More POWER than you think! Sportster 883 Ride & Review

[@sumdawgtwigg]

I've owned my 883 longer than any other bike I've owned. It's got enough power and is plenty of fun. The only people that have ever called it a girls bike to me are people that don't even own a bike.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

I toured 23 States on a 2006 883, towing a small trailer behind it, and with a passenger. The bike handled it just fine. Of course I swapped out the stock shocks for used Road King air shocks but the only other thing I had to do was put on a good touring seat. I think the people that say the 883 can't do this or that never even tried.

[@thevoyer2002]

Fukkem. We ride what we can afford to ride, and what we like. I love the cheaper Sporty...can't beat it.

[@RobertMock-i3v]

Haha thats sick

[@kennethschauer1801]

883 iron are totally fantastic bikes, love mine run it all over the country and and didn't cost an arm and a leg

[@BigAl53750]

I live in Australia and I'm 67 year old rider, who started on Triumphs in the early 70's. I bought a 97 883 from a friend back in 2009. It had just over 25k miles on it and was in pretty good shape, plaus the price he wanted was way less than half the price of a new one. It had a 2-1 exhaust system on it that made it go harder than a standard one and I got even more after taking it a guy with a dyno, who put an S&S teardrop air filter setup on it and it topped out at 54hp, which was nice, but a few years later, I stripped the bike right down and did a ground up rebuild, which included a Hammer Performance 1275 kit, suspension upgrade from and rear, rework of the front part of the wiring loom, which moved the ignition switch to beneath the battery box and the coil to the LHS, between the heads, tucked the wires under the tank, without tank lifters, and some other stuff. I haven't put it on a dyno, partly because it's DAMN expensive and partly because It don't really care. It runs VERY well, with bags of power and torque. I run a 29 tooth belt sprocket on the gearbox end of things, while the 883 is 27 teeth. This affected low down power a bit as an 883, but now it's just right. I had to fit a gizmo in the wiring between the gearbox and Speedo, that adjusts the signal and keeps the speedo accurate. I've had the bike up to just over 185kmh (115mph) without much trouble at all and there's a bit more, but our police are seriously lacking in humour and that speed would've seen me fined nearly a grand, pus a 3 month licence suspension, so I'm careful. I KNOW there's a LOT of torque there though, because I've been a bit careless at the lights once or twice and it lifts the front wheel without any problems. Just twist the grip and there ya go. I don't care what anyone says about 'girl's bikes', hell, when I started riding, a Norton 850 Commando was considered HUGE and a Triumph 650 twin was a big bike. People who say that stuff either don't know what they're talking about, or they're trying to compensate for something imho. I wouldn't touch a factory 1200 Sporty though, because the pistons are WAAAY too heavy and they put rev limiters and all sorts on 'em to try and stop them vibrating themselves to bits. The 883 units are exactly the same as the 1200's from the bottom of the barrels down and an 883 is THE Sportster to get if you want a project bike. Bein' an old fart, I did all the work myself, with a bit of a hand from a carburettor specialist doing plug reading to get the carby set up just right after the break-in was completed. I estimate the bike has near doubled in torque and is putting out somewhere in the 80's in horsepower, which is plenty for a 440lb bike. It's a bit of a 'sleeper' and I like surprising people who don't expect much from the old gal. ;-)

[@girthquake9655]

I loved my 84 ironhead and love my 05 evo. People calling them girls bikes never rode one. I love them. I can afford bagger's ten times over but I chose the sportser because it fits me being 5'10".

[@martincvitkovich724]

Just bought my 3rd 883, coming off a Road King for 13 years. This 04 883 is great. i'm 73 and been riding since 1966!

[@alexpoulin7382]

Yeah, they’re good to go with apes and forward controls. I’m 6’ 250ish and I like it because I’m not speeding unless I want to lol

[@thevoyer2002]

I can't afford baggers , period. But I can sportys.

[@girthquake9655]

@@thevoyer2002 you can. You can pick up a high milage used street glide for $5000 around my area. Just look around. You'll find one.

[@alanmeyers3957]

I can’t fully understand the bagger fad, I like lean and mean.

[@JohnLarko]

I have a 2015 883 I bought 3 years ago. It's my 1st bike and I love it! I live in North New Jersey and and Im only a 15 minute ride before Im in great hilly curvy roads.

[@raybrensike42]

I just bought one that was upgraded to the 1200, with the 1200 top end. It's fast, and another surprise is that at 70-75 mph it has a smooth spot, perfect for the interstate.

[@freddempster4085]

5spd = 5 smooth spots :)

[@saulocpp]

The 2006 883R was my first bike. The one thing I miss is what not even the Big Twins have: the noise of the carburated 883 with slow idle and VH pipes, it is the "trademark" noise of the brand. Probably still the most honest model in all line-up, but I'm not paying 2024 price for one. Apart from FI, they are almost unchanged in 20 years.

[@claudiosakaeshigemi6889]

I watched all the videos where you are describing the bikes! I love it, keep up the great work.

[@martincvitkovich724]

No one called them Girls Bikes when Sonny Barger and others in his club rode them.

