YES! PREACH! Any Bike is an Adventure Bike if you try hard enough. The Best Touring Bike is the one you Have. The only limitations are the ones you place on yourself. There is always a solution, if you wanna make it happen, you will make it happen.
I've been riding for almost 30 years. What do I have in my garage that I tour cross country on??....A 1981 Honda Cm400 custom. Yep, I tour cross country on a 39 year old 400cc motorcycle and it does awesome. Saddle bags and a touring trunk mounted to the luggage rack and I'm good to go anywhere. A little bit more power going through the mountain passes would be nice but that's what downshifting is for. 65 mpg on the highway and less than 100 bucks a year for insurance is a win to me.
Those little CM bikes are solid af, my first (road legal) bike was an '83 CM250C, fifteen years later I'm in the process of restoring it, still runs strong
You know how you can tell someone hasn't been riding for 4 decades? When they call 883 small displacement I toured all over Florida and Georgia on a Honda CB360T. This was a really well done video. Bravo!
It’s true. Our perception of bike displacement has really changed over the last few decades or so. I really do a disservice here, though. I should call the 883 a mid-displacement bike, but I’m playing off the notions that some feel you need a large cruiser to ride like this.
Sure, touring on a smaller motorcycle is uncomfortable and sometimes painful... but the greatest rewards and meaningful growth only come from pain and discomfort.
I'm watching this video again after doing a 13 hours straight, 700+ mile ride to Tail of the Dragon (x2 for the ride back). My friend was on his Dyna and I was on my Iron 883. We rode 80+ mph pretty much the whole way and I had no issues at all riding it there. I did have someone try and discredit my bike a little saying he had one and had to get rid of it because it couldn't handle the highway. I just laughed and told my story. My advice to everyone is you do you and who cares what others say, people will always have something negative to say no matter what.
Yes sir, once again you're right! I've taken my sporty for a long trip last month, went to Florida and back. Over 1600 miles trip i did however have saddle cases (full size cases) and a 4.5 Gallon tank. Less stops and more seeing 😉. Highly recommend windshield and shocks (air shock in the rear and progressive fork springs) and another mod es soft covers on the crash bars. They keep the wind from pushing your legs (men spreading😅) but that's pretty much it. You can add heated grips (Oxford) and hand guard (Memphis) if you live in cold weather or are going through cold weather. That's it! Have fun
In 1978 I was a 19 yr old buck Sargent and rode a brand new 750 Suzuki from Kansas to Monterey California. Once I saw the Monterey Bay no way was I going back to Milwaukee. I made my own saddle bags took apart some Koss headphones and I took 9 days to get to fort Ord, the Rockies, Los Vegas it was good.
So no bulllshit, when people ask if an Iron 883 is good enough, I very often link your route66 series to them as proof that the Iron is a capable bike. I definitely agree with the no saddlebag choice as well. So glad you're back Joe!
Hell yes. You just got my subscription. Just got an 883 today and definitely plan on taking it on some trips. I don’t care what anyone says. I’m doing it.
I bought a 2004 883 stage 1 tuned about 2 months ago. Put a saddleman seat and Memphis shades windshield on it. it allready had bags. Im good for about 7 hours. progressive rear shocks are next.
Joe, nice to see the Iron again! Last wk I test rode a Super Glide Sport thinking it would be better than my Sportster, boy was I wrong, it made me appreciate my bike even more. I almost fell into the trap of listening to other riders who think I’m crazy for riding a Sportster but I’ll never get rid of it, I love my bike & that’s all that matters & I’d ride it anywhere anytime. I 100% agree with you on this one, great vid!
I use saddle bags and a dry bag like you would use on a canoe trip. Ultralight camping gear and don't take stuff you don't need. It can and has been done. Our bikes are more nimble than road glides and can go long distances you just have to know your bike. By the way I'm a big guy so that's another factor but I still do it.
Great video! My first bike was a 1200C and I rode it everywhere. I can say though that for me the stock seat was horrific for a full day of riding, let alone two. xD I got alot of flak from other riders too that the 1200C was a "girls bike" when it's one of the faster and top heavy bikes Harley makes...Not a good first bike at all...but I loved it. Mine was a lemon though and the clutch had issues and I had to replace it twice, and eventually the electrical system failed on it. Many bikes later I still look at the Iron 883s and Sportsters fondly and am tempted to stash one in my shed. 8)
Only in the world of Harley Davidson could 883cc be considered small displacement. Lots of people tour on WR250Rs, and other similar dual sports. And lots on KTM 390s. In some countries, people tour on 50cc motorbikes.
