2019 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 & 1200 (XL883N - XL1200NS)│Test Ride and Review 

Guys, huge shout-out to Nick who edited this whole video and shot most of it. Let him know how you like it.

It does get a little irritating when folks go on about the sportsters being town bikes, beginner bikes, short hall and so on. You don't hear Triumph, BMW telling you your T120 or Rnine is just for around the town! HD only go on about this to get you to buy another bike. With a few mods you can go any where on a sportster. Long live the Sportster!

I'm 5'8" and usually do less than 200 mile a day (Got the Sundowner seat). My 17 Custom is my soulmate man. Glad I got one. Really dig the new toys Harley is coming out with. Enjoy the ride!

Thanks Matt for the great content that you put out! Your channel along with John Maxwell’s channel has filled my garage with my first Harley Davidson, a 2019 Street Glide FLHX! I honestly feel that due to the in depth information that you give on the new models and John’s “dirty thumb” approach to the brand has given me the tools to know what I wanted for my first Harley Davidson! The FLHX was by no means my first motorcycle but I just grew up with the “HD will leave you stranded” mentality for most of my time as a rider. I am saddened that it took until my 52nd birthday to wake up to the music that HD’s make! Keep up the great work and I hope to one day make it to Laidlaw’s to see your great dealership in person!

Very comprehensive review and great editing as well 10/10

Recently test-rode my first H-D: A Sportster 1200. It was rough, raw, crude, loud and FUN! Nothing could've prepared me for the slingshot effect of accelerating in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears!! This Honda guy is impressed.

Thanks for putting out these reviews! Quality content, Matt.

Dam good job Nick! I also want to say that I've always enjoyed Andrew on the channel. Matt thank you for putting out the content. 3 different perspectives and the honesty that comes from this channel is refreshing. It doesn't come across as an infomercial. Keep up the good work guys!! The passion for 2 wheels runs deep..

There really is one word for the sportster, FUN... even the guy that stands there telling you it's a girls bike knows he wants to rip around on one till it runs out of gas... thanks for the video 😎

Great job on the vid all. The iron head in the late 60s is the first Harley that I rode, I’ll never forget the experience.

This educationAL video style IS great. Very informative and well done. Great job, Nick!! Lol Edit: Sorry, had to come back and spell check this one. Lol One too many fill ups at the smashed station last night... No worries though, Nick. I watched the video again just to make sure... Great job confirmed!! 👍😄

Great job Nick!! This made me want a sportster. Love these types of reviews.

After riding motorcycles for 51 years of most brands and owning my share of Super Glides and FLs I still have a passion for Sportsters, in fact I just stumbled across a vintage stock 1970 Sportster XLH at a local yard sale, it was covered with all kinds of yard tools, garden hoses and other things. But I immediately recognized the front drum brake sticking out from all the junk! I ended up bringing it home for $1400 bucks! It still has the old Goodyear tires with the aluminum borrani rims. The motor runs great but I am still going through everything to make it road worthy. Having this vintage 1970 Sportster in my stable really is special to me personally like going full circle in my motorcycle career. The sound from those staggered duels is intoxicating! Matt, i kind of hear in your voice Harley-Davidson is going to discontinue these great Sportster icons that made the motor company great... Young guys love Sportsters and I think it would be a huge mistake to stop production of one of Harley-Davidson’s foundation great pillars that made the company great! XLCH the original super bike of the mid 1960s. I was there to witness it and own a 1963 and 1968 XLCH that only a hairy chested brute of a man can kick start, especially kicking it on a cold morning with 60 weight oil thick as molasses!

The irons still got the best sound a bike can have !!! Matt put that wrench down... kids are watching your Chanel :) great video man, enjoy your weekend

Truly an excellent video. This may be the best I’ve seen in this genre.

Another great video, Matt, and congrats to Nick for producing it. I just traded my Iron for a new Low Rider and I’m missing it already, though the Low Rider is a fabulous bike too! I’m looking forward to putting plenty of miles on it when our horrible English winter weather has gone. Best wishes and safe riding, Paul Baker

i appreciate the views you guys have on this channel. I have found a lot of motorcycle reviews where people are talking about (not thier opinion) how its Harley or die and they dont explain that point of view. They state that Harley is the bike to ride and there is no other. You guys give your opinion on what you like and offer advice based off what you have used and experienced in the past. Its refreshing to see someone giving that and not just saying buy harley because its Harley. great video guys.

