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Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster reviews

4.5 (8 reviews)
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Reliability
4.5
Overall quality
4.3
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.3

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8 ratings and reviews

Voted most helpful review

Matt

Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Reviewed on April 6, 2005

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster view listing

5.0
After years of riding vintage Japanese bikes and seeing these 883R's in magazines, I ran across one for sale at my local Kawasaki shop. Freak chance? Nah. It was bound to happen. After years of riding two stroke RD's, and vintage CB350's it was a new machine to me. Surprisingly, the myth of the H-D shakes isn... read more
After years of riding vintage Japanese bikes and seeing these 883R's in magazines, I ran across one for sale at my local Kawasaki shop. Freak chance? Nah. It was bound to happen. After years of riding two stroke RD's, and vintage CB350's it was a new machine to me. Surprisingly, the myth of the H-D shakes isn't that true. The bike is the best money I have spent on a motorcycle. It is fun, VERY reliable, nimble and fairly light (530 pounds). The brakes are a big improvement over the single front disc Sporties. The suspension is okay for the bike, but non-adjustable. The ride is twant, and you will feel the bumps, as it's firm. The seat is comfortable, but on a longer 4-5 hour trip you will want to stop and get off for awhile. The riding position makes you lean forward a little bit, and is not the typical "cruiser" seating style. Stock power from the bike is pretty good. But you can modify these bikes for pretty cheap to perform much better. Riding the bike through town, I get waves and thumb ups. Stopping for gas involves people asking what year the bike is, and 20 other questions. Most people think it's a restored classic. The checkered flag and orange make you stand out in the crowd. If you don't want attention, this isn't the bike for you. Over all a good first Harley, but I would not suggest it for a first bike. Weight is up high and forward. Slow corners, and parking lot moves you notice it. I love mine to death and will probably not buy another bike to replace it.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

eddiekay

malverne, New York

Reviewed on November 25, 2004

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster view listing

5.0
Here's what my 883R did for me: A few nice looking women waved. A bunch of little kids laughed and waved. A trooper let me go..enough said. A kid on a Ninja, who went by me at 150 said: " Yeah, you know, like a vintage Harley, man, that's where I wanna be at". I explained that it was an '03. He... read more
Here's what my 883R did for me: A few nice looking women waved. A bunch of little kids laughed and waved. A trooper let me go..enough said. A kid on a Ninja, who went by me at 150 said: " Yeah, you know, like a vintage Harley, man, that's where I wanna be at". I explained that it was an '03. He didn't get it but, hey, he showed respect.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
3.0
Performance
2.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

Rachel Mary

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Reviewed on June 30, 2004

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster view listing

5.0
I've only caught up with one other 883R riding in Milwaukee. We had to pull over to see if the other had a 2002 or the 100th anniversary. I would love to know how many of these blacked out beauties were produced in each year. This motorcycle is the best birthday present Harley Davidson could have given itsel... read more
I've only caught up with one other 883R riding in Milwaukee. We had to pull over to see if the other had a 2002 or the 100th anniversary. I would love to know how many of these blacked out beauties were produced in each year. This motorcycle is the best birthday present Harley Davidson could have given itself and I think it's the sexiest thing on two wheels since the cafe' racer.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Kevin

williamstown, West Virginia

Reviewed on January 23, 2004

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster view listing

4.0
Well I give this bike a 4 star since I would like a bigger one but one the other hand its a great bike! Have added some extras since purchase. Mild cam to give it some nice sound and power and Vance and Hines pipes, screaming eagle air intake solo seat back rack and a lowering kit gives it a good finishing to... read more
Well I give this bike a 4 star since I would like a bigger one but one the other hand its a great bike! Have added some extras since purchase. Mild cam to give it some nice sound and power and Vance and Hines pipes, screaming eagle air intake solo seat back rack and a lowering kit gives it a good finishing touch, Bike has got great responses for a sporty and looks like a older sporty but a 2002 appeal.... Great Bike
Reliability
4.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

Ron Wenisch

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Reviewed on December 18, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster view listing

5.0
In my opinion, the 883R is true stand-out bike. It gets a lot of attention at local bike nights. I installed the color matched factory faring and front spoiler which really stirs things up. The fit and finish on this bike is very high quality. Being that it was only produced in the '02 and '03 model year, thi... read more
In my opinion, the 883R is true stand-out bike. It gets a lot of attention at local bike nights. I installed the color matched factory faring and front spoiler which really stirs things up. The fit and finish on this bike is very high quality. Being that it was only produced in the '02 and '03 model year, this will surely be a collectable. Performance is fine for around town....don't worry about a big bore kit.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Mike Overbeck

Lilburn, Georgia

Reviewed on June 19, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster view listing

4.0
My first HD after many good JAP bikes. Now I'm hooked on HD. I love the color scheme and style on this bike. Easy to handle and ride, could use more top end power. Seat a little uncomfortable on lower back so I give only 4 stars.... read more
My first HD after many good JAP bikes. Now I'm hooked on HD. I love the color scheme and style on this bike. Easy to handle and ride, could use more top end power. Seat a little uncomfortable on lower back so I give only 4 stars.
Reliability
4.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

Randy Olson

Glyndon, Minnesota

Reviewed on June 11, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster view listing

4.0
I thought I'd drop a quick line to let the people who aren't Harley owners that our 883R has lived up to the demands and expectations. We catch a few looks and like the performance for the dollar.... read more
I thought I'd drop a quick line to let the people who aren't Harley owners that our 883R has lived up to the demands and expectations. We catch a few looks and like the performance for the dollar.
Reliability
4.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

Toby

Darien, Connecticut

Reviewed on May 14, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster view listing

4.0
This thing is great. Sure it vibrates a little bit, but it runs good, stops good, turns good, and it is definitely an "Old School" Harley. People do turn and look at you when you ride by. I definitely think that, as far as XL sries bikes go, this is the most distinctive and fun to ride.... read more
This thing is great. Sure it vibrates a little bit, but it runs good, stops good, turns good, and it is definitely an "Old School" Harley. People do turn and look at you when you ride by. I definitely think that, as far as XL sries bikes go, this is the most distinctive and fun to ride.
Reliability
4.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
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