[@gtspring]

I bought mine from my friends, neighbors wife. She got her license and never rode so has super low miles but it’s perfect for me being a beginner rider on the street.

[@coreycallahan7443]

I’ve never owned a Sportster but I have ridden several and I really enjoyed them. I currently own a 2010 FLHTK and a 2016 FLSTC but I plan on adding a Sportster to the mix as a sort of rip around town bike because they really give the rider that visceral old school Harley Davidson feel. I may choose to go with an 883 even though I am 6’2” tall and 220 pounds. I’ve ridden one in the past and it was great for what I would be using it for. It would also be a great bike to teach my wife and and our grandkids how to ride. I’ve had a lot of big twins over the past 44 years but I think I need a Sporty before I get to old or my health goes bad because they are super fun to ride.

[@thevoyer2002]

I had to downgrade from my Heritage to a Sporty. Hips going bad, knees going bad, ankles going bad. I will NEVER buy a Harley "bid wheel" 🤣🤣 This old man will die riding 2 wheels 👍👍👍

[@freddempster4085]

If people pick on your hopefully newly acquired 883, just tell them you need it to commute to your trike where it’s moored.

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

I personally prefer the 883’s w/the Hammer 1275 upgrade over almost any 1200. 🤘🏻 They’re hungry and fun and IMO that’s what the Sporty is all about! And yes, if a girl is on it, it’s a girl’s bike! 😂 And that’s a girl I wanna chill with.

[@gtspring]

I just bought a 2008 883 and love it

[@larrylong4407]

Got to love that harley sound nothing like it😊❤

[@theorthobiker]

The Evo engine on the Iron 883 is a low stress engine, and as a result can run interstate speeds all day. That being said, I have found that it runs interstate speeds better with a 2 into 1 exhaust. I have taken mine 20K miles in about 2 years, and will be making my third or fourth interstate motorcycle road trip next year. The Evo engine is bullet proof reliable when maintained properly, easy to work on and maintain, the Sportster is infinitely customizable, and is an all around great bike. Yes, there are caveats to the bike (I am looking at you OEM clutch pack), but once those are addressed or understood, you can do anything with this bike, and turn it into literally anything you want to. The 883 REALLY wakes up with a 1275 kit (hammer performance) due to its lower gearing, making it quicker than many of the bigger and more powerful bikes HD makes.

[@purpleguy5226]

sat on one of these at a dealership (883 2005) and let me tell you out of all the bikes there that was the BEST seat i have sat on i was kinda bummed cuz after sitting on that bad boy it ruined the rest for me.

[@jamespolucha8790]

I love the sportster you can do so many things to it, really all you need to make this an amazing ride is upgrade the suspension, it’s so reliable too, don’t know where the girls bike thing came from, most girls I see riding are bikes too big for them

[@brianminkc]

Oh its got plenty torque. In fact its geared way to low. Do yourself a favor and purchase a 31 tooth front pulley for your belt drive.

[@JDHenry-h9i]

I own a 2003 883. Great bike. What gets me, is the ones calling it a girl's bike. Well, back in the day, did they call the WLs girls bikes? Only 750cc. Did they call the electra glides girls bikes? They were only 1200cc. My 883 will keep right up with the road kings and dynas. Like they say, to each their own. And everyone has their own opinion. No, the sportster isn't as comfortable as a road king on long hauls, but it definitely doesn't mean it can't do it. 883 and 1200 sportsters are definitely not just a girl's bike.

[@director2bob]

My first bike ever road & purchased was bike was an new 883 sportster in 2002. . The bike looked so big, & heavy at the time I had a friend ride it home from the dealership. 3 months later traded in for a bigger engine on a wide glide, 6 months later a softail deluxe with a stage 2 with that beautiful front fat tire and 1 year later a 2000 street Glide with that sluggish 88 cubic engine. I have NOT ridden in 15 years and for my 62nd Bday next month in July. buying that dope sweet Low Rider St with that boner generating 117 engine, And for anyone reading this if the 883 is the only bike you can affords than 1000% go for it. If you have the funds, take the motorcycle safety course offered by Harley once you pass the course, buy yourself a low rider ST if of course you are willing to spend $25,000 out of dealership,

[@EddieBurnley]

i like why you take time show how work bike

[@jpapss]

I prefer my sportster 1200 over the big twins. I dont need or want a 900lb motorcycle. My sporty carves up the twisties and handles the freeway just fine.

[@grabir01]

Put the Hammer 1250 kit on it. Then hang on!!! Wow!!

[@dennisharrison4744]

I like them but i wanted more power didnt want put no 1200 kit on one i just got a 09 sportster 1200C

[@itsocd]

Looking at sportster 883’s, should I go with a 90s one or a 00s one? Any big differences?