I was given a "loaner" 1200 Iron to use while my XL883 Standard was in the H-D shop. Both bikes have the mid-controls which I prefer because my back likes them. It all turned out well and I discovered that I liked my smaller displacement motorcycle much more. I don't NEED a bigger engine or taller gears. The 1200 "thumps" more than my smoother (smaller thumps) rubber mount bike. The taller gears were nice on the interstate but I only ride the interstate about 2% of the time and don't need them. My smoother engine and shorter gears are perfect for me. Note that I am not saying my bike is better for everyone else; it's just better for me. It is reliable, doesn't leak and hasn't burned any oil in its 15-years of serving me. I am meticulous about maintenance and I rarely clean the exterior. I have very little chrome and don't want it. It's meant to be ridden and not put on display. A motorcycle is like a woman, it should be loved for its character and how it takes care of you, no matter how tired and worn down it looks. My 2005 base Sporty has given me many wonderful memories and none of them have to do with its looks.
@@GreatEgret I don't know if he looked at it that way. He just wanted to get his bike out to California, where he was stationed in the military. He was a very athletic guy who was in a gung ho job. He loved skiing and surfing and all that and stayed out there. Anyway, to him it probably would have been less of an adventure than it would be for me. Buzzy inline would probably drive me insane going that far.
I commend you brother. I got a 2005 1200c and the SEAT! and bars make a huge difference on long rides. You don’t need a $40,000 touring bike. Screw all the people that say otherwise. It’s only there opinion. I changed my seat and put a fairing on it. Changed the whole perspective of riding long distance. No fatigue and wind burn anymore.🤘🤘 hope to see more vids bro
Thanks, brother! Your mods sounds perfect. I’m thinking of getting an older 1200. What I LOVE about the Sportster is you can mod it to fit your needs. Being able to do that is a game changer.
I went from a 883 to 1200 like the Sportster size weight & nimbleness but wanted little more power & taller gears for highway. Also, the girlfriend likes to take short trips as passenger, love both bikes but the 1200 gets all the use & 883 stays parked so will probably sale next spring. Nice video always enjoy your content.
Enjoy you videos, ty. Planning across 🇨🇦 trip in June 2023, on a 98 Shadow VT750. Last year went to Yukon & back, in First of June! Lots of snow, bears etc but like u I just went for it. Oh, by the way I turn 67 next month.
Great video Joe! Nice to see the Iron again, it was you that inspired me to go motorcycle camping.. although that turned into wild camping lol. I will be motorcycle camping in the spring for sure 👌😎🤣
I currently ride a Honda Fury (i have owned touring bikes before life kicked my butt) yet my wife and i are going to take a few long trips this year and honestly, the fury does great for everything, just lacks storage space.
I have owned a 1000cc bike. Where I live now most people have 150 cc to 250 cc bikes. It's rare if you see anything bigger than that. People use those going on trips that last several hours. I would not consider a Harley Iron 883 a small displacement bike. You can appreciate any size bike. Just learn to live with the limitations.
Not sure what up with your tittle but "small" is a 250cc which I traveled with a Suzuki GZ250, Honda rebel 250, & honda crf250l, many people have done this for farther stretches than my own (4 corners area, utah Colorado Arizona & new Mexico) with that said the Harley 883 is a beast tons of torque enough wieght to not be thrown around with wind turbulence, anyway it's very capable glad you're on an adventure 👍
The title is to poke fun at all naysayers and everyone that says the 883 is small. It asks a question of those that call it small. This video and this whole channel is dedicated to proving that it’s not small and extremely capable. That’s what’s up with my title.
