HD Sportster

[E-man]

Could anyone vouch for the IRON 883?
I have never riden a Harley, but I have heard bad things about old sportsters.
The look and streamlined design of the Iron 883 appeals to me but I wonder if anyone out there has rode the bike and has any comments on it. Handling? Cornering? Umph? Reliability?

[mrlmd1]

Go to www.motorcycle-journal.com/forum/ - they have a Harley area that can answer all of your questions.
I think Sarris is the only one of us on here that has a Harley and could say anything about them.

[E-man]

Suprisingly, that site has very little info on the Iron 883.
I keep finding reviews, but most of them are specifications and features, not testimonials from owners.

[Sarris]

I bought a new 2006 year end 883 Standard w/ forward controls and buckhorn bars (from HD) and drove it about 3000 miles before I converted it to 1250 cc w/ the Weisco kit.

It's not a very comfortable nor easy bike to ride, but those who own the miserable SOB's just love 'em.

Mine had less than 15000 miles when I was offered not much less than I had in it. GONE.

Great looking bike. I hated it. Ride before you decide and remember your first impressions DO count.

BTW, the Iron is just a lowered and blacked out Standard 883.

Good luck.

Here is (was?) my Sportster (center). I still own the other two.

[E-man]

Thats pretty awesome that the Sportster came and went but the GZ stayed.
Makes me reconsider the desire to upgrade.

[dannylightning]

yep the 883 iron and the regular 883L are pretty much the same bike, just the iron looks cooler if you like all flat black or that silver color.

[oakies]

In my opinion, theres nothing wrong with the Sportster. I still have my 04 1200 Sportster Roadster that I bought new. 24000 miles on it and no major issues. The stock seat and the rear shocks suck, but I have replaced mine with aftermarket stuff. I rode it daily till I got my 06 Wide Glide, which was a much smother ride. I still ride the Sportster along with the FXDWG and my trusty old GZ. The biggest problem (but easily corrected) with the 883 Iron is that the stock seat is only about a half inch thick. Any rides over 100 miles on the stock seat would be torture.
My 04 Sportster

[dannylightning]

Originally Posted by oakies

The biggest problem with the 883 Iron is that the stock seat is only about a half inch thick. Any rides over 100 miles on the stock seat would be torture.

that seat is as hard as a rock on the iron and not even close to being comfortable. that is one of my complaints about it. i was considering on getting one my self. but i got a realy nice bike much cheaper than what i could get a 883 iron for.