[@TobaccoRoadHD]

For the most part, the Sportster motorcycles have continuously gotten better over time. The nearly bulletproof powertrain and quickness of these bikes don't need much, but some big changes were made in those years. Some of the biggest changes were the new frame in 2004 to include rubber mounts for reduced engine vibration and '06 became the last year for carburetors on Sportsters. These bikes have more recently become some of the most customizable motorcycles available with the ability to turn them into almost anything! See some Sportsters we have available here --> www.tobaccoroadhd.com/

[@dannysautorepair]

Im getting one really soon god willing. 🙏

[@willisluckey4328]

Thanks for the great video 👍and information , I have the 2003 anniversary edition it's a very good bike, i like to ride it as much as I can, looking to add a Arlen Ness oil pressure gauge kit to it, it's a nice upgrade, along with a new set of footpegs ,and Thanks for all of your encouragement great work...👍👍👍🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🏁🏁🏁⚡⚡⚡

[@TobaccoRoadHD]

Glad to hear! Thanks!

[@OGKennyLee]

Im looking at buying a 2002 HD 883.

[@TobaccoRoadHD]

We've got an 01 and an o6 in stock! Come check them out! www.tobaccoroadhd.com/--inventory?condition=pre-owned&pg=1&customSearch=883

[@darrellguay9143]

I have ridden my 1200 06 roadster across canada and up to the arctic. Who ever says you cannot tour with these bikes doesnt know.

[@TobaccoRoadHD]

This guy gets it

[@wesleymarkmusic403]

Nice bike.

[@Chef-James]

Tail spike. Whats a tail spike? Should have done a fly by.

[@next_man]

mine now

[@gtspring]

I’m gonna drive it coast to coast

[@TobaccoRoadHD]

That's the right attitude! Congrats man!

[@michaelmurray11189]

What’s considered a good entry model for anyone who wants to learn how to ride a motorcycle?

[@TobaccoRoadHD]

Hey, thanks for asking! Each new rider will have different needs based on their size, experience, and how/where they plan to ride, but most folks agree on starting with a smaller motorcycle. Smaller bikes are more forgiving (easier to hold up and pick up) and you'll want enough power to have good control but also not too little that you can't ride with traffic. From the 2024 line-up, most newer riders gravitate towards the Nightster 975 and the Softail Standard (we have videos on both). On the pre-owned side, the 883 Sportsters, 1200 Sportsters, Dynas, and other Softails are all classic options. Then of course there's the Street 500's (the bikes we use for training). It will all boil down to what is going to fit you and your needs. We'd love to have you stop by sometime to see some options!

[@SteveB-hy2ci]

I would rather have a sporster,with an Evo and center pegs and highway bars.4" risers and mini apes so I can stand up and meerkat

[@robertruark4051]

When did they start being called a tail Spike. It's called a sissy bar.

[@TobaccoRoadHD]

Right you are. Calling it a tail spike seemed more fitting to describe how tall and pointed it was.

[@vincentdavidson755]

I seen a guy take his bike down a ramp from the back of his truck and it bounce a little and the frame broke yes the part that holds the moter broke all the way tru😬

[@TobaccoRoadHD]

Sounds like he sent it a lil hard...

[@vincentdavidson755]

@@TobaccoRoadHD that's just it It just bounce a little we were both shock 😐

[@05Baseball1]

How do ya tune out the “sporty cough”. I’ve heard many people have that issue. And mine does a bit also.

[@TobaccoRoadHD]

Not super common but a proper tune and rebuild kit can sometimes do the trick. If you have the issue, schedule a service with us to talk about options.

[@ThatBobGuy850]

"Sportster cough" is *very* common! If it's a carbureted bike, your jetting is wrong - probably too lean. I'd bet you have an aftermarket exhaust/air cleaner on it. Take the carb off (it's easy!). Drill out the plug covering the idle mixture screw. Carefully turn it all the way in until it seats, and then back it out 2.0 turns. Put a richer *PILOT* jet in. If the stock pilot jet is a 42 (which it probably is), go up to a 44. Leave the main jet alone. As you ride the bike, if it still coughs, then back the idle screw out 1/8th of a turn. Make *tiny* adjustments! There are plenty of pages on the internet that spell out how to jet and tune Harley CV carbs. It's simple and easy - no special tools or black magic involved. But just know that, due to the nature of the beast, your Sportster might *still* cough now and then :-/ Buying a fuel-injected Sportster ('07 or later) cures the problem.

[@girthquake9655]

Thatbobguy850 is right. I bought a 45 pilot jet from LowBrow customs. Also carefully seat your air idle screw and back it out 2.5 turns and adjust from there. It will move your idle rpm a little so you'll also need to adjust that.

[@jamespolucha8790]

Most of the sportster that I’ve worked on that did that was an easy fix, go up one size on the slow speed jet and maybe go up one on the main, probably 2 1/2 turns out

[@pepper8892]

I like the name of the sportster that fits it kinda good also, it can be called, "A Grandpa bike".

[@RobertMock-i3v]

Yehh so

[@armandojimenez6892]

Right mirror 😆 it's still a girl's bike

[@mikemet1744]

.."more than you think..", but less than you want!

[@JohnSmith-wv4or]

Johnsmithakajohnyblazeihavea09sporster883xlandiloveit.

[@TobaccoRoadHD]

Sporty's are a blast!

[@kennethschauer1801]

If you need 131 cu.in. to cruise you have small pee pee syndrome