@@GreatEgret awesome to hear, I own an 883 but the style and ride of Harley never really "do-it" for me but if it means anything I've ridden softtails and once a ultra glide at dealer promo days & i assure you the sportster is the only model of Harley i would buy, although that being said the 750 street rod kinda does it for me but for literally same price or cheaper you can get sportster & have parts everywhere & anyone willing to service it, haven't heard the same bout those 500 & 750 street engines but the 6 speed & high revving water cooled engine is very up to date, although Harley purists wont admit any of that
Having owned a 2000 HD 883/1200 Sportster Custom for 10 yrs, I wouldn’t ride it cross country unless I had to personally…however, good on you for doing it
Heading to Silverado California from Houston Texas at the end of august with my homie. Im on an iron 1200 and my buddy is on a 2017 low rider dyna. Thanks for the video :)
I have a vulcan 900 custom and enjoy these videos you make. Probably the worst thing about the sportster is the tiny gas tank. Atleast my 900 has a 5.3 gallon tank and can normally get 200 miles comfortably to a tank. Other than that I believe a lot of the things you mention I can apply to my bike..
$119 gets you a 31 tooth front pulley (stock is 28 tooth). That simple half-hour install moves your sweet spot 2900 rpm cruise from 58 mph to 65 mph. So much better for long highway miles. The engine can easily pull the taller gearing.
Or you can learn how to shift what you have like I did. High RPMs aren’t for everyone, but it’s not unusual or uncomfortable to ride a bike with high RPMs. As I said in this video, I did it just fine for thousands of miles.
Hey, I'm going on a "tour" tomorrow, 155 miles one way, then back on Sunday. On a 1983 Yamaha Mad Maxim 750. Lol. Not a good far as your tour, but it's going to be 108° F. That has to count for something. Lol. - Nate
I have been looking hard at harley XL variants. I love the way the iron looks, but so much of what makes it so beautiful to me Are things I would want to change to make it into a "hybrid commuting tourer." As it turns out, the factory already made it for me. I just had to find one. I call it the "All the best bits" sportster. The `08 Roadster is the best bits. Wrinkle black engine, uncluttered fender, twin clock dash, triple disk braking system, rubber mount, fuel injection, and walnut tank. The '07 Roadster was equipped with the 3.3 gallon tank, and there was no '09 Roadster. The next roadster is too radically different to meet my needs.
Sportster GVWR is 1000 lbs, including the 565lbs of bike. The Super Glide's GVWR is 1085lbs. In other words, they will haul the same weight, as long as your tires are correct. Good shocks, a Russell Day Long seat, and go. An Iron Butt Rally competitor uses a 06 Sporty. He has 300k on it.
@@GreatEgret Not sure if you follow the Rally, but a Hayabusa won it in 2021. You can be DQ'd for speeding, so it wasn't for that. Mike Brooke rode it for the fuel mileage, and he was used to it. 12,000 miles in 11 days.
That's so much fun to read how big-twin-ouchbags think that Sporty is a small bike. Both 1200 and 883 Sportys are absolutle middleweight. 390 and 250 ccm - that's what's small. Anything from 600 to 1200 is medium, that's it.
For many years people have traveled on small bikes. I've averaged 15,000 miles a year and prior to 2002 it was on small bikes like a Honda VLX and a Kawasaki 440 LTD.. Many people still travel on 650cc KLR's and 650cc V-Stroms, so why not an 883 Sportster??? In 2002 I stepped up to a Suzuki VL1500 Intruder, a GREAT bike. These days we ride Harleys, but don't hold that against me, I still love ALL motorcycles regardless who makes them or what size they are.
You could do it on a Rebel 300 and I think you're a badass for considering it! A 500 would be better if it's in your price range or you can find one in the used market. Let me know if you go with the 300. I'd love to hear how it works for you!
I actually agree with you that it’s not small and it’s super capable That’s the WHOLE point of the video. In this video, I say it is small in comparison to other large American cruisers. Those that ride big baggers tell me I can’t ride a Sportster long distance because it’s too small. This video is to tell them they are wrong. I say this in the video. Also, except for one popular RUclipsr and other mighty few, not many people have an interest in traveling long distance on a C90. Whereas many do on a Sportster. My goal is to encourage others to ignore the naysayers and go ride that Sporty long distance. I have zero interest in expressing looniness.
Man, you’re in luck. My next video is how I create content including my GoPro. Short answer: I have used four GoPros and two different mount systems. Right now I’m using a Hero8 and Hero9 with a ChinMount. More info in the next video. Shield is the Memphis Shades Del Rey. There’s a link in the description.
Did I say stage 2 in this video? It’s been awhile since this came out, so I don’t remember. Stage 2 is a cam change, which this bike does not have. If said stage 2 was marginal, I meant to say stage 1.
