For
many motorcyclists, only a Harley-Davidson will do. For the
beginners among them, Harley offers the 883 Sportster. The
Sportster vibrates like nobody's business, due to its solid
engine mounts, but is a hoot to ride. The booming roar from
its V-twin engine (i.e., the two cylinders are placed in a
"V" shape) remains the same as that produced by
the first Sportster, released in 1957. Belt drive and maintenance-free,
self-adjusting valves make the bike very easy and inexpensive
to care for. If the vibration doesn't bother you, this is
a fun, no-frills bike. Seat height: 28 inches.
Harley-Davidson
also offers two variations of the basic Sportster XL.
The
Sportster 883 XLH "Hugger", marketed for shorter
riders, has a seat height of 27.1-inches and spoked wheels.
The Sportster XL883C features a seat height of 27.6",
in-between that of the XL and XLH, a low profile dual stepped
saddle, drag bars, and forward controls.
Top
heavy and just plain heavy. The only reason I don't give
this bike an F is because Harley doesn't make any other
bike that is more suitable to a beginner. If you absolutely
must have a Harley, then this is the least terrible choice.
Without
having ridden a stock one, I can't really comment much on
these bikes. With a higher CG than any other mid sized cruiser,
I have to say there are much better choices from Japan in
this size class. But among the Harley clans the Sportster
is the lesser of two evils if it's "Harley or nothing",
so I give it a C.
Recommendations
made by Beginner Bikes Magazine, it's staff, team members
or riding club officers, are based on the skills of a novice
rider, of average stature and do not necessarily represent
the ideal for every rider. While Beginner Bikes encourages
safe, smart riding, we do not assume responsibility for
each individual. Please ride with care at your own risk.
Beginner
Bikes Buyer's Guide
