Harley-Davidson Sportster

1200 Custom. A Different Experience! – I have been wanting to try a Harley Davidson for as long as I remember ! The twin cylinders, the finishes they have, and that sound! So it was with much anticipation that we made our way to the good people at Morgan and Wacker in Newstead, Brisbane on a Friday night to pick up a brand new 1200 Custom as it is simply known. ( Under the Sportster… Read more

Family banner.) They go for about $19,250 (plus on roads). Lola there had been extremely helpful in obtaining one for me as usually they hire out the larger "bagger" models such as the Heritage Softail which I felt in no way ready for at this point... She even let us pick it up and do the paperwork/card procedures after hours as they had an event on ! Wonderful service. (Although event probably a one off really.)

So in due course we fired it up... Now I had heard a Harley Davidson at a bike expo a few years back in 2014. It was on a rolling road so people 16 and over could start it up, rev it and actually ride through the gears etc while stationary. Anyway at the time I thought it was almost sewing machine quiet. This is what I was expecting with the 1200 Custom. Not so ! It fired up with an awesome rumble. It had some aftermarket S&S pipes. My friend and I just looked at each other, both thinking "Oh Yeah!!"

So off I rumble into the night, heading for home with a full weekend's riding ahead for myself and my friend, who is to accompany me on my Yamaha FZ8. The first thing to master with a Harley is those indicators... two different press switches. One on each side... I don't know of any other bike that has this and it takes some getting used to. Press to indicate then press again to cancel If right is on and you press left then it will switch over to left and it will also self cancel when moving. At least that part is good. Otherwise it's quite distracting until you get used to it...I think they need to ditch this system.

The whole bike still shakes and rumbles like you are in an ancient bomber. I'm told the older ones were worse before rubber mounts. This of course is part of the mystique. I use moulded earplugs all the time nearly when riding. I especially needed them here, had forgotten them ! At least the next day I wore them...

One of the first things that strikes you-apart from the noise and shaking-is just how tall the gearing is. I don't think I got out of first gear for the first couple of k's through the city. Didn't need to really. First is good until close to 80 kph when you hit the the rev limiter at about 5500 rpm. In spite of its tall gearing you can really feel that massive torque in first. Second will easily get you up around 120 kph. For noise reduction, third is good to sit on for the open road. Forth and fifth are almost wasted unless you want to push the bike to silly limits it is hardly designed for. This thing is mostly for cruising but it will do more...

Our trip was to Blackbutt via Mt Glorious and the open sweepers around Wivenhoe dam etc. It handled both the tighter bends and the open sweepers very nicely at more moderate speeds than out and out sports bikes. I did not scrape it. Better riders than me might. The steering is heavier than, say, my FZ8 of course but really not too bad. As always, ride to your abilities, the bike's abilities and the conditions. One thing I found was that going downhill, I left it in first once again as up to 80 kph was plenty for me and I found the more than adequate v twin engine braking confidence inspiring for downhill twisties. So all in all a pleasant ride out in the sticks but a bit more of a chore in peak hour ! Speaking of brakes...well they are adequate...front feels a bit wooden compared to what I'm used to. Could really use twin disks and the back one? Like most bike back brakes...adequate, but not too powerful. Which really is as it should be. They are ABS but didn't test this. Front forks felt ok. Rear shocks can bottom occasionally, quite spine jarringly ! Both my friend and I found this on 80-100k country roads. An indictment of our road system too, of course, but this isn't the last word in suspension, although in fairness we did not play around with the preload... If that doesn't work maybe a set of Ohlins?

Kudos though, for the riding position, 'pegs, handlebars and seat. I just loved the whole setup and the height. I am about 182 cm so not exactly short and found it ideal. This, along with the beautiful chrome and spoke looks, metallic paint finish, are what I loved best about the bike. Pegs forward a bit but not too much. Brake and gear levers perhaps a bit long to reach. Gear shifting obviously a bit slow but quite pleasant and will loosen up a bit as the bike puts up some k's. Fuel range and economy seemed about the same as my Yamaha. I estimate 7-8 litres/100km and maybe 250k's out of a tank. Maybe better with more frugal riding than we did.... It's a 17 litre tank so no worries like those smaller "peanut" tanks!

