I got my first 883 about 3 weeks ago, im 39, and i was racing (tracks in Germany) since i was 18 and i was riding kinda faster bikes, but the sportster gets me a smile on my face whenever i start the engine. I just love what harley made there. Its just a complete escape from reality whenever i sit on it.

Got an 883 for my first bike. Never once regretted it. Forgiving enough for a new rider, but enough power to keep you from getting bored with it. Even if you DO start getting bored, there are so many mods you can make to it that you'll never run out of stuff to do.

I've never heard a sport bike guy or a euro bike guy have a positive opinion about the sportsters. What a breath of fresh air. I love my 883 and it has been the PERFECT beginner bike for me.

I too have been riding some very nice bikes in the past 45 years, most were very fast and expensive. and I thought I was having fun. When I sold my FJR, was wanting something different so I bought an 883..Took me one ride to literally fall in love with this bike. First bike I've had in a long long time that brings a smile to me face everytime I ride it. Is it fast, brake well, handle well ? Nope, still love it. Feels like a motorcycle should and that's what makes me look for a reason to just go out for a ride.

I've ridden just about everything on two wheels. Everyone of them put a smile on my face. Didn't matter if it was 50cc or 2000cc. All bikes have a different charecter that gives them their own personality. Having ridden most bikes, i'd say that the Sportster has the best personality. Its lineage is remarkable. Endless customization. Best part of it is the bike itself. Meaning its completley outdated in every respect. No modern anything. A bike true to its core. A real bike.

I am 56, have been riding since I was 4 years old, I think the 883 can be a good beginners bike but that isn't it's only function. I have an 883 and an Ultra Classic, I ride the Sportster more than the big twin. The 883 has plenty of power open exhaust and aircleaner help a ton.

Dude, your review of this bike is exactly what I was looking for. Actual practical features of the bike no one ever talks about, like the digital gear / rpm read outs. This feature alone makes the bike very interesting to me.

Own a 2016 HD Iron 883. Only had 792 miles when I bought it. Now have over 5,000 miles and gave it its first oil change. Fun bike to commute around town.

Had mine since May 2011. 11k miles later I still love it. Recently added Bassani sweepers and stage 1 air cleaner. Black denim beauty.

My roommate had an 883 iron and I had a Ducati Monster. Both easy bikes to ride but always felt badass on the Harley😂

I was in the air about getting one. This video pushed me over the edge. Thanks to you and this video I’m getting one just as soon as I find the color I want. I really like that color and may pick that. You just sold me a Harley 883. I’m getting those screaming eagle pipes as well. It sounded like a Harley should. I didn’t thought it was just loud enough and that mellow rumble was perfect. Thanks so much for posting this. I was looking for an honest review and what better review can you get from a guy that’s not exactly a Harley fan. Fun and not crazy uncontrollable power is what I need. I appreciate you brother. Scott

Love my 883! Quicker than people think. To me it’s the iconic looking Harley

Tres cher Monsieur . Im a French man living in northern England and have ridden numerous european and Japanese bikes for the past 30 years . I got myself a lil' 883 to commute to work and ..... i luuuurrvvv it . its the most fun bike i've ever owned , loud as hell , customised to my liking (bobber style) fast enough for me and so much character ! Sportsters are the sh+t. Every time i park it i get comments and she sticks out like a sore thumb next to the endless rows of BMW's gt's and triumphs (i live in England) speed triples . I walk away then turn around to have a look at her thinking i made the right choice . All a matter of taste i guess

Thank you for your review! I whole-heartedly agree! I rode dirt-bikes and now I’m 58, and decided to learn how to ride on the street. My boyfriend has a Harley and I wanted one. He found me a white 2002 Sportster 883 Hugger with only 2900 miles - new just like yours! It is the perfect bike! SMall enough for me to continue learning to ride on, but peppy enough to have a blast! Love the low slung seat and yes, it is loud and fast! It’ super fun and great to learn on. Glad to hear you understand the vibration of a Harley. I do now, too!!! Awesome!

This is the most awesome (and funny) interview of an 883 I've ever seen.

