Harley Davidson Sportster 883R

[mpsd]

So, I'm really thinking about buying my first bike, at 30 years old.

I've been looking into the HD Sportster 883R and it seems a good choice. They make it here in Brazil at a factory in Amazonas (I believe it's the only HD factory outside the US) and they are selling it cheaper than a Honda Shadow 750. 25% cheaper, by the way.

So, does any one here ownes or owned one of those? Is it a good starter bike? I've heard they are pretty easy, despite the heavy weight.

My idea is to get a black one and mod it with a straigh 2-in-1 black exaust pipe, a nice straight black handle bar and the forward controls.

So, what do you guys have to tell me about it?

[punkncat]

I don't know about that particular bike, but I owned an XLH 883 up until very recently. It was a great bike as far as dependability is concerned. I don't know how big you are, but I did find mine to be a bit small for road trips. The power was never an issue. It had plenty of tourque and pull, just that it was hard to spread out and be comfortable on out on the highway, unlike some bigger bikes.
The Sporty is very easy to ride and feel confident on. As far as bikes of that class they aren't really heavy either, and with the low center of gravity they have feel very well balanced.
The new generation with rubber motor mounts and fuel injection should be pretty sweet.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

[RA1N1ER]

did you say sporty ???

for a new rider, a good choice. It's easy to maneuver,
not too heavy, with those easy mods -- should look pretty nice.

here's mine..

[IMG][/IMG]

[mpsd]

Thanks guys. The R is the same as your but it has a black engine and some minor parts in black as well.

[Smoothice]

I'm not sure what to say.

I had a 1200 sportster when I was 15 1/2. It was a great bike to start out on but it got real small real fast. By 18 I had moved up to a shovel head low rider.

Last I checked you are a BIG guy. Or maybe you are a small guy with a BIG beard. If the later is true then a sportster may hold you over for a long time.

It is definetly a great bike to learn on. Fast and very easy to maneuver.

Just make sure you are not a "Faaat guy on a litttttle biiike" (in my best tommy boy voice)

[RA1N1ER]

[mpsd]

I'm not sure what to say.

I had a 1200 sportster when I was 15 1/2. It was a great bike to start out on but it got real small real fast. By 18 I had moved up to a shovel head low rider.

Last I checked you are a BIG guy. Or maybe you are a small guy with a BIG beard. If the later is true then a sportster may hold you over for a long time.

It is definetly a great bike to learn on. Fast and very easy to maneuver.

Just make sure you are not a "Faaat guy on a litttttle biiike" (in my best tommy boy voice)

LOL, I'm not that BIG. I'm 5 feet 9 and weight 195 pounds... But I know what you mean. I've seen huge guys over small bikes and that's really funny.

[Papa_Smurf]

I like the older 883's the best. They are all great though. I just like the look of the older ones better.

[skife]

I wouldn't get a sportster

Over priced for what you get. for 2.5k less you can walk out of the kawasaki dealership with a 250 ninja and have the same if not better performance.


I'd look into a used bike as your first bike though.

[Smoothice]

I wouldn't get a sportster

Over priced for what you get. for 2.5k less you can walk out of the kawasaki dealership with a 250 ninja and have the same if not better performance.


I'd look into a used bike as your first bike though.

Obviously he wants a real mans bike

A sporty may work for you. I am 6'0 and I just felt like my knees were at a 90* and looked like some fruit on a vespa.

[mpsd]

I've seen the 250R and really liked it. What happens is that Kawasaki isn't operating officially in Brazil any longer. Still, there are a lot of them around. The new 250R is becoming a hit here, even though there's only onw in the country as of yet, imported by a small company in the south of Brazil. I'm already looking for some trading companies in Miami to import some of them and put it for sell. Maybe I'll end up keeping one for me, as long as I can sell at least 4 of them first. There is a huge group of people looking for it in the local bike forums so, hopefully, it'll be a hit when I bring them.

[skife]

Obviously he wants a real mans bike

A sporty may work for you. I am 6'0 and I just felt like my knees were at a 90* and looked like some fruit on a vespa.

honestly, i see more chicks riding 883's than i do men.
I've heard numerous people call the sportster a chick bike.

[mpsd]

Not here in Brazil, I guarantee you.

[Smoothice]

honestly, i see more chicks riding 883's than i do men.
I've heard numerous people call the sportster a chick bike.

I would have to agree.

[RA1N1ER]

that's been going around for a while now...

one of the advantages of a sporty is, you pretty much can do a whole bunch of
upgrades with it without spending too much.

just my $0.02......

OR..... you could always go for something bigger ...


here's my other one....(XB 1200S)