Be aware, though, there is NO fuel gauge ! Just a warning light. I have no idea what range you still have when this comes on. Internet "advice" is mostly American and varies. The speedo is quite small and a bit hard to read as is the LCD display below it, but you can scroll through odometer, trip one, trip two, time and gear selected/rpm. So fairly comprehensive. Neutral and ABS light and alarm etc. Neutral is a bit fiddly but easier with practice. Once again it was new so will probably select more easily with time. It also has keyless proximity activation via an electronic smart keyfob and alarm which activates when keyfob is away far enough from the bike. No key to insert. Just one for the steering lock. They recommended 98 octane fuel too.

So..would I have one ? Yes. If I could afford another bike. Not ready to give up my naked sports bike yet. I'd make some improvements. Shocks, gearing, if different belt and pulley ratios are available, I'd gear it lower. Not much else. Tyres seemed up to the job. I think they were Harley Davidson branded Michelin but don't know what they are like in the wet. Would go one step up from standard on the pipes but I think these ones were a couple of steps up ! Oh and I'd spend a lot of time just looking at it.... :) ( Many thanks to the good people at Morgan and Wacker for arranging the weekend hire! I have no affiliation with them.)

Smiles for miles – Everytime I get on it I have a blast, and as I sit here now I'm planning my next ride (maybe a short blat this evening?). I would have given it 5 stars if the factory suspension was any good, but once I sorted that out this is just a great machine. i have owned and ridden faster (Japanese and European) machines, but this is just so much more fun… Read more

and engaging. With a few suspension upgrades it handles really well, surprising a lot of Sportsbike owners when I catch them in the twisties. It's got a heap of torque and doesn't mind revving a bit. I also rode some bigger Harley's before purchasing mine, and they were ok, but the Sportster is fun. With a little more research I would recommend a 2010 Sportster 1200C, get mag wheels, 13" Progressive 444 shocks, Intiminators for the forks and some preload fork caps, and a Mustang Vintage Solo seat. Then just go and have fun.

there is no alternative to Harley – Just got my first Harley (Iron 883) for a month, so far so good, very happy about it. Just share some of my impression about it here: 1. It's heavy! If you move from Japanese bikes to Harley, then you will find it is heavier. When it is heavy, people tend to drop in garage more, so be careful. 2. It shakes/vibrates a lot. While other motorcycle… Read more

companies all manage to reduce vibration as one of their goal, Harley keeps its special sound (aka from its special way of vibration). So this is something for you to get used to.

3. It's slow but fast enough. It has similar acceleration to Ninja 300 according to 0-60 mile figure. You don't expect acceleration on Harley. Actually VROD accelerated very well, but they just end of production, due to traditional Harley owners don't think "it's harley enough".

4. It's top speed is lower than other Harley and many other Supersports but good enough for Australia. You will see many complaint about its top speed for not being able to be confort on highway. But they are all Americans.They have higher speed limit than Australia. They will complain about after 80mph, the bike runs funny. I only see Australia's top speed is 110km almost everywhere, which is 70mph we never go after 80mph in Australia (we shouldn't).

5. Be prepared to hear "Sportster is girl bike" or "883 is girl bike" something like that. However, people who own Sportster will love them to hell, people who own both sportster and other big twins, many will say sportster is much more fun to ride.

6. Its loud (after stage 1). Sportsters are loud and sounds very Harley in all ways. You might hear people saying it sounds better than big twins before high rev.

7. Reserve your money for Harley tax, and you will spend a lot for sure!

Quality workmanship – I have problem with the ridding stability with this bike so I deside with my mechanic to take closer look and see what is wrong and we was absolutely stun how the back wheel is mouted to a main frame on this xl 1200 harley.The engeneers at Harley Davidson Joking with as .work on frame this is technical catastrophe !!! And for that money it’s a… Read more

terrible job what they did!! If you don’t believe

See your self.sory bud I have to writ-it.so next time i will buy bike from company that know what they doing!!milan v.

Fun bikes – I bought this entry level XL883L Superlow Harley for riding around our property with the kids, I didn't want an expensive bike like my other Harley's so this bike has been perfect. This is only an entry level bike which I thought would be great for my sons at this stage.We ride it daily and have had it for 9 months now and like the mid mount controls for the open road  Show details

Superlow, supervalue, superfun – For an entry level Harley the XL883L Superlow has to be the best of the range. Alloy rims & radial tyres give you stable handling and great road feel & feedback. The 883 engine is grunty enough for almost any solo rider, smooth power delivery and enough torque to get over hills easily. With the 17L tank (vs 12.5 in the Iron etc.) it has… Read more

significantly more range per fill, and IMO a sleeker more appealing style to the bike.