To whoever says the 883 is not capable does not know anything about motorcycles. I had 40 motorcycles in the past 25 years. Right now I have 9 from a 16 R1200 GS Adventure to an 11 Road king, 13 Fatboy lo, 05 RC51, XR600R, 79 KZ1300, 82 GL500, 08 Flyright hard tail with a 130ci El Bruto.....all this to tell you that the 883 is a super torquee engine and I have done 600 miles trips every month and it is amazing. I changed both front and rear shocks and I cannot part with it, it is a 900cc 3ngine and if they tell you it is small and cannot do it just buy it wnd you will see. Also, for the money they are going for it is the best HD value you can get. Come on $3k for a used HD that can do it all and the most important th8ng is the smile in my face every time I push that throttle.....you cannot get enough
People here in India are touring on 150cc bikes and u are clearing the doubts .. whether or not to tour on iron 883 😂...those who think iron 883 is a small displacement bike for touring..send them to India 😂
Great channel! I hope that you know that my thumbnail is used to incite those that say you can't tour on a small displacement bike and that the content of the video is saying you can?
It's funny reading people saying "Don't be a pussy and get a real mans motorcycle" like a glide or any other touring model. But its clear that riding a sportster 883, 1,200 or a 48 is waaaaaay more scary on the Highway than a comfy touring model. One feels everything on a sportster, every bump, every wind gust coming from any side plus you have to tough it out when it comes to be uncomfortable, because you will be uncomfortable very quickly. Touring motorcycles are comfy the whole way. nothing wrong with both motorcycles people. But calling a person a pussy for enduring the most uncomfortable you can be on a motorcycle on tours is hella stupid 😂. if that is the point then touring motorcycles are for pussy people that can't endure being uncomfortable the whole trip, just saying 🫥.
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YES! PREACH!
Any Bike is an Adventure Bike if you try hard enough.
The Best Touring Bike is the one you Have.
The only limitations are the ones you place on yourself. There is always a solution, if you wanna make it happen, you will make it happen.
Right?! And looking for a solution to make something work is an amazing experience WAY beyond feeling like MacGuyver!
I've been riding for almost 30 years. What do I have in my garage that I tour cross country on??....A 1981 Honda Cm400 custom. Yep, I tour cross country on a 39 year old 400cc motorcycle and it does awesome. Saddle bags and a touring trunk mounted to the luggage rack and I'm good to go anywhere. A little bit more power going through the mountain passes would be nice but that's what downshifting is for. 65 mpg on the highway and less than 100 bucks a year for insurance is a win to me.
This is one of the best comments I’ve received on a video in a long time!! That’s freaking cool!
Those little CM bikes are solid af, my first (road legal) bike was an '83 CM250C, fifteen years later I'm in the process of restoring it, still runs strong
I love restoring old bikes like that. Even better that it's your first! So cool.
That would be the ultimate experience, I can’t wait for riding weather as I plan on doing some traveling myself
Holy crap I have an 81 cm400 and can't imagine that!!! Right on!
You know how you can tell someone hasn't been riding for 4 decades?
When they call 883 small displacement
I toured all over Florida and Georgia on a Honda CB360T.
This was a really well done video. Bravo!
It’s true. Our perception of bike displacement has really changed over the last few decades or so. I really do a disservice here, though. I should call the 883 a mid-displacement bike, but I’m playing off the notions that some feel you need a large cruiser to ride like this.
@@GreatEgret
I loved the video and I like how you set the bike up.
It was the true spirit of adventure that motorcycles represent.
Sure, touring on a smaller motorcycle is uncomfortable and sometimes painful... but the greatest rewards and meaningful growth only come from pain and discomfort.
Hell yeah! Exactly!!
I'm watching this video again after doing a 13 hours straight, 700+ mile ride to Tail of the Dragon (x2 for the ride back). My friend was on his Dyna and I was on my Iron 883. We rode 80+ mph pretty much the whole way and I had no issues at all riding it there. I did have someone try and discredit my bike a little saying he had one and had to get rid of it because it couldn't handle the highway. I just laughed and told my story. My advice to everyone is you do you and who cares what others say, people will always have something negative to say no matter what.
I’ve learned from riding an an 883 and creating content, someone will always criticize you. That’s a great story and even better advice.
Yes sir, once again you're right! I've taken my sporty for a long trip last month, went to Florida and back. Over 1600 miles trip i did however have saddle cases (full size cases) and a 4.5 Gallon tank. Less stops and more seeing 😉.