I miss my 72 but needed my Road King in my life. Brothers used to talk mad shit about Sporters until they saw mine and then they had to finally admit how badass they can be

Nice wrench. Now I know how you keep your sales staff in line :)) Great video, Nick. Very informative for those interested in a sportster.

Whats up buddy? Always making quality content!

Wow I finally dig the intro song man!!!! Great video as ALWAYS

Awesome video Matt! That it truly the kind of content that will attract new young riders to the brand. You guys do an awesome job for the motor company and it needs more people with your passion to keep it moving in the right direction.

Hey really well done of course! The intro was really cool, I could tell something was different! Thank you. Sportsters are the best. Any Harley fan respects them, even if not personally riding one. I own more than one.

Great video and bikes - thanks! I can’t wait for that Nightster video...it did change and restart the game!!

I always appreciate your reference to the Heart & Soul of a H-D. It's what I always describe about my love for my Dynas (Street Bob & Wide Glide). I love the big TC 103s shaking in the frames and the visceral feelings and sounds they produce. It really forms an emotional attachment that you can understand. I recently tried the newer Softails (Breakout, Fat Boy & FXDR) and totally loved them. But I'll always love my Dynas which are the big brothers to the Sportsters. They may be less refined, but they're all Heart & Soul.

Really thorough , well laid out and presented. Polished review. While I enjoy my 2015 Limited, I love my 2013 Sportster 72. Great video Nick!

Love my 1200 iron with the after market exhaust, air filter and tune.

Intro on the video is super cool great editing and music...I was like Matt must have enrolled at UCLA film school

Well done guys, you've sorted out the mic placement and I like the narrative in screen element. I would also like to see more scenery rather than town traffic but i understand the sprawl of LA it would take some time to get out of the city.

Informative, keep the vids coming Matt. Personally I'd love to see more scenery videos with your Street Glide but I'm biased because I love Cali & I also own a Bonneville Salt Denim SGS

The Sportster is like, the most moddable and customizable motorcycle in the history of motorcycles period, really. There really is no other bike frame/motor family that has ever had so much love and attention given to it's aftermarket. If anyone wanted a bike that they could customize to the will and whim of their desire, the Sportster is really the only bike out there that can claim that title 100%. Also GreatEgret went almost cross country on his Iron 883 via Route66. :D May not be the best touring bike, but people can and do do it.

Great great great video and thank you so much for putting y alls honest opinions out there on these two bikes. I am in the market for a bike as a first time owner/rider. Initially I was sold on the 883, however after watching this video, I feel the 1200 might be the bike for me. Just seems like a better fit for what I want out of a bike. I really do appreciate y alls input on these two bikes, and I look forward to joining the HD group soon as a 35 year old bamaboy!

Killer video, love my 2009 Iron BlockHead

Living in the UK and riding with a few lads on Sportsters we take routes and corners the big twinners can't keep up with, their bikes are just to cumbersome and precious to be doing u-turns onto a steep dirt road with the back end kicking out and throttle pinned back, England along with the rest of Europe is scrambler territory and the Sportsters are right at home here. I still plan to buy a big twin one day.

Thanks Matt for the nice video, entertaining and informative as always. Are you planning a comparison of the Deluxe 2018/2019? Ride safe and all the best from Germany ! Joe

Great video

I have the iron1200 with a stage 1 freedom pipes big bore downdraft, screaming eagle air and commander and it’s an awesome city sprint commuter. Which is what I use it for. I’ve got the classic black and blue motif which is very cool. I put pillion boards in lieu of pegs just gives me a solid footing. Going out on my Indian Chief Darkhorse. The evo 1200 is just awesome. Sometimes feels like it need a gear for a 1200 on the highway.

Good review! Looking forward to the Nightster video, which get way too little credit for what that bike was, and did for Harley Davidson. Good work guys!

Awesome video

Nice video. Love the 1200 Iron. The older Sportsters mid footrests seem more tucked in. I have no trouble with ground clearance on my 2001 Sportster 1200S.