I have genuine lockable hard-bags fitted, same H-D quality you'd expect but a little odd in the internal sizing. Can be tricky loading them, but the Superlow carries them with ease.

Of course, the overall quality and finish is to the high standard you'd expect. The standard solo seat is a lot more comfortable than it looks, vibration is quite minimal and standard accessories are good, self cancelling turn signals, immobiliser, hazard lights. I prefer the black-out look of the XL883N Iron or XL1200CB, but the chrome on the XL883L isn't too overdone for my taste, unlike the Custom XL883C which is the model you'd get if you like shiny objects and laced chrome wheels with tubed tyres.

As with most bikes, suspension can't be 1 size fits all and is definitely something I'll be investing in later. That's my only negative, but given that it is an entry level bike, it does deliver that Harley Davidson quality in an affordable package, albeit with only 70Nm torque.

Highly recommended for anyone wanting to join the Harley family on a budget. I went with 4stars only because I need about $800 worth of suspension upgrades to improve the ride for regional QLD roads with a heavier rider, I'd like to say 4.7stars as there really is nothing else about the stock bike that I can fault. (Personally I don't like the mid-mount controls, but as with all Harleys, options to move, adjust, customise or accessorise are endless. In the case of foot controls on the XL883L, just in genuine H-D I believe there are 5 mounting position options plus highway pegs, plus aftermarket)

UPDATE - 6 months and over 7000km later...

Suspension upgraded to Progressive 412 rear & Progressive h/duty front (recommended on almost any bike) Stage 1 Screamin Eagle intake and Dyno-tuned with a Screamin Eagle supertuner to 56hp(41.7kW)@6200rpm & 53ft-lb(72Nm)@4800rpm, fuel economy took a hit and now averages ~18km/L or ~5.5L/100km. Upgraded to a HD Sundowner solo seat and some various, less relevant bolt-ons. VERY happy with it, ride almost every day, been on a number of longer trips. Of course if I had the money I'd buy a Dyna, but I can't think of any reason why I might have a different bike at this point. Services are simple, very reliable and even loaded with swag & camp gear I barely notice the extra load.

The Superlow 883 is a great bike.

HARLEY DAVIDSON 2005 XL1200C 'Custom' – When you talk about Harley Davidson's HD bikes most people look at the twin cam softail or touring models. Having owned a 2005 FXST Softail (carby version) I wanted to go back to the Harley 'family' but own something (for me anyway) a little different. I have always gravitated to big capacity cruisers over the years e.g. Vulcan 2000, Vulcan… Read more

Nomad 1600, Royal Star V4 1300, Suzuki M109R 1800, Harley Softail 1450, Honda VTX 1800 you get the picture.

I started to look at Sportsters. I wanted something light, easy to maintain myself, enough power & the 'classic' Harley 'carb' sound.

The Sportster XL1200 Custom has the rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200 engine.

It has custom touches including a spoke 21-inch front wheel, front disc, 16 inch slotted disc rear wheel, chrome engine covers, forward controls and pull-back chrome handlebars and riser.

Some other features include; High-compression, high-flow cylinder heads, High-performance cams, Black powder-coated engine w/ chrome covers, New 1-inch diameter rear axle and stiffer swing arm, Forward foot controls, Chrome bullet headlight & 4.5-gallon fuel tank.

As with any purchase I make in cars or bikes, I always look for something which is close to 'stock' or comes with parts to return it to OEM 'stock'.

This is the 2nd bike I have every bought from a dealership & it was by accident. It is a 2 owner 2005 XL1200C (carby) blue/silver with 'screaming eagle' slip-on pipes & re-jetted carby. Everything is bone stock ... handlebar, grips, paint, seat ... stock & only 32 000 kms ...

The bike was a trade on a new Harley & wholesaled to the dealer I bought it from. To cut a long story short, I drove by the yard, saw it in the lane way, made some enquiries, took it for a hour & a half ride, and bought it for $6250 cash (as I was actually on my way to see a private seller Sportster - go figure) with 12 months rego.