Highly recommend windshield and shocks (air shock in the rear and progressive fork springs) and another mod es soft covers on the crash bars. They keep the wind from pushing your legs (men spreading😅) but that's pretty much it. You can add heated grips (Oxford) and hand guard (Memphis) if you live in cold weather or are going through cold weather.
That's it! Have fun
In 1978 I was a 19 yr old buck Sargent and rode a brand new 750 Suzuki from Kansas to Monterey California. Once I saw the Monterey Bay no way was I going back to Milwaukee. I made my own saddle bags took apart some Koss headphones and I took 9 days to get to fort Ord, the Rockies,
Los Vegas it was good.
So no bulllshit, when people ask if an Iron 883 is good enough, I very often link your route66 series to them as proof that the Iron is a capable bike.
I definitely agree with the no saddlebag choice as well.
So glad you're back Joe!
That’s amazing, Fran! Thanks!!!
Hell yes. You just got my subscription. Just got an 883 today and definitely plan on taking it on some trips. I don’t care what anyone says. I’m doing it.
That’s awesome, man! You’re going to love the snot out of that bike!
I bought a 2004 883 stage 1 tuned about 2 months ago. Put a saddleman seat and Memphis shades windshield on it. it allready had bags. Im good for about 7 hours. progressive rear shocks are next.
Joe, nice to see the Iron again! Last wk I test rode a Super Glide Sport thinking it would be better than my Sportster, boy was I wrong, it made me appreciate my bike even more. I almost fell into the trap of listening to other riders who think I’m crazy for riding a Sportster but I’ll never get rid of it, I love my bike & that’s all that matters & I’d ride it anywhere anytime. I 100% agree with you on this one, great vid!
I use saddle bags and a dry bag like you would use on a canoe trip. Ultralight camping gear and don't take stuff you don't need. It can and has been done. Our bikes are more nimble than road glides and can go long distances you just have to know your bike. By the way I'm a big guy so that's another factor but I still do it.
883n 50 years ago was a big bike,I'll keep touring on my 883 ,easy maintenance, 55 mpg and cheap to buy and highways are no problem
Great video! My first bike was a 1200C and I rode it everywhere. I can say though that for me the stock seat was horrific for a full day of riding, let alone two. xD I got alot of flak from other riders too that the 1200C was a "girls bike" when it's one of the faster and top heavy bikes Harley makes...Not a good first bike at all...but I loved it. Mine was a lemon though and the clutch had issues and I had to replace it twice, and eventually the electrical system failed on it. Many bikes later I still look at the Iron 883s and Sportsters fondly and am tempted to stash one in my shed. 8)
Only in the world of Harley Davidson could 883cc be considered small displacement. Lots of people tour on WR250Rs, and other similar dual sports. And lots on KTM 390s. In some countries, people tour on 50cc motorbikes.
Exactly. I’m looking at ADV bikes with similar displacement and they are definitely not considered small displacement.
Nice video mate, the Iron 883 has always a special place in the heart, welcome back to motoVlogging 👍🏼
Thanks, brother!
He already left us iron 883 riders
I was given a "loaner" 1200 Iron to use while my XL883 Standard was in the H-D shop. Both bikes have the mid-controls which I prefer because my back likes them. It all turned out well and I discovered that I liked my smaller displacement motorcycle much more. I don't NEED a bigger engine or taller gears. The 1200 "thumps" more than my smoother (smaller thumps) rubber mount bike. The taller gears were nice on the interstate but I only ride the interstate about 2% of the time and don't need them. My smoother engine and shorter gears are perfect for me. Note that I am not saying my bike is better for everyone else; it's just better for me. It is reliable, doesn't leak and hasn't burned any oil in its 15-years of serving me. I am meticulous about maintenance and I rarely clean the exterior. I have very little chrome and don't want it. It's meant to be ridden and not put on display. A motorcycle is like a woman, it should be loved for its character and how it takes care of you, no matter how tired and worn down it looks. My 2005 base Sporty has given me many wonderful memories and none of them have to do with its looks.
883 is small displacement? My brother rode across the US on his Honda 350 in the 70s. I thought that was a huge bike at the time.
As bikes keep getting more powerful, it’s crazy how we’ve reset our definition of small displacement. I bet that ride was amazing for your brother.
