Any Advice on 883?

okbikerdad · Jul 5th, 2009, 08:33 PM

I was in the same shape bike / finance wise. Went to the local HD shop and picked up a 2006 883xl gave $6000 for it with 6000 miles. It has all the chrome, pipes and goodies I would've wanted to buy anyway, so it think I got a great one!!

I weigh close to 220 and the bike runs and drives great. You might check craigs list in your area because there are lots of folks trying to get rid of the bikes due to economics. Also with the "trade up" program HD sponsored there are quite a few sportsters at the HD shop in all price ranges to choose from...

DevDuck · Jul 5th, 2009, 09:20 PM

Looks like it's all been covered as far as advice goes but why not throw in my two cents? My first Harley is a 2003 883 and she's been great.

If your intentions are just for running around near your home then this is a good choice. If you want a bike for in town than it's perfect. The engine is enough to speed my large frame at 80 mph up hill all day. The bike has good acceleration and the responsiveness is great for weaving through city traffic. I imagine it's a great and forgiving bike to learn to ride on as well.

The only problems I've ever had stem from wanting to make longer, touring style, trips. I'm 6'0 and without highway pegs my legs get very tired after a few hundred miles. The tank only holds a couple gallons of gas and there's no larger option until the 2004 models. The engine vibrations can become very annoying after a few hours. I would kill for cruise control, literally. Oh and there's no room for saddle bags unless you buy a kit that moves the rear turn signals back a few inches. None of this is the fault of the bike, you can't expect a great cruiser to also be a great touring bike.

gunsablazin · Jul 17th, 2009, 02:46 PM

I may have found my bike! Going to look at a 1999 883C, already has the stage 1 work done by a guy known for getting it right, plus windshield, mustang seat and a few chrome bits as well. This bike belongs to a friend of a friend and I am told it is in cherry condition and the price is right. I can't wait to see it. If it works out I'll post pics next week!

Gunsablazin may have found his ride!!!!!!!

1207 hot rod · Jul 17th, 2009, 05:41 PM

All the advice has been right on the money. The 2004 and up are a lot more smooth and vibration free. They get great mileage and will respond to the right performance upgrades very easy and are fast as (EDIT) once you get the right combination/people involved. Don't worry about your weight. I'm 6'2" and 200 lbs. and ride a 2005 XLC 883/1207. The forward controls are a big help on the Custom model, but you can add those if yours doesn't come with them. Ride hard-live free.

Please read this...

STAFF NOTES:

A Friendly Reminder - Harley Davidson Community

gunsablazin · Jul 24th, 2009, 12:59 PM

OK I did it, found a very nice 1999 883C with only 1700 miles on it. With the extras it came with, HD windshield, Corbin seat, new tires etc. I think I got a bargain at $4,350.00. I'm picking it up in the morning and hope to have pics up soon. I'll be out of town most of next week, but I'll let you know how she rides on monday. Thanks for all the help!

Gunsablazin

SPORTY LADY · Jul 24th, 2009, 09:46 PM

i loved my 2005 883 L . RIGHT UP UNTIL I TOTALED IT. ROAD 900+ MILES IN 2 DAYS WITH MY HUBBY LAST WEEK IN JUNE. I WAS COMFY THE WHOLE TIME. I HAD THE FORWARD CONTROLS ON IT. WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO THAT WITH THE MID CONTROLS. NEW BIKE ON THE WAY . 2009 SPORTSTER 1200 L FLAME BLUE IN COLOR. GOOD LUCK.

gunsablazin · Jul 27th, 2009, 10:06 AM

I love it! No more Kawayamondasukis for me! 1999 883C rides like a dream. The girls love it too!

gunsablazin · Jul 27th, 2009, 11:48 AM

I'll try to post a pic here again.

gunsablazin · Jul 27th, 2009, 02:34 PM

better pic!

Jul 5th, 2009, 08:33 PM	#31
okbikerdad Start The Engine Ride: 2006 XL 883L Sportster Join Date: Mar 13th, 2009 Location: Tulsa, OK. - Where else? Posts: 23 My Mood:	Re: Any Advice on 883? I was in the same shape bike / finance wise. Went to the local HD shop and picked up a 2006 883xl gave $6000 for it with 6000 miles. It has all the chrome, pipes and goodies I would've wanted to buy anyway, so it think I got a great one!! I weigh close to 220 and the bike runs and drives great. You might check craigs list in your area because there are lots of folks trying to get rid of the bikes due to economics. Also with the "trade up" program HD sponsored there are quite a few sportsters at the HD shop in all price ranges to choose from...