I really love the simplicity of this bike. I adjusted the clutch, changed oils including brake fluid, plugs, changed brake pads and went through the service schedule in my service manual (a must have) including steering head adjustment. Easy & fun with a great deal of satisfaction of doing it myself.

The bike is light, fast (for me anyway), fun & easy to manage.

I am 6'3 & so far have found the OEM forward controls very comfortable. I was considering a Accutronix Forward Control Extension Kit but have not needed it. I'll put some serious hours in the saddle then make a decision.

Sportster parts & accessories tend to be cheaper than the big v twin Harley's and there are great online forums/resources you can tap into.

My advice would be to look at a 2004 onward here's some things you should know;

2004 – The frame is 100% redesigned & now uses a rubber mounting system for the engine to reduce vibration. Battery was now enclosed, the bike also had a redesigned hamcan, transmission door and a new oil tank.

2005 – Minor change this year, the rear axle was expanded to 1″ for increased stability.

2006 – The new XR1200 is announced. The bike is a modern interpretation of the now legendary XR750 race bike, it uses the same Evolution V-Twin as the stock Sportster with a new Down Draft DDFI II fuel injection system.

2007 – Fuel injection is now installed as standard on all Sportsters.

2008 – The front axle is slightly enlarged and the rear axle is decreased in size a little, both are now metric and have the same size – 25mm.

2010 – The engine control unit is moved to allow more room for aftermarket seat selection.

2014 – All new electric system is installed on all Sportsters, larger brakes are now standard, keyless entry is offered, the Evolution engine has an increased compression ratio and ABS is offered as an option.

Although they look great smaller 'peanut' style tanks have a limited range, great for the city but you will be looking for fuel stops on your country runs. My custom has the 4.5 Gallon tank.

But if you have your heart set on an earlier Sportster thats fine, but do your research first before you splash out your 'hard earned'.

Safe Riding ....

Yesteryear and nothing remarkable – XL1200C Sportster In today’s world of cruiser bikes that are on the market the choice is varied and vast all having different technologies but similar in style so how does the 1200 sportster fit in to this market? Well it fits in by style but by no means by technology. This bike feels like yesteryear nothing remarkable to it at all. Going… Read more

through the hills it is under par compared to other cruisers on the market and made quite obvious when you’re in a group ride and in every corner your gap between the other bikes gets longer because the sportster does not handle and to add to that not a lot of power down the straights. Around 67.7 HP @ 5680 rpm in fact. On the country roads on the flat stuff the bike seem at its best. Stopping power is good as the bike pulls up in an emergency stop very well. However like so many of the Harley Davidson products they have problems. So it is a yes to oil leaks and a yes to failed ignition twice on this one. A new clutch after 16k and a burnt exhaust valve that was very costly and ended up been a full top end rebuild. Simply the engineering quality just is not there.

In summary for some,the Sportster will make you feel like;You’re the man or may be even feel like you have made it big in the biking world in some way by riding this great USA brand name. Or for others they may feel like they have grown a tough looking beard and can't smile at anyone. But for me it’s a below average bike that will undoubtedly fail when pushed hard on a regular basis Way way before the competitors bikes do.So if you ride a bike quite hard then don't touch the sportster. And even if you don't ride one of these hard well then failure is just a matter of a very short time.

So much fun and a joy to ride – Upgraded from a superlow 883 It is superior in every aspect More comfortable, handles better, you can lean into corners with confidence Superior blue with lots of chrome Admiring looks and thumbs up where every I go As a shorty, it fits me like a glove I ride each day, commuting to the office and longer rides on weekends Already clocked up over 2,500 kilometres  Show details

Fast and loud – I have had this 2014 Sportster with 5000km on the clock for a month now, bought it with a super tuner so previous owner must have had it tuned for performance and plenty of custom chrome on it & 2 into 1 aftermarket exhaust. It's pretty thirsty but I think it's the performance tune. Really fast bike, getting used to riding a cruiser from sports… Read more

bike so turning, throttle response of the v twin and riding position all so different. It's very loud, have to ride with ear plugs but a real head turner and get plenty of compliments.

Really like the modern features, keyless starting, immobilizer & alarm, abs brakes. Also the modern pretty much maintenance free EFI engine & drive belt. No more greasy chain oiling, maintenance, checking and the mess..!

