Sportsters are as big as they need to be. They have an engine, two wheels and a place to sit. They have always been Harley's answer for people that weren't in the market for heavy duty, bagger touring bikes that can pull your boat down to the lake. They pop along just fine and were always a bunch of fun to ride around. They have a great exhaust note, easy upkeep, and reliability for a life time. What's not to like?
I love sportsters but I’m a big guy. The ergonomics just aren’t for me. I’ve had one and I was constantly bottoming out or sliding. 😂 I’ll get another one someday because I’m kinda dumb. I won’t be getting rid of my Road King for it though.
I got a Low Rider for my first bike a few months ago and I love it. I also went to Harley's MSF course and got to ride the Street 500 and they were really fun to ride.
My first Harley was an 883 Sportster. My second is a Road King. I found I really missed my Sportster, so I bought another one. A 1200 this time. The King for the long cruises and sometimes just for an afternoon out and about the local area. The Sportster just for a stripped down, fun, corner slicing, good time. I'm 6'2" so the Sportster frame isn't the greatest fit for me, but the fun factor far outweighs the looking ridiculous. I had guy laugh at me and say the classic "That's a GIRRRL's bike!" I flipped back "At 65 MPG, I'll wear a pink tutu!!" Having too much fun to put on a show.
I never even considered a Sportster when i got my Harley. My 1st was an 07 Night Train. Then my daughter got a 2013 iron 883 and since she didn't have a permit yet i rode it home. I had so much fun on that thing i got a new iron 1200 in 2020 and it is a blast.
Hey, I'll tell you, I am 62 yrs old rode dirt and Kawasaki 900 40 yrs ago, just bought an Iron 883 first time on a bike in 40yrs, I love it!! It's me, it just fits me like a glove I am 5 8" 150 perfects. I could not see myself on a touring bike with the fairing and all that weight. I am in and out of the city, I get compliments wherever I go. I won't be touring cross country ...and really how much hp do you really need ...safety is important especially when the drivers out there don't respect bikes. Call it what you want, I'm happy, and if the ladies like it, that's great ...ignorance we cannot control. In addition, that guy with his new electra glide, that can't make a reasonable u turn, a left turn, or start off without popping the clutch maybe should consider something else right?
I have a ‘15 Iron 883. It’s the bike I always wanted. No windshield, no radio, no sofa seat. Just raw motorcycle, black with just a splash of chrome. Perfection.
Hey, 45 years of riding and I've ALWAYS had a Sportster in the mix. The newest bike I own (year wise) is a "2005 883XL" and I ride the crap out of it. The Evo wheelhouse is high RPM, I do 70-80 MPH all day long and She loves it, and I love Her.
I’ve had my 2019 883 for 10 months. I just put 17,000 miles on it. I have Vance and Hines grenades, FP3 and VO2 intake. I love the bike. I’m only 5’3” about 160lbs and bigger bikes just aren’t for me. 🤣 I always get nice compliments on the bikes look and sound. Hoping to hit 20k miles in November which will be one year of having the bike. My commute to work is mostly highway 70-75mph 30 miles one way. No problems ever. I do not regret going with the 883. 😎
I love my Sportster! I converted it into an old school swingarm chopper… it has plenty of power 1200cc and is fun to ride… I had a bagger that I have since gotten rid of… Sportsters are great bikes and are for everyone 😃
I've found that most people seem to like my Sportster. I was amazed to see how popular they were on the internet when I decided I wanted one. My brother is the only person who has called it a "girl's" bike. He doesn't ride motorcycles and lives wth his mama. It's always the people who don't have anything who criticize. I have a 2019 Challenger 392 Hemi. I've had people ask if it's a Hellcat and, all of a sudden, act disinterested when I tell them no. Then, they hop in their rusty Corolla and drive away. I had one guy even tell me that I must not be able to afford a Hellcat. I told him I have a 392 Hemi car for two reasons. 1. I wanted the 392 and 2. I could pay cash for it. People need to keep their insulting opinions to themselves.
I bought my Iron 883 new in 2011 and I still have it today in 2022. Forty years ago I owned a Laverda 1200 triple, that was a fast machine in it's day with 145 mph top speed. I'm now in my 66th year and my Iron 883 does everything I want these days. Ride safe y'all.
Never owned a Harley. Was never interested in buying into that sauce… Until I rode (and bought) a Sportster 883 🫨. I’m 5’11, athletic, standing @ 200lbs and man enough to ride a ‘girls bike’ like a BIG boy. I ride for fun. And the Sportster is FUN to ride. (And with an unassuming 1275cc upgrade, I get a kick out of watching insecure naysayers’ jaws drop each time I whip pass them - reminding them this ‘girls bike’ will make many ‘men’ weak in their knees, and soften their souls.) Ride YOUR ride, and ride it well. That’s all that matters. ✌️😎
My opinion is….that the 883 always is the best looking bike… every single time that I walk into a Harley dealership… the 883 is always the one that attracts my eye… just the immediate visual attraction, my radar always goes to the 883…. It is disappointing that there is that reaction that it somehow means you are less of a man or something… it’s stupid… generally, I think it’s a reflection of the person who comments negatively, that they have issue with themselves… they feel they need a bigger one to compensate for their own sense of inadequacy
Theres alot to like about a Sportster. For starters you get a light, nimble motorcycle which delivers reliable power from an Evo engine. The exhaust shares a true Potato-Potato sound as it idles along, and at speed it smoothes out for an enjoyable ride. Sadly, there are some negatives also which include a tight riding position if your approaching six ft in height, a suspension which needs some attention, a small gas tank which limits your range and passenger accommodations which are best enjoyed on a short trip. However, some will say even the negatives can be turned positive with the right frame of mind. Re: The Sportster provides you the opportunity to modify the bike to fit your needs and the smaller tank gives reason to enjoy a break from the road for a snack and restroom.
Great vid! :o) So far all comments i got for my 883 were positive. The bike is just perfect for what i use it (backroads and around town hopping). For everything else i have my 1000cc Kawasaki Versys. The 883 has one thing a lot of other bikes (even some harleys) lack - CHARACTER!
I put 10 thousand miles on my 2004 883 then had a 1225 bolt on kit put in it. S ND S carburetor. Mag wheel, new seat, custom bars. It's fast and it's nimble and it loves the twisties. I love my bike.