@@GreatEgret I don't know if he looked at it that way. He just wanted to get his bike out to California, where he was stationed in the military. He was a very athletic guy who was in a gung ho job. He loved skiing and surfing and all that and stayed out there. Anyway, to him it probably would have been less of an adventure than it would be for me. Buzzy inline would probably drive me insane going that far.
I love this guy's attitude
Thanks, brother!
I commend you brother. I got a 2005 1200c and the SEAT! and bars make a huge difference on long rides. You don’t need a $40,000 touring bike. Screw all the people that say otherwise. It’s only there opinion. I changed my seat and put a fairing on it. Changed the whole perspective of riding long distance. No fatigue and wind burn anymore.🤘🤘 hope to see more vids bro
Thanks, brother! Your mods sounds perfect. I’m thinking of getting an older 1200. What I LOVE about the Sportster is you can mod it to fit your needs. Being able to do that is a game changer.
Boys in Pakistan are doing it on 125 and 150cc bikes all the time, traveling to north on treacherous terrains.
That’s badass! Americans are WAY to soft!
I went from a 883 to 1200 like the Sportster size weight & nimbleness but wanted little more power & taller gears for highway. Also, the girlfriend likes to take short trips as passenger, love both bikes but the 1200 gets all the use & 883 stays parked so will probably sale next spring. Nice video always enjoy your content.
I think a 1200 Sporty will be in my quiver at some point. South a good bike.
Enjoy you videos, ty. Planning across 🇨🇦 trip in June 2023, on a 98 Shadow VT750. Last year went to Yukon & back, in First of June! Lots of snow, bears etc but like u I just went for it. Oh, by the way I turn 67 next month.
Great video Joe! Nice to see the Iron again, it was you that inspired me to go motorcycle camping.. although that turned into wild camping lol.
I will be motorcycle camping in the spring for sure 👌😎🤣
I need more motocamping in my life. Spring can’t come soon enough!
I want to complete the 48 states/10 days challenge. But I’m not sure if I want to try it on my sporty...
Oh, I think you may have challenged a few people on here to do just that! 👊
On the road again! Good to see you in an adventure again! Ride on...
Life on the road is a good life.
I currently ride a Honda Fury (i have owned touring bikes before life kicked my butt) yet my wife and i are going to take a few long trips this year and honestly, the fury does great for everything, just lacks storage space.
I have owned a 1000cc bike. Where I live now most people have 150 cc to 250 cc bikes. It's rare if you see anything bigger than that. People use those going on trips that last several hours. I would not consider a Harley Iron 883 a small displacement bike. You can appreciate any size bike. Just learn to live with the limitations.
Great video...so glad the motorcycling content is back!!
Thanks, man! I’m glad motorcycling content is back too!
Not sure what up with your tittle but "small" is a 250cc which I traveled with a Suzuki GZ250, Honda rebel 250, & honda crf250l, many people have done this for farther stretches than my own (4 corners area, utah Colorado Arizona & new Mexico) with that said the Harley 883 is a beast tons of torque enough wieght to not be thrown around with wind turbulence, anyway it's very capable glad you're on an adventure 👍
The title is to poke fun at all naysayers and everyone that says the 883 is small. It asks a question of those that call it small. This video and this whole channel is dedicated to proving that it’s not small and extremely capable. That’s what’s up with my title.
@@GreatEgret awesome to hear, I own an 883 but the style and ride of Harley never really "do-it" for me but if it means anything I've ridden softtails and once a ultra glide at dealer promo days & i assure you the sportster is the only model of Harley i would buy, although that being said the 750 street rod kinda does it for me but for literally same price or cheaper you can get sportster & have parts everywhere & anyone willing to service it, haven't heard the same bout those 500 & 750 street engines but the 6 speed & high revving water cooled engine is very up to date, although Harley purists wont admit any of that
Having owned a 2000 HD 883/1200 Sportster Custom for 10 yrs, I wouldn’t ride it cross country unless I had to personally…however, good on you for doing it
Yeah, rubber mount didn’t come until 2004. I wouldn’t ride a 2000 Sporty across the country either.
Yeah, rubber mount didn’t come until 2004. I wouldn’t ride a 2000 Sporty across the country either.
Heading to Silverado California from Houston Texas at the end of august with my homie. Im on an iron 1200 and my buddy is on a 2017 low rider dyna. Thanks for the video :)
Man, have a freaking blast! I bet that will be a fun ride!