It's doing everything I bought it for so very happy. Very, very fast bike, rarely get to use the 5th gear because I do the speed limit most of the time..!! The tune on this bike likes the higher RPM's. I did test ride a couple of other stock Sportster's but they felt a bit mute & weak. I highly recommend spending a bit more & getting the super tuner for a performance tune.

The choice is for you to decide – I have a 2012 883, Fitted with S&S 1200 kit, S&S slip on exhaust, S&S air filter. Very simple and easy to do... about 3 hours work to do yourself. It nearly doubles the horsepower. I rode the 1st Shovelhead XLX back in the 80's, no comparison. Just look at this bike... stripped down and simple... Fuel injected, belt drive, fork gaiters, hydraulic… Read more

lifters, the most simple bike to service and own. It is built to ride on American roads, concrete highways, so if you want better road manners, try changing the fork oil to start with... rear has 3 preloads... experiment. Ditching the standard solo seat for a dual seat moves you a bit further back as well. Most of my bikes over 40 years have been Jap performance machines so I do understand the differences, I could have bought any bike going and I did look, a lot. This one makes you smile. It is super reliable and solid as a rock (lot of steel on this ride). Only short coming? You get very friendly with servo workers, less than 200kms between refuels.... But the beauty of that tank makes it acceptable. The engine mounting is excellent, clear mirrors all the way through the usable rev range. Am still a little iffy about the combined turn signal, brake and running lights but it works and looks clean. Very happy... would take a very special bike to make me think of a change. There is an endless list of modifications available such as 4 different footpeg positions alone, it will fit anyone. Enjoy.

Just a great old school bike with a splash of modern – I have a 2014 xl custom , love this bike , stock it's just a plain Jane , it is reliable and full of history .l hate all the cruisers with wide full tanks like steering a wheelbarrow. The custom is nimble has good torque and is good in city traffic and highway cruising will sit on 120 kph all day. Don't believe all the negatives about Harley's… Read more

this bike has a bullet proof motor do your homework search the net you will be surprised . I have searched and ridden heaps of bikes over 40 years I have found a great bike and a riding brotherhood . Ok stock the bike needs some attention I have done a stage 1 Screaming Eagle kit ( heavy breather , pipes, and remapping) bike goes superb suspension put in Ikon progressive front fork springs and 7610 rear shocks handles so good now.Also added the Harley reduced reach handle bars gives the bike a more relaxed riding position is now a more comfortable ride , bars can be changed without having to change cables, bars are one inch wider and back about 2 inches feels really good .There are so many after market options with a sporty it can be a blank canvas. All in all I have found a great bike which hasn't given me any trouble "Live to Ride"

Worst bike I have ever owned – Bought the 2013 model harley sporster custom. Has broken down three times had the computer break down and they reset computer then riding home the computer shut itself and was replaced. This time it died again and when the fuel sensor in tank was removed it was open electrical and was broken very dangerus. This bike has only done 4200 kms and is… Read more

nearly out of warranty. And showing rust. Harley did fix the problems no questions asked as they should. However very unsatisfied with this model it has some good points as a cruiser but in my opinion the quality of this bike is not great for what there worth.

The company 'Harley" are ridiculous – It might be a bit late for this but, Superbrace in the States make a fork brake for your bike, and the cartridge kits are better than stock but longer forks would be the go. The Perelli tyres are unbelievable. The Harley 1200 big bore kit with the bigger cams is great as well. MJH

A great bike to individualise to your liking and something that can keep evolving as the years pass – If ever you are given the opportunity to ride a Sportster 883 or 1200 take it by the scruff of the neck and decide for yourself. But, before you do, read a little more about it's history if you really what to understand the bike properly and/or you are a motorcycle enthusiast. Leave your biases behind for an hour and try to understand that this… Read more

motorcycle if a classic bike in every sense. I own an 1997, 883 with some minor mods, drag bars, exhaust and air filter. Love this bike to bits. It vibrates and shakes, it's loud under throttle, it pulls like a train, the brakes are good for public road speeds, the handling is surprisingly good and holds a line through a corner very well. the limiting factor becomes it's standard tires, low pegs and riders talent. I love it's low, long slim profile, I believe it has perfect aesthetic symmetry front to back which is not an easy thing to achieve but a bare bones Sportster has it. No, it's not very fast (in stock trim) compared to modern motorcycles with 1/2 the engine capacity but the torque more than makes up for it. A great bike with an indescribable quality. Once you get all the other weird and wonderful bikes out of your system (like me), you might just end up with a "back to basics" 883 that can be simply modified to suit your riding style. A fantastic blank canvas with loads of potential, great for a blast up the hills then a cruise down the highway. As the French would say… Je Ne Sais Quoi. Makes a great long term companion and reflects your personality exceptionally well when customised.