Found a 2002 used model online looks to be in great condition. I'm a beginner rider with no experience so I'm looking to pull the trigger on it. Its also only $3500 with 9,000 miles.

I am 67 yrs old and just bought a 2013 883 that is this bikes twin sister, with a little bit over 8000 miles on it, I got it for a ridiculous price is the only reason I picked it up, I must say, like him I'm far more impressed than I thought I would ever be, starts easily, rides great, handles very well, and like he said its stupid fast,

The 883 is a perfect blend of size and power for an intermediate rider or someone like me that's gotten older (riding for 45 years) and no longer wants to wrestle around a larger bike. I have a 2021 883 Iron (Deadwood Green) and didn't have the bike more than 15 minutes when an old guy (Roadglide rider) stopped to compliment me on the bike. It's not a sport bike or one you'd want for touring but as a cruiser it's a great bike. Enjoy!

Thanks for the nice review. Your orange/black Sporty looks great and so does the scenery. My first HD bike is a 2009 Sportster 1200 Custom. It has been a pleasure to own and to ride. To wake it up, I installed Vance and Hines 3" Twin Slash slip-on exhaust, Arlen Ness inverted highflow air-cleaner, and V&H Fuelpak3 tuner. I made sure to also install the optional "quiet baffles" so I don't need earplugs but it still sounds amazing. It has never leaked oil, gets great mileage, has never needed a repair. I change the oil myself, and every few years change the battery and get new tires. Every year, I've added a few other things so over the long haul the bike has become more beautiful, more comfortable, and is still a great ride. Speaking of the ride, I put 12.5" Progressive-412 shocks on the back and that improved the ride a whole lot. Totally worth the investment. This is my bike kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rrObg7d5ssjXoGw.html before I put on the Arlen Ness air-cleaner and progressive shocks.

Great review from a different perspective. I started out on an Iron 883 and I’m currently on a Honda Africa Twin. Very different than the 833. I’ve ridden a ton of different bikes and I miss my Iron. I think that exhaust is stock. It has the classic Iron 883 shape.

I’m 25 and like one guy below said I too have been around motorcycles from a young age my “first bike” at 7 years old was a 50cc youth chopper and thats where I began my journey to being a motorcycle rider. Anyway it’s probably been about 7 years since I last rode a motorcycle, but I’m really thinking about getting me a 883 here in possibly a week or so; thanks for the review and you’ve definitely helped me feel good about my decision towards this bike. Keep up the smiles per gallons 🤟

Great review with a different perspective, very enjoyable.

The 883’s sound is really good. A nice set of pipes and they make a great “Harley”sound. Coming from liter class bikes I was incredibly surprised when riding my brother in law’s 2020 883. But yes the stock shocks are hard as hell. Great vid!

Really great video, glad to hear your perspective change after getting on one. I used to be a pure sport bike guy then i made the mistake of riding a Harley and cant ride anything else now. Started on a softail (big vtwin) and now i even have a street glide which is even bigger and im making into a performance bike. I highly recommend trying other harley models, the sporty is an amazing bike but Harleys only get better the bigger you go.

rigid engine mounted Sportsters handle really well. same frame they race. after i totalled my 1982 honda cb900c with full fairing and lowers, nice bike, i got new 1996 xl1200s. still have it. i've crashed it several times, best handling fame out there.

I have just purchased exactly the same bike, colour, low mileage, everything, love it!

Just getting into the bike community. After being involved in the modified car community. I honestly didn't think a community could be more toxic than modified cars. Till I started to get into the bike community. Jesus Christ! I said I wanted a Harley for my first bike. Experience bikers that I would talk to would laugh and say shit like "typical". Just be opinionated cunts. But the more I research about this bike, the more it make sense for a first bike. Looks amazing, sounds unbelievable, is cheap (for a Harley), it's manageable and can modify it easy. I don't get the hate for Harleys.

I just bought a 2014 883 super low with 600 miles on it. Doing a few upgrades then I’ll post a video but it’s my first harley coming from crotch rockets and I love it. I had the same thought as you before having mine. Great video. Oh burnt orange is a beautiful color.

This is the most complete and useful review I have ever heard.