I just sold my Road King after 118,600 great miles and bought a 2004 883. Great Bike. It's my 3rd 883 Sportster . Have you had any trouble out of the 2004? Mine has just 12,000 on it.
@martincvitkovich724 it wasn't charging the battery but I had everything, stater, magneto,and whats the other element? Replaced with non harley parts. I've put 20 thousand miles on it, 10 thou after the s and s bore out to 1250. Runs great.
I have a XL1200 and a FXST 107. I like both. For touring with my wife we take the FXST and for riding to work I take my XL1200 because it is more convenient. I'm terribly tired after work and glad that the XL1200 is easier to ride.
Man I saw my black iron 883 sitting in the dealership and I was smitten! I had a seat on it and it was perfection. Did the paperwork and they delivered it to my house that night. Been slowly making it my own since and having a blast. The more I hear crap about my 883 the more want to keep it forever! Just a big finger to everyone who thinks they know better what someone else should be riding! Eventually put a 1275 kit on it and have some head work done and get that 100hp out of it and then just smoke anyone who wants to talk too much!
Don't do that, you will blow the pressed flywheels out of balance and blow the lower end. The lower ends on Sportsters was changed I believe in 2000. They went cheap with a pressed together lower end and no gear door. Keep it stock. An 883 will easily go 100 mph. How fast you want to go on two wheels?@@GETWRENCHD
Have an 05 1200c. Beautiful Maroon/Grey 2 tone. V&H Long Shots,lowered 2 inches,Hypercharger. Going with White Wall rubber this Spring. Love it,and will never get rid of it. Best Harley there is. The Sportster.
I grew up on Terminator and have wanted a Harley since I was about 5... They have always lifted something up in my heart, whenever I'd see or hear one. As I grew up I got a little crazy and a little bold but wise enough to wait before I passed my driver's. Couldn't wait for my hog... Than, I remembered that I was still that guy, just a little too fun loving I'd say, so I decided to try a Sportster out... Just to see. Fell in love with it, never even tried a hog. Ten years, still my baby. And I ain't a small one either... 1m90, 110kg. Gonna clean her wheels as I finish typing this, as a matter of fact. To each their own, dig the love.
Thanks for the video. Learned to ride and started with an Iron 883 3 months ago! Just made my first upgrade - simple crash bar from Bun King! Sportster Hater Shields up!
Ride what you like! I like sportsters and I don’t care. I’ve ripped with all the big twins and have kept up. They are faster but the sporty rips I don’t care what people say!
I've been riding HD bikes exclusively since 2000. I've had 3 Dyna bikes, 2 Softails, 2 Road Kings, 2 Sportsters and a Road Glide. The bike I have now is my 2016 Sportster 48!
I think the 883 is the best looking Harley, that and the 48. It’s also a classic, and it’s too bad they don’t have that option any more. In the last year of production, they were gouging you at the dealers, though. Like $12k for an 883.
Thanks for the vid! 70Nm, 883cc and 250Kg are substantial numbers. Regarding size, not all countries have roads or parking grids suitable for a Softail/Touring, let alone a Sporty, and that's before you consider the price of fuel in some places for large displacement engines. Regarding power and speed, average speed of traffic where I live is below 10mph, which smaller bikes handle better, and max legal speed is 70mph, which most bikes 250cc and over are able to do. Like you said, whatever bike makes the rider happy. Haven't yet received such comments for riding a Sporty, but have received some for riding a Harley, as Harley's aren't common. People naturally object to the unfamiliar (I guess?).
Purchased my 2016 Iron 883 3 years ago from New Port Richey HD. Ride along Clearwater beach down to Pass-a-Grille on weekends as well as to work. I’ve gotten plenty of comments from car drivers saying how good the bike looks. Also done a lot of events at Bert’s Barracuda. Ride your ride. 🏍🌴🐬
I have enjoyed watching your video’s. I just bought my first bike( my 50th birthday treat). Got the Iron 883. I just can’t get courage to get on it and take it for a spin. Got my class here At the Panama City Beach Harley on the 26-28th. Maybe that will help. But watching your videos are getting me anxious to get out there!
I understand where the stigma came from, especially because of the 883. They have a small frame with a VERY small engine but the 1200’s are larger than the 70’s classic choppers and are really more powerful than you need and are a truly sexy (48) starter bike that’s fun, powerful, wallet friendly and still small enough for a lady to get on and feel in control.
I've had four Harley's so far , the last one was a street glide. Just picked up a Iron 883 on the cheap so I couldn't pass it up. It's actually very fun to ride and I'll just sell it when I get tired of it and make a buck along the way! It's just a motorcycle folks! Enjoy it!
I've had a few different Harleys and the Sportster was the most trouble-free and easiest to work on. In my opinion the Evo Sportster was the only motorcycle Harley made that was absolutely worth the price tag.
Started on a '02 883 Hugger about 6 years ago. Still riding her and its a great bike. I would consider adding another bike to my garage, but won't part with my Sporty. I usually get compliments on my bike... haven't heard anything about it being a 'girl's bike.' If it has 2 wheels and you enjoy it, don't worry about anyone else's opinion.
I'm looking for a used Sportster now. Winter in Montana is good time to buy. My wife hasn't said no to it, so this morning, I told her to not be surprised if she sees a bike when she gets home. There better not be, you're sick and need to stay home, and I will be going with you.
I hear you, bro. Way to stand up for us Sportster riders! I rode Hondas for 40 years, so I know all about motorcycle stigma! lol. Last week I bought a 2013 Sportster XL1200C and don't care what anybody says about it. It looks fantastic, sounds great and rides great. My Honda Magna would've eaten this Sportster up top end, but the Sportster's got some pep. It was almost a daily occurrence to get up to 80-90 mph on the Magna, kinda just to get the blood flowing. I haven't had this bike over 75! Fifty-five on this bike feels like 75 on my Magna. The weight is better distributed and the sound and powerful buzz of the Sportster makes it a better, much more fun ride. The lighter weight and smaller size is perfect for me at 75 years old, 5'9" and 145 lbs. About 99.9 percent of my riding is going to be local. I don't need anything more than what I got and I'm loving every minute on this bike.