Love it! – Great bike!Been riding for over 30 years. Purchased a 2014 1200custom, and never had any problems with it. Just love it!

2012 XL883L – Bought my XL883L last October. Loved it initially, but now have learned a few things... My biggest gripe is that you CannoT buy any tyres for this bike, except for the same tyre as supplied new with the bike! HD has sewn up the market with Michelin! There are no other companies producing a tyre for this bike, and they aren't all that great!! Also,… Read more

there is no fork brace available, all the fork braces advertised as fitting the Superlow Don'T. Stuck here "down under" with dealerships that don't know their product, try to rip you off and are of no assistance whatsoever!! I've had fun customising my Superlow, but totally pi55ed off with the after sales, and the price of a new set of tyres, $680 fitted!!!!! There's got to be something better out there, surely?? Don't get me wrong, totally love my Harley, but disappointed none the less, after a year I'm ready to trade up?? In the words of a great patch "Harley Davidson, if I have to explain you wouldn't understand" Suspension not the best. Aftersales in Aust sucks. Only one type of tyre available, why??

Great bike – I bought a low km 2008 105 year anniversary model XL1200C Sportster recently. I hadn't been looking to buy one, it was parked on the side of the road with a for sale sign on it. Out of curiosity I stopped to have a look. I was so impressed with the looks of it that I bought it then and there. I had never ridden a Harley before and it is about… Read more

40kg heavier than my other cruiser, a 650.

What a treat to ride. The sound coming from the Screamin Eagles had me grinning all the way home.

The clutch felt light, the gear shifts were effortless and smooth. No clunking or false neutrals. The Torque and acceleration are also very impressive. The big surprise was the balance of the machine. Although quite a bit heavier than my other cruiser, it feels lighter. The seat is higher and it is much easier to walk it backwards.

It is a joy to ride and own. The only negative is I get a bit sore on long rides. I am used to the seat and foot peg positions of my other bike. The Harley has forward controls already but I would be more comfortable with them forward a few inches more. The sound. The looks. The power. The quality of finish. Forward controls not forward enough.

Excellent – I ride a 2008 Xl 1200C and dont ever think i will regret having bought this bike as my first harley. Its brilliant, easy to style and if its more power you want , its easy to add on more. Just a few tips to nmake this bike even better.Obviously when bikes are made as stock we tend to find one or two things about them that we dont really like after… Read more

a few rides. It is up to the individual to change what you dont like on your ride . Think of the relationship between you and your bike as one between lovers. you dont always get the perfect partner but it is up to the two of you to compromise and learn to tolerate each other's likes and dislikes to make the relationship count. Her's a few tips which worked for me and might even work for you too. 1. change the stock shocks as the are not all that comfortable 2. Better breathability so change the air filter and you will definately notice the difference in throttle response 3. Aftermarket pipes definately make my day everytime i jump onto my bike and crank it. Even those who deslike noise can use quiter baffles and achieve awsome results nevertheless 4. power commander to manage your fuel system tops up the icing. Remember this is a Harley, America's icon motorcycle since years ago and it is made to keep that reputation for generations to come. If you do not have time to be passionate about what you own, you have very little to appreciate from it as evidenced by other people who just write negative things about these bikes all the time.Do not be dismayed by people who think that they know everything about bikes . No one knows everything but God!!!. FOOD FOR THOUGHT Sports feel and handling with better sitting position much more comfy compared to a sports bike! I wish it had the dash on the tank like the other model Harleys. Needs at least the fuel gauge that is visible.Standard shocks are not the most comfy!

Excellent – Been riding for over 40 years. Purchased a 2004 883 custom XL and never had any problems with it. For one thing, leave it stock, don't screw with the carburator with those useless upgrades such as jet kits, drilling out the slide valve, adding open exhaust pipes or installing hotter ignition modules. This is a Harley, not a crotch rocket, if you… Read more ·  1

need 0 to 60 in 4 seconds this isn't the bike for you. Yes its heavy, all steel frame construction, not like the aluminum lightweight Japanese bikes that can't handle long trips, and vibrate apart. The weight on the Harley's are needed for smoother long distance rides, so you don't get beat to death like on the rice burners. You also need to know a little bit about the mechanics of Harley's and keep up with the proper maintenance on it, this is critical. Its a well crafted machine that will serve you well as long as you take care of it, best of all its a Harley. Harley's were never built on the premise of a racing bike or souped up crotch rocket, and they're not for everyone, only a select few are true Hog riders and appreciate what they have. Fast accelleration, lots of power, great handling and stopping power. I like everything about it.