I don’t care if I win the lottery and become a millionaire I’ll NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER give up or sell my sportster

I'm glad u like ur ride, I have a 91 Sporty 1200 and it is one hell of a nice bike to ride. also easy to work on, changing oil and filter is a breeze.

I have an 09 883 Low, and i absolutely adore it. I've had metric cruisers that handle and perform similar, but the sportster just feels different. Got her used with some louder pipes already installed, and she has a real pleasant throaty growl with juuuust the right amount of shake & rattle (IYKYK). Such a fun bike to ride!

All depends on where and how you ride. Right now I have 2 Harley’s, a Honda and a Yamaha in my garage. All for the different moods and missions I find on any particular day. Some days I want quiet. Some I want to get groceries. Some days 3 get my attention. Never had a bike yet that didn’t have its own particular appeal.

I love my 2009 sportster 883 low...Its got drag bars, v&h pipes the fuelpak..its my first bike, I've had it for almost 5 years and its awesome...recently changed my throttle/idle cable by myself and I feel really good about it! rubber side down team!

Man that's my favorite bike right there they are the funnest bikes to ride one day I will have one God willing 🙏 God bless you 🙏 awesome post thank you for letting me vent on it all respect.

I had similar feelings as you when i got my used ‘07 Sportster 1200C home. What a fun, and light (relatively) feeling bike! Plenty of power and looks fantastic. I can’t wait to get it out of the garage this year and put more miles on. Those slip ons sounded good on your bike, and i liked your paint/blackout scheme too. I hope your still enjoying it.

I've had my Evo 883 since 1986, model year 1987. I've upgraded fuel tanks twice, put a full fairing on the front, crash bars, highway bars, p-pad, and sissy bar. I added saddle bags, and throw saddle bags over them. I also added a handlebar attached tool bag. It still runs great, plenty of power, and I can go 200 miles now on a fill. It doesn't bang out until 96 mph, and I've ridden it across the US twice in all weathers. The seat isn't ripped, but it has gotten stiff, and needs replaced. The fuel gage is giving the bike a shake at a stop light. If you can hear it sloshing around, your good.

I've got a 2009 1200 sporty. It lives in the driveway in the rain and sun. The Harley stuff still looks new. It always starts. I put a SE super tune on it and I wonder why it even has a first gear. Good review and these bikes at 100 mph without a windscreen is a hoot.

Thanks for the review Goose! Beautiful bike

Screamin eagle pipes are Harley's aftermarket line. I have some too. They are great. Not too loud but not too quiet

Yup. This video sold me. Thanks man.

Great review I’m looking into getting the iron 883 as my first bike

Very interesting and informative video. Excellent.

How could you not love that sound...

I was all squid when I was young. Had a ZX7r, did the super stock thing. Good times. But the most riding enjoyment I ever got was with my Harleys. I recall back in my 20's, I pulled into one of the filling stations on Route 9 in California and all these Harleys rode up. My riding partner said 'They look so stupid', and I turned to him and said 'They aren't the ones in public dressed as Power Rangers...'

That thing is beautiful. Love the orange

Good review! Have a 2021 Iron 883. Absolutely love it. Only con I have is the small tank. Side note: The screaming eagle pipes aren't really that loud. I have Tab Performance on mine and you can't hear yourself think. 😂

Haven't had a street cruiser in 20 plus years, was considering an 883, thanks for convincing me, last bike i had was an 81 cb900c, got hit while parked, excited to get back to riding!

“I say yes to everything and wait for the end results.” 👍 I hear ya! You’re right, it’s the smallest engine they make. That’s why I bought one as my first bike a year ago! Still have it and just put a stage one on mine. I’ve done quite a bit to it in mods. I actually didn’t know anything about the bike, or about bikes in general when I bought it. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤪 I had a 600cc scooter for a month when I bought my 883. I just thought it looked amazing and it was a Harley Davidson and all my buddies ride a Harley so I thought I had done good? I was then informed by those buddies that I had purchased the smallest Harley in existence! Oh well? It’s the bike I got and it does everything I need a bike to do and does it well, so……. I like it. I have an absolute blast riding it, that’s for sure.