Ive had my 77 XLCH for 48 yrs i tend to ride my 85 FXRS a little more my 66 yr.old right knee just isnt what it used to be MY CH is one sweet looking and running bike when i ride it
Sportster… It’s the Sports motorcycle for Harley. Harleys are cruisers not made to run a 100 miles in 2 seconds. If you’re into sport bikes but you don’t want a honda or a ninja. The 883 is the way. My 883 is loud and quick enough for the streets. I see women on the softail and the nightster. The 883 is a fun Harley
Thanks for making this video. And those with the 1200 still get the same crap. A cop who pulled me over this weekend was asking why I have a sportster; “you are a big guy, why do you have sportster?”
Got a 2020 Forty-Eight and couldn't be more happier, it has the proper Harley sound to it and looks bloody amazing. Feel badass when riding it and gets plenty of looks and interest of people all the time. It weighs 248kg, that's more then the naked bikes I've had. So if Sportster is a girls bike then all naked bikes are as well? Guess men who need to compensate for something would look down on men riding a Sportster.
They're user friendly, cheap,plenty after market parts, and made in the USA 🇺🇸 It also helps to smaller or lighter folk who control with a lower center of gravity and a big dude riding a stock sportster doesn't look as cool. I used to get razed for riding 45's in the 80's I have a 04,05,&06 883's&a1200 w screaming eagle stage 3or4 I truly believe most of the low mileage, carburated are the best ride for the money and in 20 years it'll be worth what the WL's & WLA's are now (adjusted for inflation naturally). #m Kinda stands out
I selected the Sportster motorcycle due to its favorable pricing, appealing aesthetics, fuel efficiency, affordable monthly payments, insurance rates, maintenance expenses, and extensive aftermarket support options. In my particular situation, any other option would have been counterproductive.
I always wanted a road glide but I have 2021 iron 1200 and after all the hate I got from bagger guys I don’t even want one anymore it kinda ruined it for me I don’t want that stigma and I love all bikes I wave to everyone I don’t care if your even on a moped plus the surprise you get when you wave to a guy on a cbr is priceless
I own a few big twins. My daily ride to work bike is a Sporty with the 1275 conversion. 134hp on the engine, but if that's not enough there's another 30 shot of nitrous. Nobody calls it a girl's bike after they have to pay me because I just smoked their busa.
Absolutely it isa great bike at that. My wife has one, an 883, that I LOVE to ride from time to time. I don’t care I’m 350lbs the sporty makes me feel like a kid when I ride it. We wanna do 1200 swap next year funds permitting. Great video man!
Sportsters are awesome bikes! If you're on 2 wheels, you're happy with what you're on, then that's all that matters, and people who diss on what other people ride are weird. Stay safe!
Is a BSA, a Triumph, a Norton a real bike. Sportsters were originally designed for flat track racing. The older ones specially, were probably the best looking motorcycles ever made.
Just got a 2019 roadster ,needs to be tuned so I ain't gonna talk about its capabilities yet, but.... 06 roadster with S&S carb and (as of 2012 with the 103") none of the big twins could hang.
What other make/model can you buy that’s been made since 1957 with only one engine revision? Plus, why did you get a sportster? Because it’s a motorcycle! It’s too bad you don’t know a good time when you see one. And yes, they are infinitely customizable. You can go from one extreme to the other, have fun and be safe! I just bought a sportster 1200 XL custom, from a lady who quit riding. So I really bought a lady’s bike, but I don’t care, it’s so much fun!
"Won't keep up with bigger Harley's"? My '06 1200R would blow the doors off big twins. It has more torque and HP stock than the big bikes @ 70hp and 79 ft# of torque, she was a beast, LOL! A friend of mine would joke around saying, "Yeah, the sportsters the bike you want to get for the 'Ol Lady......if you want her dead!" LOL! I bought mine 300 miles away from home and riding it back I stopped at a rest stop and there was a whole bunch of old school MC'ers there. I parked several spaces down from them and before I could get off the bike they were all over me. They were blown away by that bike, they were like, "$#!T! Look at the size of that Mill?! They went on expressing their delight in what the sportster had evolved into. They declared right there and then that the spotster was no longer a girls bike in their eyes. Same with this guy that worked at a gas station in a coastal town i was passing through. This guy was hardcore, a prison reformed badass with multiple tear tattoos under his left eye. He was a total gentleman, cool AF! He just bought a bagger cash outright and he wanted to get a sportster for around town riding and absolutely loved what I had done with mine. I basically made a Nightster before there ever was one, LOL.
I feel ya! I love the green metal flake Sportster 72 with apes and double white walls, but I have a 2010 Harley deluxe with 18” apes 🇺🇸😁🤓 but no hate for Sportsters.
Ando de moto há mais de trinta anos, e atualmente tenho uma sportster 1200. Pra mim é a HD ideal, potente, esguia e com o sissy bar torna -se confortável para viajar com compania. É um crime alguns desdenharem as sportster, a família mais antiga das HD.
Lol... I had an 83 XLX61 that I sold a long time ago. Just got back into riding last year (dual sports) and recently started looking for a Sportster. A couple of my Harley riding buddies were appalled... "wtf? you're gonna get a chick bike???" I coudln't find a Sporty in decent condition for what I thought would be a fair price, so I ended up with a 2004 Softail. Well, last week I found a like new 2003 XLH1200C at a really good price. All I've got to say is... if the Sportster is a girls bike b/c it's easy to ride, I'm here to tell ya the 2004 Softail is even easier to get on (lower seat height), runs smoother, and feels easier to ride than the Sporty, especially on really windy days.
I have to politely disagree on the point that it will never be able to hang with sport bikes or bigger Harley's. With very few upgrades, and a proper tech tuning your bike, you wont have any problems keeping up with almost anything. Go even deeper into the upgrades, but now even getting too drastic, and I have personally seen a 1200 sportster eat some sport bikes for lunch. Sure once you get past like 115-120 mph they'll take you. But a properly upgraded sporty can give almost anything a run for its money off the line and up to at least 100 mph. I know mine can. CHEERS! P.s You do end up talking about the 1275 kits and whatnot, so it's not that don't mention they can be built into monsters. So thanks for that.
