :rawk:

[birdmove]

The new Triumph Bonneviles are fine machines. I also like the Scrambler and Thruxton versions very much. I ride a 2006 Sportster XL883, and a 2007 Yamaha XT225 dual sport, and my 2007 Royal Enfield 500 Bullet.

Jon

[New GZ250]

The new Triumph Bonneviles are fine machines. I also like the Scrambler and Thruxton versions very much. I ride a 2006 Sportster XL883, and a 2007 Yamaha XT225 dual sport, and my 2007 Royal Enfield 500 Bullet.

Jon

The Enfield is a great looking classic price, thought I would of considered if it was't so pricy and we had a good dealer network sound here. It truly is a classic and a real eye catcher, never seen one out on the street, don't think many area sold. Love the green color! Enjoy your toys.

[birdmove]

I paid $5000 for this one brand new in December of 2007. It was a leftover '07 and mid winter.$5000 out the door. I have three bikes, but, often as not, if it's just a fun back road ride I want to go on, I'll take the Enfield. It's not fast, but it makes me smile when I ride it most of the time. 75-85 mpg too.

jon

[Water Warrior 2]

The new Triumph Bonneviles are fine machines. I also like the Scrambler and Thruxton versions very much. I ride a 2006 Sportster XL883, and a 2007 Yamaha XT225 dual sport, and my 2007 Royal Enfield 500 Bullet.

Jon
Cool ride. Is that the one made in India ??

[alantf]

Royal Enfield! - An English Bike - I thought they'd gone out of business YEARS ago. :??:

[dhgeyer]

Royal Enfield! - An English Bike - I thought they'd gone out of business YEARS ago. :??:

They had a factory in India, which continued making them under different (local I think) ownership. They've been making them ever since. According to Motorcycle Consumer News tests, the performance is similar to a GZ250 if I recall correctly. Hence the observation that it's not fast, but brings a smile and gets great mileage. It definitely has a huge cool factor, though. I've drooled on a couple of them at motorcycle shows. There have been a few changes, but they're still a very interesting piece of history. I may be dreaming this, but I think I might have read that they have a fuel injected model now.

[New GZ250]

Royal Enfield article Rider Magazine:

http://www.ridermagazine.com/output.cfm?id=2530621

[emory70]

i'm thinking my next bike will be a sporty. one thing i have learned in my shopping and from watching my dad with his 09 heritage softail, when you buy a harley, buy the one that is closest to what you wanna end up with. no stock harley is worth a shit till you make it "yours," and doing so can get expensive if you start with the bike you can afford, not the one you want.

i think the mistake many sporty buyers make is to assume it is a beginner's bike. it's not. it's just the least expensive (if only barely). lest we forget, the original sportster was developed to compete with triumphs.

there are a lot of things that harley does with its bikes that make no sense to non-harley people. like the potato-potato sound and vibration, and the styling. willie g learned with the first superglide that harley customers want tradition, plain and simple. better, faster, and more reliable, but traditional styling only, please

[Maryland Mark]

Love the look of the Royal Enfield, but only about 2 more HP then then the GZ, and more issues with mantainence, no thanks!
There is a place in Delaware with some good deals, and will ship. Called Delmarva Royal Enfield (I believe that is correct).

I wish a Japanese or American company would put out a mid size single!

Mark

[blaine]

I wish a Japanese or American company would put out a mid size single!

Mark

The Suzuki S40 Boulevard is a 650cc single that's a proven & bulletproof design that's been around for years.

:roll: :cool:

[Easy Rider]

The Suzuki S40 Boulevard is a 650cc single that's a proven & bulletproof design that's been around for years.

Older models were known as the LS 650 Savage.
They haven't changed much but a few things have.
At some point, they switchded from buckhorn bars to shorter drag-style bars.

[Maryland Mark]

Yes, forgot about the S40. I guess I am thinking of a more "standard" versus cruiser single. Something in the 400 - 500cc range with the looks of the TU 250. Then again, not sure how much more power can be massaged out of that compared to the Royal Enfield. Although I think the Japanese could get more then 22bhp from 400 - 500 ccs.
I rode a friends Savage 650 years ago - boy was that thing a bruiser!

Mark