I have a vulcan 900 custom and enjoy these videos you make. Probably the worst thing about the sportster is the tiny gas tank. Atleast my 900 has a 5.3 gallon tank and can normally get 200 miles comfortably to a tank. Other than that I believe a lot of the things you mention I can apply to my bike..
I bet that Vulcan is a blast to ride!
$119 gets you a 31 tooth front pulley (stock is 28 tooth). That simple half-hour install moves your sweet spot 2900 rpm cruise from 58 mph to 65 mph. So much better for long highway miles. The engine can easily pull the taller gearing.
Or you can learn how to shift what you have like I did. High RPMs aren’t for everyone, but it’s not unusual or uncomfortable to ride a bike with high RPMs. As I said in this video, I did it just fine for thousands of miles.
I wonder if the speedo is accurate
Holy crap! He's back!
And here to stay 👊🤘✌️
Rocinante makes an appearance.. saweeet!
Good to hear from you, brother! I hope you’re doing well.
@@GreatEgret So far we’ve dodged the ‘Rona, but for how, long? It’s everywhere around the state. 🦠
We’ve been pretty lucky too. When all this mess is over, let’s ride together.
@@GreatEgret absolutely. Let's see how things are next spring.
Hey, I'm going on a "tour" tomorrow, 155 miles one way, then back on Sunday. On a 1983 Yamaha Mad Maxim 750. Lol. Not a good far as your tour, but it's going to be 108° F. That has to count for something. Lol. - Nate
I’m pretty sure every mile ridden in cooler temps is at least like 10 miles ridden in 108°. Especially on a 39-year-old bike! Have a great ride Nate!
I have been looking hard at harley XL variants. I love the way the iron looks, but so much of what makes it so beautiful to me Are things I would want to change to make it into a "hybrid commuting tourer." As it turns out, the factory already made it for me. I just had to find one. I call it the "All the best bits" sportster. The `08 Roadster is the best bits. Wrinkle black engine, uncluttered fender, twin clock dash, triple disk braking system, rubber mount, fuel injection, and walnut tank.
The '07 Roadster was equipped with the 3.3 gallon tank, and there was no '09 Roadster. The next roadster is too radically different to meet my needs.
Wow, just found you. Great content and editing on this subject and the 883.
Thanks, man! These videos are fun to put together.
You can tour on anything. I've seen people tour on 250s
Agreed!
Sportster GVWR is 1000 lbs, including the 565lbs of bike. The Super Glide's GVWR is 1085lbs. In other words, they will haul the same weight, as long as your tires are correct. Good shocks, a Russell Day Long seat, and go. An Iron Butt Rally competitor uses a 06 Sporty. He has 300k on it.
Oooh, that’s useful to know about the GVWR. I love it when someone uses the “wrong bike” for the Iron Butt Rally.
@@GreatEgret Not sure if you follow the Rally, but a Hayabusa won it in 2021. You can be DQ'd for speeding, so it wasn't for that. Mike Brooke rode it for the fuel mileage, and he was used to it. 12,000 miles in 11 days.
That's so much fun to read how big-twin-ouchbags think that Sporty is a small bike. Both 1200 and 883 Sportys are absolutle middleweight. 390 and 250 ccm - that's what's small. Anything from 600 to 1200 is medium, that's it.
The harley shop down the road sold out all their bikes except their sportsters, and it's a goddamned crime.
I have a 2020 883, and I love it.
It's so tough to get a bike now. I may be one of the lucky ones soon!
For many years people have traveled on small bikes. I've averaged 15,000 miles a year and prior to 2002 it was on small bikes like a Honda VLX and a Kawasaki 440 LTD.. Many people still travel on 650cc KLR's and 650cc V-Stroms, so why not an 883 Sportster??? In 2002 I stepped up to a Suzuki VL1500 Intruder, a GREAT bike. These days we ride Harleys, but don't hold that against me, I still love ALL motorcycles regardless who makes them or what size they are.
I'm the same way about bikes. I love them all and it's great to see another rider that is.
Great video and advice. Prepare!!
If you said , it's not the bike , it's you getting places , any places
It’s not about the bike. It’s about the adventure and all the people you meet along the way.
I'm thinking about a rebel 300, I think smaller bikes seems to sound so much more challenging. Is that wishful thinking?
