Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 reviews

This was my first Harley. I kept her for a little over a year and over 5,000 miles. I really enjoyed the time we had, but the more I rode the further I wanted to go and the more my wife wanted to ride with me. The sporty was great for me (at 245 pounds). Then you add my wife (at 105) and it was time for a Street Glide. Show less

I have not been on a bike for two years or so and just got one again. I seem to like to be back on a bike again which is always missed when you have and are not. I would say I don't know yet on the overall but it is not a Honda so by association it is a better bike. Show less

This is a good motorcycle that you will want to keep. It handles narrow country roads excellent, but will do just fine on a major highway. The Fatboy is my favorite, but the Sportster is great for country roads. In other words, do not trade it in if you get a large road bike! Show less

I ride my Sporty 5 or 6 times a week, in all kinds of weather. It has been perfectly reliable. It's a great bike to learn to ride on. I will definitely buy another Harley someday. Show less

This is a used Sportster. Makes no dif to me. Nothing as pure motorcycly as a Sportster. I told a friend who has a Road King about my Sporty when I got it, he said that he liked his better than the Road King for day-to-day stuff and he misses his. I've had lots of bikes, this is my first H-D. The quality is amazing. Cold blooded carb, but it fits me fine, plenty of power, good for 75-100 miles at a stretch. Harleys don't cost more. They're just worth more. Show less

I always wanted a Harley and never thought I could afford one. This Bike is not expensive and for what you pay you get a great bike. Trust me it is plenty fast if that is what you want and handles great. With the rubber mounted motor it does not vibrate at all. These bikes look great and get looks from people. I love this bike I can say no more. I cannot stay off of it. Everytime I turn around I want to get on it and take off. If you're looking for a great bike this is the one for you. Show less

On March 30, 2004 I purchased a 2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL883. This 883 Sportster is a wonderful motorcycle. I just love it. It remains stock. I use it as an errand bike around town and is serves its purpose fantastically. Super maneuverable in all traffic conditions. It works best in and around parking lots where tight turns and quick maneuvering is required. The TT type handlebars make it great for quick and short throw reactions. Perfect for cruising wherever you want to go!! Show less

Nice bike to start out on. Rides great for around town and short trips, but being 5'11" the bike felt kind of small for any long highway riding. Has nice quality and finish to it, but could use a much better seat. After riding one season I moved up to a Dyna Super Glide. Show less

You have all read the reviews regarding handling, comfort, performance and so on, so I will mostly skip those. One of the best things about a Harley is this; if it does not fit, you can change it. Seat too hard? Change it. Handlebars too close or too low? Change them. Not fast enough? Pay the "Harley tax", on the 883 it is worth 25% more HP. The 883 may be top heavy, but if I had not read that somewhere I'd never know it. It does understear at slow speed but after 10 minutes in a parking lot I got used to it. I'm not dragging the pegs or going 80MPH on the freeway anyway so this is a good size bike for me. Show less

My 2nd 883(first was a 2000-883). The rubber mounted engine is superior by far. The Sportster line in MY opionion is Harley's best even though it is priced at half of the others - simple and basic, very functional-pure fun. Have the dealer go from a #42 idle jet to a #48- it will cost 2mpg, but cold weather riding is much better and safer(no misfiring). Also drilling out the baffles with a hole saw will give it a throaty sound, louder but not too loud. Show less