883 to 1200 kit cost like 600-1000$ and is relatively straightforward. A good mechanic could do it in an hour or two. Wouldnt be to expensive either. A great thing if you “get bored” with the power

Wow what an awesome color! I love my 07 883 no issues and plenty of power and speed for me.

Welcome to the other side brother. I was exactly in your same shoes at one time. I hated HD for many reasons. Now I have 27 of them in the shop. That’s how much I like them

Own a 2017 883. Love it also.

Mines getting the 1200 mod right now. Love the sportster, best bike I've ever owned.

Ever be riding overnight in the mountains and stop every 15 minutes to hug your bike to stay warm.

On narrower UK main county roads the 883 is all you need...they're fun and handle very well.. sports bike riders don't know what fun on a motorbike is all about..!!

Good trade. I love Harleys. You did good.

My 883 is smokin fast especially after the stage 1 upgrade I love my sportster . This is my wife’s account but I’m a big burly guy and it fly’s

It's so good after 65 years that Harley is going to stop making it rather than go to the trouble of getting it EPA certified. I blame the government for that but come on Harley the new plastic covered so called Sportster is ugly as sin. Great video by the way.

Cool mustache bro !!

Great review. Could you please share if that is a stock exhaust or have you modified it? It sounds pretty good. Thanks!

I have a stock 1995 EVO 883 low rider with low miles. I love it.

I have had two XL883R models which are taller than the others. Both were ultra reliable. But bear in mind there may be an inherent clutch problem that can cost lots if it goes wrong. This I believe can be rectified by replacing parts. As regards handling XL883s are heavy and for the unwary a handful.I would strongly advise to learn that you learn how to ride them in slow manouvers such as ever decreasing circles and figures of eight. And for these manouverd to be done from both left and right. Trust me you will be glad you follow this advice. When learnt well your XL883 may prove to be the safest and most nimble bike ever and most relaxing. Also get a windshield as Harleys dont slow down against gusts of wind. So whats the catch. Up to about 55MPH they make the most gorgeously hypnotic sound and feels great.Ieould liken it to the heartbeat of T REX. But much above 55 they make a racket that I could not live with. Also the rear wheel seems to get lighter and lighter with increasing speed. So I woul rate them as sedate cruisers and absolutely not as sports bikes. However in urban enviroments they can be as nimble as your skill level permits. Bear in mind that I am in my late sixties and may not have the same priorities as the more adventurous

Sportster 883? It looks like what a motorcycle should look like. I love Sportsters. Not too big, not too small. Just right.

Considering I’m around 6’1 230 pounds you think the bike would be too small for me? Really want a Harley as a first bike and this seems to be the go to by the amount of videos I’ve watched.

It’s a nice Harley Davidson don’t get me wrong but the only thing that’s out of place on that Harley that does not belong there is that windshield it looks ridiculous

I love my Harley. I put the factory stock pipes back on. The Vance and Hines pipes I had were deafening.

I think you may have convinced me to buy one 👍

I bought a 2005 XL883C in 2015,the engine seized 3 months later,my warranty paid for a new engine,in 2018 I did an engine change(1200)today is Aug 12,2023 and yesterday Harley came to my house in Va(they are i High Point,NC) to be customized,my bike looks brand new

Mr. Sir :) Fun to see a '14 in the raw. I have the Matte black and ride in the city so speed is meaningless. Funny story, I saw the bike on the showroom. turns out to be "used". mine had 4 (four) MILES ON IT and did not have the freight and other bullshit. Best deal ever. I wanted a "motorcycle" and nothing matched the feel of the harley for my only bike. rock on! be safe.

Love my 883 it's been heavily customised and is a joy to ride. I think your 883 should have abs on the 2014 models

Question for the sportster riders: I'm torn between the 883 and the street bob. Love both, both look great and are similar, but I'm wanting to use it as a "short 3-4 day trip" bike. Which is better for traveling and space on saddlebags or is there any difference? Any positive help is appreciated

I always wondered what happened to Goose from TopGun. Good to see he his reviewing motorcycles now

I have a Moto Guzzi V7 Special and a BMW R75/7 and I'd love to have an 883 Sportster. I'm 66 years old and an 883 Sporty seems like it would be fun to own.