You could do it on a Rebel 300 and I think you're a badass for considering it! A 500 would be better if it's in your price range or you can find one in the used market. Let me know if you go with the 300. I'd love to hear how it works for you!
A sportster is small displacement? Take a look at the looney c90adventures
I actually agree with you that it’s not small and it’s super capable That’s the WHOLE point of the video. In this video, I say it is small in comparison to other large American cruisers. Those that ride big baggers tell me I can’t ride a Sportster long distance because it’s too small. This video is to tell them they are wrong. I say this in the video.
Also, except for one popular RUclipsr and other mighty few, not many people have an interest in traveling long distance on a C90. Whereas many do on a Sportster. My goal is to encourage others to ignore the naysayers and go ride that Sporty long distance. I have zero interest in expressing looniness.
What shield did you use and what gopro mount did you use for your helmet?
Man, you’re in luck. My next video is how I create content including my GoPro. Short answer: I have used four GoPros and two different mount systems. Right now I’m using a Hero8 and Hero9 with a ChinMount. More info in the next video.
Shield is the Memphis Shades Del Rey. There’s a link in the description.
Awesome!🔥🔥🔥
Thanks, Dwipa!
Bro what's the song on your intro please?
It's a song from Epidemic sounds called Condor.
Anything 650cc or bigger will confortably do it, mechanically, the question is can YOU.
100% agree.
It's not the bike, it's the rider.
Whoa, man! True words! I love this comment. Check out my Route 66 series. I said exactly that in one of the episodes. Ep 10 or 11 I think.
Did I hear right? Stage 2 was marginal? I am stage 1, toyed with stage 2, but now I really wonder.
Did I say stage 2 in this video? It’s been awhile since this came out, so I don’t remember. Stage 2 is a cam change, which this bike does not have. If said stage 2 was marginal, I meant to say stage 1.
Also, thanks for watching all these videos and commenting on them. It means a ton to me, big D!
@Great Egret I have an 883. I know how you feel. I love my bike the way you do. I can't help but watch your work. I just need the snow to melt.
Wooooo
you can adventure on 50cc displacement bike. you can adventure on a bike without engine or adventure on your feet .... there is no limits
You’re so right. Some of my most epic adventures were on a pedal bike and on my feet on the Appalachian trail.
anyone who says you cant tour on a small displacement bike hasnt seen mr honda 90 if you know you know lol
Exactly!!
To whoever says the 883 is not capable does not know anything about motorcycles. I had 40 motorcycles in the past 25 years. Right now I have 9 from a 16 R1200 GS Adventure to an 11 Road king, 13 Fatboy lo, 05 RC51, XR600R, 79 KZ1300, 82 GL500, 08 Flyright hard tail with a 130ci El Bruto.....all this to tell you that the 883 is a super torquee engine and I have done 600 miles trips every month and it is amazing. I changed both front and rear shocks and I cannot part with it, it is a 900cc 3ngine and if they tell you it is small and cannot do it just buy it wnd you will see. Also, for the money they are going for it is the best HD value you can get. Come on $3k for a used HD that can do it all and the most important th8ng is the smile in my face every time I push that throttle.....you cannot get enough
Couldn’t agree more with all of this. Also, that’s an impressive stable you have!
People here in India are touring on 150cc bikes and u are clearing the doubts .. whether or not to tour on iron 883 😂...those who think iron 883 is a small displacement bike for touring..send them to India 😂
Check out c90adventures
Great channel! I hope that you know that my thumbnail is used to incite those that say you can't tour on a small displacement bike and that the content of the video is saying you can?
It's funny reading people saying "Don't be a pussy and get a real mans motorcycle" like a glide or any other touring model. But its clear that riding a sportster 883, 1,200 or a 48 is waaaaaay more scary on the Highway than a comfy touring model. One feels everything on a sportster, every bump, every wind gust coming from any side plus you have to tough it out when it comes to be uncomfortable, because you will be uncomfortable very quickly. Touring motorcycles are comfy the whole way. nothing wrong with both motorcycles people. But calling a person a pussy for enduring the most uncomfortable you can be on a motorcycle on tours is hella stupid 😂. if that is the point then touring motorcycles are for pussy people that can't endure being uncomfortable the whole trip, just saying 🫥.
Exactly. This! Exactly! As if more power and comfort makes you less of a pussy. 🙄