I weigh 135 and the sportster is a perfect bike for me and I can maintain it myself just regreased the front and rear bearings and they are still in good shape new carburetor,new oil change all done myself sportsters are the bike I don't need a bigger Harley I can push this bike but I've never had to❤
I love my Sportster and have no desire to “move up?”. The Iron and 48 have to be a couple of the prettiest bikes around. All I can say is it has to be jealousy on the part of the haters because that’s the only logical explanation
In 1970 I was out on the road for three months on a 650 BSA Thunderbolt and rode as much as 600 miles in one day. The 883 is a hellofa lot better bike for touring than a BSA. I owned two 883\s and can say once you find that sweet spot they are comfortable tourers. I believe the bullshit started in the 90's when retired baby boomers wanted to ride and became instant know it alls. Badmouthing the Sporty and wearing stupid Tshirts like "the bitch fell off", having little to no experience of being out on the road. Ride on Daddy-o
Think it all started back when celebrities like Elizebeth Taylor and Gweneth Paltrow started riding the sprtsters because it was trendy at the time. Gweneth said in a televised interview that she bought a Harley sporster...the girl bike. I think that sealed it. I dont ride Harleys at all because that click is way too canniblerustic- like Firebird people- just eat each other alive!
Don't worry about the haters man. The sportster is as Harley as it gets. It's there oldest model one of there best selling models and the only one untill few recently was the only model running the evo motor, which is considered one of there best motors. I proudly ride the piss outta my 03 883.
Sportsters are fantastic machines. I have a 1200 but the 883 is just as good and hardly much difference in torque. My only fault is the single front disk brake. I want dual disks like my Evo low rider. I don't need speed I need stopping power. Oh the late Sonny Barger rode a Sportster...Anybody going to say "Girls Bike" to him ?
Girls bike! This comes from tall Bikers originally. Then the sheep copied it. Tall folk look/feel like monkeys fornicating with footballs on smaller bikes. I get it. But I can have fun on a Vespa. I think people have different reasons for riding then us who actually love riding bikes. Oneupmanship always made Me scratch My head. I have a dresser, FXR, & a sportster. Each has its personality. I once geared up an Iron head for highway riding, it was slow on takeoff though. Sportsters "seem" like they need one more gear on the interstate to Me. Great bikes, if I live to be 85+ and still ride it will likely be on a sportster because it's nimble and a absolute blast to ride! Sportsters aren't usually as much fashion statement, there great standard high character bikes.
I started on Dirt bikes and it was the same thing as I rode a 250 four stroke always was told I needed to get a real bike a 450 by guys who rode around in 3rd gear tops I was always pinned the truth was a 450 was to much bike for the kind of riding I was doing and couldn’t use it all. When I ventured to the street it was 600 SS same thing told I needed a 1000. Not sure why the guys who had them always went the speed limit. Then came the Harley era I was first to get one a iron 883 “a girls bike” then got a bagger SG it was cool heavy a lot of work but nice for the once in a blue moon road trips but not the quickie rides down to the beach in So Cal traffic which is all the time or for just a 10mi commute to work, it was work a lot of it about 900lbs worth. Getting another iron 883 to rip around and build a monster with while keeping some of the SG sale money in the bank. In 8 yrs when I retire and have the time to tour I will get another bagger probably a RG performance build to tour this great country, well whatever is left of it once Brandon is done.
Hey great video, I subbed to your channel. I like your visor for the bell dlx qualifier? where did you get the visor from? im looking for one for the summer months here in the UK. cheers. ride safe!
Well said man! Just got my ‘19 Iron 883 a week ago and got a few aftermarket parts coming in to make it my own. It suits me perfectly for a 5’5”” 135 lbs kinda guy cause is what I envision what a HD cruiser is. I ride also my ‘22 R7 so this way I have a balance in each class. At the end of the day, I feel in complete control on both, building my knowledge, confidence and way of connecting with other fellow riders. Be safe out there.🫡
People say all sorts of stuff when they are behind a keyboard. I've never caught any kind of shade for being on a Sportster ('06 1200 Low) with someone face-to-face. There is a purpose for every bike out there. Not everybody wants to do long-distance rides. Some of us just need it for our 20-mile commute to work and back through city streets. You don't want a 1500 pound motorcycle when you are doing all those turns at low speeds. There is zero wrong with having the right bike for your needs. If I needed a bigger bike, then I would get one. If I needed a smaller bike, I would get one. Not everybody is looking for the fastest bike on the planet. Maybe it doesn't have the top speed of a sport bike, but who cares? I drive it on streets with speed limits of less than 50 mph, so who cares if the bike next to me can do 150? I can get up to the speed limit just as fast as any car next to me. I can get out of the way on the freeway with no problem. It is perfectly capable without looking like I'm overcompensating for anything.
I’ve kept up with plenty of big Harley’s on a sporty and dusted a few it’s only 200 cc less than a dyna and lighter just know how to ride plus they’re way more maneuverable
Sportsters are as big as they need to be. They have an engine, two wheels and a place to sit. They have always been Harley's answer for people that weren't in the market for heavy duty, bagger touring bikes that can pull your boat down to the lake. They pop along just fine and were always a bunch of fun to ride around. They have a great exhaust note, easy upkeep, and reliability for a life time. What's not to like?
I love sportsters but I’m a big guy. The ergonomics just aren’t for me. I’ve had one and I was constantly bottoming out or sliding. 😂 I’ll get another one someday because I’m kinda dumb. I won’t be getting rid of my Road King for it though.
I have a sportser and a bagger. Best of both worlds.
I got a Low Rider for my first bike a few months ago and I love it. I also went to Harley's MSF course and got to ride the Street 500 and they were really fun to ride.
My first Harley was an 883 Sportster. My second is a Road King. I found I really missed my Sportster, so I bought another one. A 1200 this time. The King for the long cruises and sometimes just for an afternoon out and about the local area. The Sportster just for a stripped down, fun, corner slicing, good time. I'm 6'2" so the Sportster frame isn't the greatest fit for me, but the fun factor far outweighs the looking ridiculous. I had guy laugh at me and say the classic "That's a GIRRRL's bike!" I flipped back "At 65 MPG, I'll wear a pink tutu!!" Having too much fun to put on a show.
I never even considered a Sportster when i got my Harley. My 1st was an 07 Night Train. Then my daughter got a 2013 iron 883 and since she didn't have a permit yet i rode it home. I had so much fun on that thing i got a new iron 1200 in 2020 and it is a blast.
Hey, I'll tell you, I am 62 yrs old rode dirt and Kawasaki 900 40 yrs ago, just bought an Iron 883 first time on a bike in 40yrs, I love it!! It's me, it just fits me like a glove I am 5 8" 150 perfects. I could not see myself on a touring bike with the fairing and all that weight. I am in and out of the city, I get compliments wherever I go. I won't be touring cross country ...and really how much hp do you really need ...safety is important especially when the drivers out there don't respect bikes. Call it what you want, I'm happy, and if the ladies like it, that's great ...ignorance we cannot control. In addition, that guy with his new electra glide, that can't make a reasonable u turn, a left turn, or start off without popping the clutch maybe should consider something else right?
