I
can't believe that this beginner bike forum doesn't have a review
of an Sportster 883 yet.
I
own, recommend and have confidently taught many beginners how
to ride on this bike.
Mine
is a black year 2000 883 that I bought new from a dealer for
$5500.00. They're more now.
I
found it to be extremely easy to ride due to its low center
of gravity, tourquey motor and low seat height. From the factory
it was smooth and quiet.
Yes
of course I've changed the latter. Also smooth applies only
to below 70 mph.
As
for handling it does have to be muscled into corners but is
extremely well balanced for a crustier.
I
also changed it from an 883cc to 1200 at a local shop for about
1200 dollars. You can too! A noticeable power change and it
still returns close to 50 mpg.
As
for reliability it has never left me stranded or concerned for
any reason at any time. I should note this is my second one.
The first a red 1992 that was just as much fun and reliable.
I'm not sure where these reliability rumors began. I'm going
to guess back in the previous generation, (pre-1987) sportster's
were questionable.
I've
been on 2000+ mile trips without a hitch or hiccup.
It's
far from perfect. It actually does hiccup occasionally through
the carb (only annoying). There are things you wish would be
different but they seem to differ from owner to owner. Vibration
bothers some. Some larger people don't fit. Some want them fatter
some want more luggage, sportier, more crustier like, some tour
on them winch opens up a whole new complaint department with
it's 3.2 gallon tank.
The
nice thing and I'm sure you've all heard it before but it's
true. You can change anything on the bike thanks to it having
the largest after market support of any bike.
I'm
not a pro Harley freak I love all bikes. But I like this one
a lot.
[return
to the top]
Rider
Review: 2000 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883