which sportster ?????

[rostro]

hello every one . a new member here who is looking to buy an 883 sportster.....unfortunatly cannot afford new so will have to buy second hand and would welcome any advice on this.....quite like the 883r . are they all very similar and is there a good or bad year of them to buy ??? is an 883 with a 1200 conversion a good thing to buy or not ??? rookie would be harley owner so all help gratefully recieved... which year did mthe fuel injection models come out also the rubber mounted engine ???

[gericom]

The usual advice is to get out and try them, theres lots of info on here about sporties, it took me about 8 months to find the right one, when you find the right one you will know its for you, think 04 was the first of the rubber mounted and 07 was with EFI, the 883R is a good looking bike, good luck!

[grbrown]

Originally Posted by gericom

...think 04 was the first of the rubber mounted...

Quite right, they were announced in Centenary year 2003, for 2004. A good place to start looking.

[Tim]

Look at 883 (well fast enugh and you can always do the conversion later) '04 plus Custom. This has the bigger tank and is much better the better looking sporty.....IMO........

[nick]

Hi

if you can, try before you buy - at least get a ride from the dealers. echoing the advice above - 2004 up gets you rubbermount which makes a lot of difference to the vibes and the ride over a distance.

2007+ gets fuel injection - i went for an 06 custom in the end as i wasn't fussed about efi. it runs really well although a bit dodgy in the winter (you need fuel additive to stop carb icing).

It was a decision made partially because i like the look and shape of the custom, and partially coz i like the bike to have chrome (which led me to a second hand xl1200c). And i thought the small tank of the standard 883 a but impractical.

Another issue - the standard tank on the sportie is pretty small, whereas the custom, and i think the 1200r have a larger 4gal tank which means that you get sensible mileage before needing fuel.

if you are buying second hand, remember that stock bikes need some mods - a lot of bikes end up with nicer sounding pipes and stage 1 tune which makes them go a bit better, as well as sounding like a proper harley.

The stock seat is notoriously uncomfortable. All the mods to make the bike a good-un cost so try to narrow down what you are looking for in the ideal bike and then keep looking - there are loads for sale and you'll find what you are looking for.

a good idea is also to make a large mug of tea and spend time looking back through this forum and the xl forum (us based) as there are hundreds of threads on seats, luggage, tanks, brakes etc which'll give you a good idea.

it is wot i did.

and finally, try to get a ride on a dyna superglide - the second hand values can sometimes be nearly as low as some of the more expensive sportsters and you might just fall for the BT as it is billed as a bigger sporty in some respects.

Nick


Nick

[Brigg]

Attachment 9912[quote=rostro;703597]


FOR SALE.....!!! TO A LOVING HOME ONLY...!!!

[scooter333]

Dont listen to Tim Re Looks (sorry Tim) 883 with peanut tank looks way better than the custom, thats why so many builders use them on projects. Few less miles per tank but worth it for the look (of course its in the eye of the beholder) I have 883 which I converted to 1200 and the difference is night and day. Brigg's spot on 04 rubber and 07 EFI.
Happy hunting

[nick]

looks nice Brigg - having said that i bought a xl1200c i do like the peanut tank esp in that blue.

sure you should be selling (again?)

[Brigg]

Originally Posted by nick

looks nice Brigg - having said that i bought a xl1200c i do like the peanut tank esp in that blue.

sure you should be selling (again?)

I get sentimental after a few beers, the thing is I cant sleep with it.

The other half is getting a bit stressed and threatening to withdraw all favours....

I think it looks classic, I enjoy riding it, but the 07 1200c has the edge, on just about everything except the handling...

I depressed thinking about selling, then I get depressed thinking that all rights may soon be withdrawn...

Such is life..

[Brigg]

Originally Posted by scooter333

Dont listen to Tim Re Looks (sorry Tim) 883 with peanut tank looks way better than the custom, thats why so many builders use them on projects. Few less miles per tank but worth it for the look (of course its in the eye of the beholder) I have 883 which I converted to 1200 and the difference is night and day. Brigg's spot on 04 rubber and 07 EFI.
Happy hunting

Hi Chris... it's an 02'.

The wheels had gone the rims had began to go and after Baza's thread on 'parting rim's' I couldnt take that risk selling it on as it was. I had a tyre change at Dragon Motorcycles at Y Ffelinheli and they had to cut the trye from the rim.

I had the opportunity to buy some later wheels. Replaced both front an rear with wheels of a 100th Anniversary.

I think it looks good..., not a rubber mount Im afraid...