I have a ‘15 Iron 883. It’s the bike I always wanted. No windshield, no radio, no sofa seat. Just raw motorcycle, black with just a splash of chrome. Perfection.
Next time you see a Hell's Angel on a Sportster, go over and tell him he's riding a girl's bike!
Hey, 45 years of riding and I've ALWAYS had a Sportster in the mix. The newest bike I own (year wise) is a "2005 883XL" and I ride the crap out of it. The Evo wheelhouse is high RPM, I do 70-80 MPH all day long and She loves it, and I love Her.
I had a big twin, now upgrading to a sportie for a bike that fits me better.
People who call em girls bikes aren’t rocket scientists now are they!
I’ve had my 2019 883 for 10 months. I just put 17,000 miles on it. I have Vance and Hines grenades, FP3 and VO2 intake. I love the bike. I’m only 5’3” about 160lbs and bigger bikes just aren’t for me. 🤣 I always get nice compliments on the bikes look and sound. Hoping to hit 20k miles in November which will be one year of having the bike. My commute to work is mostly highway 70-75mph 30 miles one way. No problems ever. I do not regret going with the 883. 😎
This. I wannaget one to commute to work till i retire.
The president of the hells angels rode a sportster
right on bro two wheelin is an expression of individualism not fittin in ism each to their own and my 03 1200 sporty is perfect for me.
I love my Sportster! I converted it into an old school swingarm chopper… it has plenty of power 1200cc and is fun to ride… I had a bagger that I have since gotten rid of… Sportsters are great bikes and are for everyone 😃
I've found that most people seem to like my Sportster. I was amazed to see how popular they were on the internet when I decided I wanted one. My brother is the only person who has called it a "girl's" bike. He doesn't ride motorcycles and lives wth his mama.
It's always the people who don't have anything who criticize. I have a 2019 Challenger 392 Hemi. I've had people ask if it's a Hellcat and, all of a sudden, act disinterested when I tell them no. Then, they hop in their rusty Corolla and drive away. I had one guy even tell me that I must not be able to afford a Hellcat. I told him I have a 392 Hemi car for two reasons. 1. I wanted the 392 and 2. I could pay cash for it. People need to keep their insulting opinions to themselves.
I must say and use this word"LOVE"This video.the humbleness in your words.Thanks!I'm 5'11 245pounds and I own a Iron 883 2020.
Thanks!!!
I bought my Iron 883 new in 2011 and I still have it today in 2022. Forty years ago I owned a Laverda 1200 triple, that was a fast machine in it's day with 145 mph top speed. I'm now in my 66th year and my Iron 883 does everything I want these days. Ride safe y'all.
Never owned a Harley. Was never interested in buying into that sauce…
Until I rode (and bought) a Sportster 883 🫨.
I’m 5’11, athletic, standing @ 200lbs and man enough to ride a ‘girls bike’ like a BIG boy.
I ride for fun. And the Sportster is FUN to ride.
(And with an unassuming 1275cc upgrade, I get a kick out of watching insecure naysayers’ jaws drop each time I whip pass them - reminding them this ‘girls bike’ will make many ‘men’ weak in their knees, and soften their souls.)
Ride YOUR ride, and ride it well.
That’s all that matters.
✌️😎
My opinion is….that the 883 always is the best looking bike… every single time that I walk into a Harley dealership… the 883 is always the one that attracts my eye… just the immediate visual attraction, my radar always goes to the 883…. It is disappointing that there is that reaction that it somehow means you are less of a man or something… it’s stupid… generally, I think it’s a reflection of the person who comments negatively, that they have issue with themselves… they feel they need a bigger one to compensate for their own sense of inadequacy
Sporty's are just fun and there's is a crazy aftermarket for them to build and customize
Theres alot to like about a Sportster.
For starters you get a light, nimble motorcycle which delivers reliable power from an Evo engine. The exhaust shares a true Potato-Potato sound as it idles along, and at speed it smoothes out for an enjoyable ride. Sadly, there are some negatives also which include a tight riding position if your approaching six ft in height, a suspension which needs some attention, a small gas tank which limits your range and passenger accommodations which are best enjoyed on a short trip. However, some will say even the negatives can be turned positive with the right frame of mind. Re: The Sportster provides you the opportunity to modify the bike to fit your needs and the smaller tank gives reason to enjoy a break from the road for a snack and restroom.
Great vid! :o) So far all comments i got for my 883 were positive. The bike is just perfect for what i use it (backroads and around town hopping). For everything else i have my 1000cc Kawasaki Versys. The 883 has one thing a lot of other bikes (even some harleys) lack - CHARACTER!
I put 10 thousand miles on my 2004 883 then had a 1225 bolt on kit put in it. S ND S carburetor. Mag wheel, new seat, custom bars. It's fast and it's nimble and it loves the twisties. I love my bike.
I just sold my Road King after 118,600 great miles and bought a 2004 883. Great Bike. It's my 3rd 883 Sportster . Have you had any trouble out of the 2004? Mine has just 12,000 on it.
@martincvitkovich724 it wasn't charging the battery but I had everything, stater, magneto,and whats the other element? Replaced with non harley parts. I've put 20 thousand miles on it, 10 thou after the s and s bore out to 1250. Runs great.
I have a XL1200 and a FXST 107. I like both. For touring with my wife we take the FXST and for riding to work I take my XL1200 because it is more convenient. I'm terribly tired after work and glad that the XL1200 is easier to ride.
Man I saw my black iron 883 sitting in the dealership and I was smitten! I had a seat on it and it was perfection. Did the paperwork and they delivered it to my house that night. Been slowly making it my own since and having a blast.
The more I hear crap about my 883 the more want to keep it forever! Just a big finger to everyone who thinks they know better what someone else should be riding! Eventually put a 1275 kit on it and have some head work done and get that 100hp out of it and then just smoke anyone who wants to talk too much!
Yep, putting the 1275 kit on mine!