Excellent – Great bike! You do get a bit of valve train noise but this is completly normal for these old school engines, a set of screamin eagle pipes & you cant hear it at all. Recommend the pipes as they change the bike completely. Very easy to customise. Handles & stops well. Hard to keep your feet on forward controls at high speed as your body is shaped like a big wind sock.

Never thought i'd love a Harley – After a bad accident on my FZR1000 in 2003 and only ever having Japanese bikes previously, It wasn’t until a good friend of mine made me get back on the horse so to speak did I ride again in 2008. The bike was his 2005 Harley Davidson FRSCA (V-Rod) and like myself up until that point he had been a crotch rocket fan. Thirty minutes later we were… Read more

researching models I liked on HD’s site then once seeing the 1200 Nightster I had found my bike. Next day was a three hour drive to pick up my new bike and I haven’t looked back since. For the size of the bike it has more than enough power responding quickly to throttle command and stopping just as quick. Customizing the bike has been just as much fun as riding it with my new Screaming Eagle pipes, forward controls and Kuryakyn grips the first to be added. For a bike to transition from road to cruiser I would highly recommend the 1200n as mine takes pride of place in my garage still 4yrs later. Great fun bike, easy to ride with pletny of torque

Good – The 2007 XL883R has been an awesome bike. I've been riding since the 70's and for around town and mountain riding this as been the best overall bike I have had. I comes at a reasonable price, handles great, accelerates fast and looks good. Nice braking, good acceleration, great handling(fun around town) and versatile enough for dirt roads, rubber mounted engine has reduced all that vibration of past. Rides a little hard on bumps.

Good – Since having Cams done,Carby Mikuni 42,Ignition Module,V&H Short shots. Bike starts immediately! Full of Power! Customising can be done with different tank,Bars,Wide Glide Front,Struts instead of springs,240 Rear can be done. Its up to the individual to change what they do not like. Can be upgraded to perform far Better at reasonable costs.… Read more

Original Seat..Could have longer Forwards..Get rid of that Cover at top of Front forks 883cc Custom XL 2005 model..Look of Front Cover is too boring

Bad – The "Harley-Davidson Sportster 883" is similar to most Harleys in that it is a great bike for the open road, but if you go near any pot holes, or if you try to take it on a gravel road, or even off-road it is completely pathetic. These bikes are not meant to be used on anything except on a clear smooth road. As with all bikes they are a lot of… Read more

fun, but they are also very dangerous. You could be the best driver in the world, but if a Kangaroo comes along, or an idiot in another car, then you are a goner. Its a Harley everything else.

Terrible – The most dangerous bike I have ridden.Total garbage.Do not waste your money. Suspension is terrible. Not reliable. Uncomfortable,painfull seat.Dim lights.Turn signals hard to use.Vibration is bad. Horn is weak. Electrical problems. Nice color Bad brakes, horrible handling,too heavy, way slow, severe wobbling. dangerous tires,hard starting, sputters and coughs,noisy top end, falls apart,leaks oil

Piece of Garbage – I have been riding bikes for 30 years and the last bike I owned was a HD Superglide.  I wanted a smaller HD to use mainly around town.  I bought a 2006 HD Sportster 883 Custom.  What a shockingly bad bike.  When you opened the throttle there was no way to know if the bike would accelerate, stall or cough and then go.  On… Read more

many occasions I pulled up to a set of lights to have them change.  I would then open the throttle only to have the bike die at the lights.  Morgan and Wacker told me that I would have to spend a heap of money on pipes and upgrades to get it to run.  I told them any Jap bike runs perfectly as soon as it leaves the shop.  I expect no less from a more expense bike.  I sold the bike at a big loss and bought a BMW.  Now that is a bike.  If you want a Harley get a real one and not the Sportster.  It should be called a S...ster. It looks good. It runs like s... The brakes barely work.