Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 reviews

I bought this bike after a 15-year absence from motorcycling. I've been closely following the XR ever since it came out, dealerships are pricing these bad boys to move. The motorcycle press gave the XR great reviews and I echo their comments. Good (not great)acceleration, straight-forward instrumention, effective brakes, nimble suspension, and sticky rear tire. I'm a 35-year-old that generally prefers sport bikes over cruisers, but this is a nice compromise. Mine is black and I have been having a hoot on it....definitely a grin producing bike. Show less

I have ridden a Road King for seven years and wanted a lighter sportier bike without traditional sportster issues. The rubber mount helps with the vibes. It has 3 disc brakes, tach and midmount controls, not to mention the bigger tank. I had to switch out the seat for a Mustang. Also, I added a Supertrapp 2 into 1 to open up the top end. Now I ride it much more than the Roadking, that I use for 2 up and long rides. People comment it's not the traditional sports look but I think its one of the best looking sporties I have seen. Also, it will be a rare classic only made 1 year. Show less

I have grown fond of my little XR. A suspension upgrade and taller windshield will be on Santa's list. It still corners well and has decent torque down low. I'm debating to keep or upgrade to Fat Bob with raised suspension and 103 motor!! It's a very good standard bike with Harley trimmings. Show less

This is the best all-around standard bike available! At under 600 lbs., it is easy to maneuver around town but heavy enough to be comfortable on the highway. It's plenty quick and easy to handle. The paint job and chrome work are first class. You can customize it to your personal taste with tons of aftermarket/Harley parts. Make no mistake, this is no "starter bike". I had a metric bike prior to this and while I enjoyed it, I like my Harley better. It has character, class, and a mechanical feel to it that to me is what a motorcycle should be. Show less

I love this bike. It's very light, powerful and well-balanced. It's good on long rides or short with a lot of add-ons available. Show less

Update on my Sporty. Added Samson Hellraiser Exhaust with Screaming Eagle Cone Siper filter and fuel pak and the difference is soooo much better. My bike finally looks, sounds and performs like a true Harley. Look up my review under exhaust. Now my bike is truly bad ass. Alsmost as if an additional gear was added. The sound is ever so sweet and the look makes my sporty look more chopperish. I love it! Show less

I bought my bike the last week of June in 08. I have ridden this bike many miles in the little time I have actually had it out. It is great for an hour or 2 ride but after that, it's not the best. I put many miles on it last year riding from Kentucky to Ohio all the time. It has always started right up every time. I did have to have the rocker box gaskets replaced but Harley warrantied the parts and labor of course because of the awesome 2 year unlimited mileage warranty. Show less

Fast acceleration with Harley attitude. Very stable and a pleasure to ride. Excellent fit and finish along with attention to detail. 1200cc's make this bike a torque monster. Great in the city but screams for the highway. Show less

After riding this bike for awhile I have to say everything in my first review still stands. No, this Harley is not a pure sportbike nor is it designed for long range comfort, but man is it cool. Very simple and easily read instruments, phenomenal brakes, great sound, taut suspension, stable handling, and the kind of looks that stand out in a crowd. Put on a Harley accessory windscreen and saddle up for some big time fun. Show less

Traded my 04 XL1200R for an 08 FXD just cause I wanted a big twin. The XL had 50K miles on the clock at trade in time but was able to get good monry on my trade-in. The XL had taken me to work every day, rain or shine, on weekend excursions, and short trips and long trips alike, even off-road on occasion. Only problem I ever encountered was the starter motor failed at 32,000 miles. New unit installation was time consuming but not difficult at all. Averaged 52 MPG (stage1), powerful enough to wheelie, fun to ride and surprisingly comfortable with a sundowner seat. I miss her. Show less