Don't do that, you will blow the pressed flywheels out of balance and blow the lower end. The lower ends on Sportsters was changed I believe in 2000. They went cheap with a pressed together lower end and no gear door. Keep it stock. An 883 will easily go 100 mph. How fast you want to go on two wheels?@@GETWRENCHD
Their just Fun! I'm 58 5'9" 165 lbs have a 2011 1200 super low , it just fits like a glove , I' like mid controles . Thanks for the positive video!
Have an 05 1200c. Beautiful Maroon/Grey 2 tone. V&H Long Shots,lowered 2 inches,Hypercharger. Going with White Wall rubber this Spring. Love it,and will never get rid of it. Best Harley there is. The Sportster.
I grew up on Terminator and have wanted a Harley since I was about 5... They have always lifted something up in my heart, whenever I'd see or hear one.
As I grew up I got a little crazy and a little bold but wise enough to wait before I passed my driver's.
Couldn't wait for my hog...
Than, I remembered that I was still that guy, just a little too fun loving I'd say, so I decided to try a Sportster out... Just to see.
Fell in love with it, never even tried a hog.
Ten years, still my baby. And I ain't a small one either... 1m90, 110kg.
Gonna clean her wheels as I finish typing this, as a matter of fact.
To each their own, dig the love.
Thanks for the video. Learned to ride and started with an Iron 883 3 months ago! Just made my first upgrade - simple crash bar from Bun King! Sportster Hater Shields up!
Ride what you like! I like sportsters and I don’t care. I’ve ripped with all the big twins and have kept up. They are faster but the sporty rips I don’t care what people say!
I've been riding HD bikes exclusively since 2000. I've had 3 Dyna bikes, 2 Softails, 2 Road Kings, 2 Sportsters and a Road Glide. The bike I have now is my 2016 Sportster 48!
I have the 2008 XL 1200 with a stage 3 and it’s plenty torq for me. The sporty is the best selling Harley 👍🏻
I love my old 94 XLH1200. It's basic stock with V&H Exaust. Just fun riding through the country side. Tampa, Fla.
I think the 883 is the best looking Harley, that and the 48. It’s also a classic, and it’s too bad they don’t have that option any more. In the last year of production, they were gouging you at the dealers, though. Like $12k for an 883.
Thanks for the vid! 70Nm, 883cc and 250Kg are substantial numbers. Regarding size, not all countries have roads or parking grids suitable for a Softail/Touring, let alone a Sporty, and that's before you consider the price of fuel in some places for large displacement engines. Regarding power and speed, average speed of traffic where I live is below 10mph, which smaller bikes handle better, and max legal speed is 70mph, which most bikes 250cc and over are able to do. Like you said, whatever bike makes the rider happy. Haven't yet received such comments for riding a Sporty, but have received some for riding a Harley, as Harley's aren't common. People naturally object to the unfamiliar (I guess?).
Purchased my 2016 Iron 883 3 years ago from New Port Richey HD. Ride along Clearwater beach down to Pass-a-Grille on weekends as well as to work. I’ve gotten plenty of comments from car drivers saying how good the bike looks. Also done a lot of events at Bert’s Barracuda. Ride your ride. 🏍🌴🐬
Bert's is a very cool place, when i vacation in redington, i always stop in.
I have enjoyed watching your video’s. I just bought my first bike( my 50th birthday treat). Got the Iron 883. I just can’t get courage to get on it and take it for a spin. Got my class here At the Panama City Beach Harley on the 26-28th. Maybe that will help. But watching your videos are getting me anxious to get out there!
Start slow, stay in your neighborhood at first, get comfortable with the bike. As you get more comfortable venture further and further out.
I love my 1200 Sportster Roadster. There is no limit to what it can be and I love the simplicity.
I understand where the stigma came from, especially because of the 883. They have a small frame with a VERY small engine but the 1200’s are larger than the 70’s classic choppers and are really more powerful than you need and are a truly sexy (48) starter bike that’s fun, powerful, wallet friendly and still small enough for a lady to get on and feel in control.
I've had four Harley's so far , the last one was a street glide. Just picked up a Iron 883 on the cheap so I couldn't pass it up. It's actually very fun to ride and I'll just sell it when I get tired of it and make a buck along the way! It's just a motorcycle folks! Enjoy it!
I love Sportsters..! I recently purchased a 2011 Nightster. I love it. It just needs some subtle Customization TLC. I have a few ideas.
baggers are girl bikes. they already have purses preinstalled on them. never forget that.
I've had a few different Harleys and the Sportster was the most trouble-free and easiest to work on. In my opinion the Evo Sportster was the only motorcycle Harley made that was absolutely worth the price tag.
Started on a '02 883 Hugger about 6 years ago. Still riding her and its a great bike. I would consider adding another bike to my garage, but won't part with my Sporty. I usually get compliments on my bike... haven't heard anything about it being a 'girl's bike.' If it has 2 wheels and you enjoy it, don't worry about anyone else's opinion.
I'm looking for a used Sportster now. Winter in Montana is good time to buy. My wife hasn't said no to it, so this morning, I told her to not be surprised if she sees a bike when she gets home.
There better not be, you're sick and need to stay home, and I will be going with you.
I hear you, bro. Way to stand up for us Sportster riders! I rode Hondas for 40 years, so I know all about motorcycle stigma! lol. Last week I bought a 2013 Sportster XL1200C and don't care what anybody says about it. It looks fantastic, sounds great and rides great. My Honda Magna would've eaten this Sportster up top end, but the Sportster's got some pep. It was almost a daily occurrence to get up to 80-90 mph on the Magna, kinda just to get the blood flowing. I haven't had this bike over 75! Fifty-five on this bike feels like 75 on my Magna. The weight is better distributed and the sound and powerful buzz of the Sportster makes it a better, much more fun ride. The lighter weight and smaller size is perfect for me at 75 years old, 5'9" and 145 lbs. About 99.9 percent of my riding is going to be local. I don't need anything more than what I got and I'm loving every minute on this bike.
Nice vid man.
If you're happy with your ride that's all that counts.
Not everyone can afford or want a CVO or Lage cruiser.
Ive had my 77 XLCH for 48 yrs i tend to ride my 85 FXRS a little more my 66 yr.old right knee just isnt what it used to be MY CH is one sweet looking and running bike when i ride it
Sportster… It’s the Sports motorcycle for Harley. Harleys are cruisers not made to run a 100 miles in 2 seconds. If you’re into sport bikes but you don’t want a honda or a ninja. The 883 is the way. My 883 is loud and quick enough for the streets. I see women on the softail and the nightster. The 883 is a fun Harley
Thanks for making this video. And those with the 1200 still get the same crap. A cop who pulled me over this weekend was asking why I have a sportster; “you are a big guy, why do you have sportster?”