For the speed people actually ride on the street Harley's are fast enough how often do you go over 100 MPH? I'm not a big Bike Harley guy but I really like my sportster.

people dump on Harley's but it is because they don't really understand them. Its a whole different vibe once you are riding. I suggest everyone to at least test ride one or own one before trashing on them and same with Harley riders with sport bike riders

U know what kind of windscreen that is ? I have a 2019 883 as my first bike I love it

I went from my Harley Davidson Heritage 114 back to a 883cc Sportster... I like the Nimble control of the Sportster.... Great Motorcycle !!!

I really like its colour. I can not remember seeing that colour paint used before.

Thinking of this as my first bike. Thoughts on it as a beginner bike?

Does it makes sense get an old sporter in a market where you have competitors like indian scout bobber, honda rebel, kawasaki vulcan 650 and some other like these for a similar price?

Just bought an 883 for my first bike. How much wind does that shield you have on their knock off? Would anyone recommend? Thanks!

Nice trade. 👍

SO WHATS ITS TOP END? Lots of chat but you never answered it. Also what crusing speed do you recommend?

75 years old got teased in the 80's for riding 45's (WL&WLA's) now I've got 3 sportsters and I'm sure they'll be as collectable. I like the 04,05,&06's last year for carbs and 1st 3 years of rubber mounted engine 883 or 1200 custom,roadster or basic if the price is right I'm buying any thats near me. Easy to handle and made in the USA (mostly)

Is there a big difference between this one and the 883 R ? Because for my point of view the 883 R looks more agressive for riding. Like do you think the 883 R is better if i want to drive fast ?

Nice bike. Looking forward to getting a Harley. What pipes are they?

It would look better if it had Shorty pipes on it and not those kind of stall pipes pipes are too long for that bike

I sold my SG a few months ago as it was just to damn big and I wasn’t doing a lot of distance riding looking to build a 883 to ride to work and rip around the city.

It would look better if it had Shorty pipes on it and not those kind of stall pipes

If think this one's quick you should try the 2022 Sportster..!

On idle, whats your rpm? Is it possible to lower it to 700-800rpm?

"I don't know what color this is" Me : "fucking awesome!?" Black denim owner...Shoot, I might pull my tank and fenders and do that color.

I don’t know why, but I always have more fun on little bikes. Bc I rather ride fast on a slower bike than slow on a faster bike.

The 883 is a little hot rod! Has all you need and nothing you don't. Forward controls are needed for myself. I'm 6' and have to stretch the legs more. Ride Safe Brother, thanks for sharing. ✌️

Another surprise is that Sportster 883 is a hella reliable machine. It will go 100k miles or more without an engine rebuild.

I love the orange paint and chrome pipes, but most everything else that is black needs to be chrome, silver, or polished aluminum. Not a fan of YABOBS (Yet Another Blacked Out Bike) You can ride anywhere you want to go on an 883. I'm 6' 240, so I ride a 1200. I've owned 4 of them, now have an '06 1200L. It's carbureted, I don't like computercycles, I prefer motorcycles. Because H-D is discontinuing the Sportster, I am currently looking for another one, 2006 or older. I have ridden coast to coast to coast on 1200 Sportsters. The 1200 has an advantage on long highway trips. It runs at a lower rpm at highway speeds, the vibration is lower in frequency, and it sounds much better. It just sort of hammers down the road. At 65 mph it's a very relaxing ride. Mine has a 4.5 gallon tank, so it has more range.

I have a 883 and a stage 4 lowrider s, the 883 is slow in comparison to my lowrider but dam is it fun to ride!!!

I bought a brand new one about 3 weeks ago.. it had 2.6 miles on it.. I’ve now got about 550…. I regret not buying a bigger bike. But it’s been 30 years since I rode a motorcycle…. I’m learning the right way.. building proper habits and techniques… I have noticed that the last 50 miles it seems to have had a subtle change in how it rides …. It’s smoother at higher RPM than it did in the beginning… I’ll be trading it in soon. But. It’s a fun bike.

I just got the new HD forty eight, I love it, but it vibrates like crazy from 50 on.