Jul 5th, 2009, 09:20 PM	#32
DevDuck New Family Ride: 2003 Sportster Custom XL883C Join Date: Jul 5th, 2009 Posts: 1	Re: Any Advice on 883? Looks like it's all been covered as far as advice goes but why not throw in my two cents? My first Harley is a 2003 883 and she's been great. If your intentions are just for running around near your home then this is a good choice. If you want a bike for in town than it's perfect. The engine is enough to speed my large frame at 80 mph up hill all day. The bike has good acceleration and the responsiveness is great for weaving through city traffic. I imagine it's a great and forgiving bike to learn to ride on as well. The only problems I've ever had stem from wanting to make longer, touring style, trips. I'm 6'0 and without highway pegs my legs get very tired after a few hundred miles. The tank only holds a couple gallons of gas and there's no larger option until the 2004 models. The engine vibrations can become very annoying after a few hours. I would kill for cruise control, literally. Oh and there's no room for saddle bags unless you buy a kit that moves the rear turn signals back a few inches. None of this is the fault of the bike, you can't expect a great cruiser to also be a great touring bike.

Jul 17th, 2009, 02:46 PM	#33
gunsablazin Start The Engine Ride: 1999 XL883C Join Date: May 6th, 2009 Posts: 31 My Mood:	Re: Any Advice on 883? I may have found my bike! Going to look at a 1999 883C, already has the stage 1 work done by a guy known for getting it right, plus windshield, mustang seat and a few chrome bits as well. This bike belongs to a friend of a friend and I am told it is in cherry condition and the price is right. I can't wait to see it. If it works out I'll post pics next week! Gunsablazin may have found his ride!!!!!!!

Jul 17th, 2009, 05:41 PM	#34
1207 hot rod New Family Ride: 2005 XLC 883 Join Date: Jul 17th, 2009 Location: Alvin, Texas Posts: 3 My Mood:	Re: Any Advice on 883? All the advice has been right on the money. The 2004 and up are a lot more smooth and vibration free. They get great mileage and will respond to the right performance upgrades very easy and are fast as (EDIT) once you get the right combination/people involved. Don't worry about your weight. I'm 6'2" and 200 lbs. and ride a 2005 XLC 883/1207. The forward controls are a big help on the Custom model, but you can add those if yours doesn't come with them. Ride hard-live free. Please read this... STAFF NOTES: A Friendly Reminder - Harley Davidson Community Last edited by glider; Jul 17th, 2009 at 07:52 PM.

Jul 24th, 2009, 12:59 PM	#35
gunsablazin Start The Engine Ride: 1999 XL883C Join Date: May 6th, 2009 Posts: 31 My Mood:	Re: Any Advice on 883? OK I did it, found a very nice 1999 883C with only 1700 miles on it. With the extras it came with, HD windshield, Corbin seat, new tires etc. I think I got a bargain at $4,350.00. I'm picking it up in the morning and hope to have pics up soon. I'll be out of town most of next week, but I'll let you know how she rides on monday. Thanks for all the help! Gunsablazin

Jul 24th, 2009, 09:46 PM	#36
SPORTY LADY Play The Throttle Ride: 2009 SPORTSTER XL 1200L FLAME BLUE Join Date: Apr 27th, 2008 Location: IL Posts: 164 My Mood:	Re: Any Advice on 883? i loved my 2005 883 L . RIGHT UP UNTIL I TOTALED IT. ROAD 900+ MILES IN 2 DAYS WITH MY HUBBY LAST WEEK IN JUNE. I WAS COMFY THE WHOLE TIME. I HAD THE FORWARD CONTROLS ON IT. WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO THAT WITH THE MID CONTROLS. NEW BIKE ON THE WAY . 2009 SPORTSTER 1200 L FLAME BLUE IN COLOR. GOOD LUCK. __________________ Live to Ride ; Ride To Live

Jul 27th, 2009, 10:06 AM	#37
gunsablazin Start The Engine Ride: 1999 XL883C Join Date: May 6th, 2009 Posts: 31 My Mood:	Re: Any Advice on 883? I love it! No more Kawayamondasukis for me! 1999 883C rides like a dream. The girls love it too!

Jul 27th, 2009, 11:48 AM	#38
gunsablazin Start The Engine Ride: 1999 XL883C Join Date: May 6th, 2009 Posts: 31 My Mood:	I'll try to post a pic here again. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by NEWHD74FAN; Jul 27th, 2009 at 11:13 PM. Reason: Tidy up post

Jul 27th, 2009, 02:34 PM	#39
gunsablazin Start The Engine Ride: 1999 XL883C Join Date: May 6th, 2009 Posts: 31 My Mood:	Re: Any Advice on 883? better pic! Attached Thumbnails Last edited by gunsablazin; Jul 27th, 2009 at 02:38 PM. Reason: show pic.

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Any Advice on 883?

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