Got a 2020 Forty-Eight and couldn't be more happier, it has the proper Harley sound to it and looks bloody amazing. Feel badass when riding it and gets plenty of looks and interest of people all the time. It weighs 248kg, that's more then the naked bikes I've had. So if Sportster is a girls bike then all naked bikes are as well? Guess men who need to compensate for something would look down on men riding a Sportster.
I’ve found that most that rag on my sporty don’t own a motorcycle at all.
True that!
They're user friendly, cheap,plenty after market parts, and made in the USA 🇺🇸
It also helps to smaller or lighter folk who control with a lower center of gravity and a big dude riding a stock sportster doesn't look as cool.
I used to get razed for riding 45's in the 80's I have a 04,05,&06 883's&a1200 w screaming eagle stage 3or4 I truly believe most of the low mileage, carburated are the best ride for the money and in 20 years it'll be worth what the WL's & WLA's are now (adjusted for inflation naturally). #m
Kinda stands out
If you want a big bore kit, get a 1200.
All the full size Harley models were 1200 cc until mid 70's and they were heavier and slower.
I selected the Sportster motorcycle due to its favorable pricing, appealing aesthetics, fuel efficiency, affordable monthly payments, insurance rates, maintenance expenses, and extensive aftermarket support options. In my particular situation, any other option would have been counterproductive.
I always wanted a road glide but I have 2021 iron 1200 and after all the hate I got from bagger guys I don’t even want one anymore it kinda ruined it for me I don’t want that stigma and I love all bikes I wave to everyone I don’t care if your even on a moped plus the surprise you get when you wave to a guy on a cbr is priceless
i have a sportster and other bikes i still love my sportster
Sweet bike.
i run a 17' Harley forty eight. Love the sporties.
2019 Roadster 1200. Nothing bad about mine except the riding position which I am changing.
2nd week of owning my 2021 Iron XL883N Snake Venom.
Loved your words of wisdom.
I own a few big twins. My daily ride to work bike is a Sporty with the 1275 conversion. 134hp on the engine, but if that's not enough there's another 30 shot of nitrous. Nobody calls it a girl's bike after they have to pay me because I just smoked their busa.
Absolutely it isa great bike at that. My wife has one, an 883, that I LOVE to ride from time to time. I don’t care I’m 350lbs the sporty makes me feel like a kid when I ride it. We wanna do 1200 swap next year funds permitting. Great video man!
It's truly an honest bike. I'm the only one, in my group on a Sporty. Everyone else are on baggers...and I mix it up with them...lol.
Sportsters are awesome bikes! If you're on 2 wheels, you're happy with what you're on, then that's all that matters, and people who diss on what other people ride are weird. Stay safe!
Is a BSA, a Triumph, a Norton a real bike. Sportsters were originally designed for flat track racing. The older ones specially, were probably the best looking motorcycles ever made.
Such a great color on a sporty.
Just got a 2019 roadster ,needs to be tuned so I ain't gonna talk about its capabilities yet, but....
06 roadster with S&S carb and (as of 2012 with the 103") none of the big twins could hang.
What other make/model can you buy that’s been made since 1957 with only one engine revision? Plus, why did you get a sportster? Because it’s a motorcycle! It’s too bad you don’t know a good time when you see one. And yes, they are infinitely customizable. You can go from one extreme to the other, have fun and be safe! I just bought a sportster 1200 XL custom, from a lady who quit riding. So I really bought a lady’s bike, but I don’t care, it’s so much fun!
"Won't keep up with bigger Harley's"? My '06 1200R would blow the doors off big twins. It has more torque and HP stock than the big bikes @ 70hp and 79 ft# of torque, she was a beast, LOL! A friend of mine would joke around saying, "Yeah, the sportsters the bike you want to get for the 'Ol Lady......if you want her dead!" LOL! I bought mine 300 miles away from home and riding it back I stopped at a rest stop and there was a whole bunch of old school MC'ers there. I parked several spaces down from them and before I could get off the bike they were all over me.
They were blown away by that bike, they were like, "$#!T! Look at the size of that Mill?! They went on expressing their delight in what the sportster had evolved into. They declared right there and then that the spotster was no longer a girls bike in their eyes. Same with this guy that worked at a gas station in a coastal town i was passing through. This guy was hardcore, a prison reformed badass with multiple tear tattoos under his left eye. He was a total gentleman, cool AF! He just bought a bagger cash outright and he wanted to get a sportster for around town riding and absolutely loved what I had done with mine. I basically made a Nightster before there ever was one, LOL.
I feel ya! I love the green metal flake Sportster 72 with apes and double white walls, but I have a 2010 Harley deluxe with 18” apes 🇺🇸😁🤓 but no hate for Sportsters.
Ando de moto há mais de trinta anos, e atualmente tenho uma sportster 1200. Pra mim é a HD ideal, potente, esguia e com o sissy bar torna -se confortável para viajar com compania.
É um crime alguns desdenharem as sportster, a família mais antiga das HD.
Then Came Bronson...Baby
Lol... I had an 83 XLX61 that I sold a long time ago. Just got back into riding last year (dual sports) and recently started looking for a Sportster. A couple of my Harley riding buddies were appalled... "wtf? you're gonna get a chick bike???" I coudln't find a Sporty in decent condition for what I thought would be a fair price, so I ended up with a 2004 Softail. Well, last week I found a like new 2003 XLH1200C at a really good price. All I've got to say is... if the Sportster is a girls bike b/c it's easy to ride, I'm here to tell ya the 2004 Softail is even easier to get on (lower seat height), runs smoother, and feels easier to ride than the Sporty, especially on really windy days.
I have to politely disagree on the point that it will never be able to hang with sport bikes or bigger Harley's. With very few upgrades, and a proper tech tuning your bike, you wont have any problems keeping up with almost anything. Go even deeper into the upgrades, but now even getting too drastic, and I have personally seen a 1200 sportster eat some sport bikes for lunch. Sure once you get past like 115-120 mph they'll take you. But a properly upgraded sporty can give almost anything a run for its money off the line and up to at least 100 mph. I know mine can. CHEERS! P.s You do end up talking about the 1275 kits and whatnot, so it's not that don't mention they can be built into monsters. So thanks for that.
I weigh 135 and the sportster is a perfect bike for me and I can maintain it myself just regreased the front and rear bearings and they are still in good shape new carburetor,new oil change all done myself sportsters are the bike I don't need a bigger Harley I can push this bike but I've never had to❤
If you ask any of these Sportster haters , they can never give a straight answer !
Times are changing and the big bikes are being laughed at .
I love my Sportster and have no desire to “move up?”. The Iron and 48 have to be a couple of the prettiest bikes around. All I can say is it has to be jealousy on the part of the haters because that’s the only logical explanation
Are you done making RUclips videos? I haven’t seen you in a long time
"это не женский мотоцикл" и сразу же проезжает колона из трех человек, в котором две девушки на спортстерах 🤣🤣
All the Sportster hate comes from people who don't have a bike of any kind.
Have a 03 lowrider I like to get 1200 Iron head to play around with I like them
Just bought one love the bobber look that what I plan to do as well and eventually get a big bore 1275 on it love the way the bike looks
Thanks, I'm planning a 1275 kit as well, probably next spring
Sportster is it a real bike? In 1957 XL Sportster was one of the fastest bike on the road.
In 1970 I was out on the road for three months on a 650 BSA Thunderbolt and rode as much as 600 miles in one day. The 883 is a hellofa lot better bike for touring than a BSA. I owned two 883\s and can say once you find that sweet spot they are comfortable tourers. I believe the bullshit started in the 90's when retired baby boomers wanted to ride and became instant know it alls. Badmouthing the Sporty and wearing stupid Tshirts like "the bitch fell off", having little to no experience of being out on the road. Ride on Daddy-o
Really enjoying the content bro. Looking to get a Iron 883 once I have my full licence. Love these bikes 😃
Plan to buy a harley ... bit confused between 883 ND 48... pls suggest
Think it all started back when celebrities like Elizebeth Taylor and Gweneth Paltrow started riding the sprtsters because it was trendy at the time. Gweneth said in a televised interview that she bought a Harley sporster...the girl bike. I think that sealed it. I dont ride Harleys at all because that click is way too canniblerustic- like Firebird people- just eat each other alive!
Sportster is a real bike, don't let them tell you different.
Don't worry about the haters man. The sportster is as Harley as it gets. It's there oldest model one of there best selling models and the only one untill few recently was the only model running the evo motor, which is considered one of there best motors. I proudly ride the piss outta my 03 883.
Sportsters are fantastic machines. I have a 1200 but the 883 is just as good and hardly much difference in torque. My only fault is the single front disk brake. I want dual disks like my Evo low rider. I don't need speed I need stopping power. Oh the late Sonny Barger rode a Sportster...Anybody going to say "Girls Bike" to him ?
Girls bike!
This comes from tall Bikers originally.
Then the sheep copied it.
Tall folk look/feel like monkeys fornicating with footballs on smaller bikes.
I get it.
But I can have fun on a Vespa.
I think people have different reasons for riding then us who actually love riding bikes.
Oneupmanship always made Me scratch My head.
I have a dresser, FXR, & a sportster.
Each has its personality.
I once geared up an Iron head for highway riding, it was slow on takeoff though.
Sportsters "seem" like they need one more gear on the interstate to Me.
Great bikes,
if I live to be 85+ and still ride it will likely be on a sportster because it's nimble and a absolute blast to ride!
Sportsters aren't usually as much fashion statement, there great standard high character bikes.
I started on Dirt bikes and it was the same thing as I rode a 250 four stroke always was told I needed to get a real bike a 450 by guys who rode around in 3rd gear tops I was always pinned the truth was a 450 was to much bike for the kind of riding I was doing and couldn’t use it all. When I ventured to the street it was 600 SS same thing told I needed a 1000. Not sure why the guys who had them always went the speed limit. Then came the Harley era I was first to get one a iron 883 “a girls bike” then got a bagger SG it was cool heavy a lot of work but nice for the once in a blue moon road trips but not the quickie rides down to the beach in So Cal traffic which is all the time or for just a 10mi commute to work, it was work a lot of it about 900lbs worth. Getting another iron 883 to rip around and build a monster with while keeping some of the SG sale money in the bank. In 8 yrs when I retire and have the time to tour I will get another bagger probably a RG performance build to tour this great country, well whatever is left of it once Brandon is done.
Hey great video, I subbed to your channel. I like your visor for the bell dlx qualifier? where did you get the visor from? im looking for one for the summer months here in the UK. cheers. ride safe!
Thanks for the sub, I got it off of Amazon, it's the dark gold iridium one.
Well said man! Just got my ‘19 Iron 883 a week ago and got a few aftermarket parts coming in to make it my own. It suits me perfectly for a 5’5”” 135 lbs kinda guy cause is what I envision what a HD cruiser is. I ride also my ‘22 R7 so this way I have a balance in each class. At the end of the day, I feel in complete control on both, building my knowledge, confidence and way of connecting with other fellow riders. Be safe out there.🫡
I have an 1100 Sportster best bike I have ever owned.
I have a 2006 1200 custome and its an amazing bike and fyi i get alot of love screw what people think foreal i show love to people on electric bikes
People say all sorts of stuff when they are behind a keyboard. I've never caught any kind of shade for being on a Sportster ('06 1200 Low) with someone face-to-face. There is a purpose for every bike out there. Not everybody wants to do long-distance rides. Some of us just need it for our 20-mile commute to work and back through city streets. You don't want a 1500 pound motorcycle when you are doing all those turns at low speeds. There is zero wrong with having the right bike for your needs. If I needed a bigger bike, then I would get one. If I needed a smaller bike, I would get one. Not everybody is looking for the fastest bike on the planet. Maybe it doesn't have the top speed of a sport bike, but who cares? I drive it on streets with speed limits of less than 50 mph, so who cares if the bike next to me can do 150? I can get up to the speed limit just as fast as any car next to me. I can get out of the way on the freeway with no problem. It is perfectly capable without looking like I'm overcompensating for anything.
As long as ur happy boss!! Haters everywhere!!!
I get that shit to I got an 09 xl883l I love it
Totally agree 👍🏻💥
I’ve kept up with plenty of big Harley’s on a sporty and dusted a few it’s only 200 cc less than a dyna and lighter just know how to ride plus they’re way more maneuverable
Scratch that mine was a 1200 but nothing wrong with an 883 either still as fast as you normally need to go