These are great commuter bikes, especially with all the options available. Relatively inexpensive, easy to ride in weekday traffic when you don't want to take your expensive Sport Glide to work, and easy to fix commuter scratches, bangs, and dents. So H-D, stick an electric motor in one and price it in the $15k range and you'll sell a boat load.

My first bike was a basic XL883 I bought brand new in 2003. 100th anniversary in vivid black. I was 19 and road the guts out of that thing for 10 years. Absolute bulletproof machine. I added 16 inch apes and it ended up looming like today’s “ seventy two” model. I’d like to have it back!

Greetings from the other side of the world (Portugal). Got two Harley's but my 883 is great for city riding, lots of fun and looks really cool. I am a medical doctor and university professor and when I regularly show up at work all blacked out and with the skull logo ... my colleagues and students look at me strange, but in reality they are just jealous as hell. I LOVE MY IRON

Good vid. Like the box with you guys speaking. Great sound. What's with you guys holding the tools while speaking?

As it comes from the factory the sportster is "raw". A blank canvas with such a following and aftermarket support. Want to make a drag bike or bobber? Want to ride long distances without the electronics, fairings, and weight? The sportster is not the best in any category, but as stated it is so much fun. More than most would think. I tuned mine with a screamin' eagle air breather and this bike just rips now. Pipes are on the way. Long live the sportster. I have a road king and a sportster. They compete for seat time and upgrades. I love my road king, but I will never give up the sportster. It'll go to my son one day. He is three years old. And I am confident it will be ready to ride when he can throw a leg over it.

I'm going to test ride a 1200 this year when it warms up.

Ive had four touring Harleys and last week I bought a used 2018 883 Iron from my local dealer. I wanted a lightweight round the town everyday bike and I’m kicking myself for not buying a Sportster 35 years ago. Total blast to ride. My gal is 4’11” and I’d like to teach her to ride when she’s ready and at 5’8” it fits me great as well. I’m going to fit an engine guard, footrest, rear fender luggage rack, maybe 8” mini apes, and a cafe racer style fairing and call it good.

I have an 06 Sportster 1200 Custom that I bought new and I love it. Thinking about trading it for a Lowrider and Harley comes out with the Iron 1200. Man I love that thing. After owning my Custom for 13 years I think of some of the things I would like on a Sportster and the Iron 1200 hits them all. Blacked out, mid controls, mini apes, cast wheels, it hits on all levels. Makes my choice that much harder. I love the new Softails too. I wish Harley made a Lowrider in the same style as this Iron1200.

Matt Do you have any new concerns about the exhaust modification law thanks

Appreciate the truly honest review..all “feelings” aside..as a soon to be new Harley rider, I view the 883 as a starter/ entry level bike to get you Safely into riding. That is key, imo..too many new riders get too much bike and end up in bad situations..are they around town bikes? I think so..I don’t see the problem with that..for the most part, I would be using it..around town..haha I wouldn’t have the time in my schedule to go across the country if I wanted so I don’t let that stereotype bother me none..it’s a freakin Harley..enough for this newbie..

I’ve got the 883… breaks are great… I had to come to a fairly quick stop today… .. the fastest I ever had to yet.. and no problem..I had plenty of time and distance to spare

Great Video. Can we maybe expect a future vid showing a little love to the 883 Super Low anytime soon?

I started out on a Sportster to learn then upgraded because I wanted to do longer rides. I have been looking for an inexpensive used one to customize (have a hundred ways I want to customize) and add to my stable. I can't believe how much they hold their value. They are just a fun ride, the sound of the engine and exhaust, the feel is just the quintessential Harley. *** Don't knock them for long rides either, there is a video out there with several people (including Randy Couture) riding to Sturgis from LA. A woman rode a 883 the entire way there and back. She gets a kudos from me for doing it. I have come across many people who ride them on long rides but they just have to stop and rest every 30 to 50 miles or so.

The jacket the guy is wearing with all the patched logos...is that for sale somewhere, was it custom made or did he purchase it like that already? I would like to get one of those...its badass 👍🏻

Awesome video. The intro was killer. I’m starting to think you love good music as much as a great bike../

Hey Matt what type of bar do you have on the back? Thanks,

Matt, great video. Not to be rhetorical but you ranked the Iron as a 1 for touring and state it would be the last HD you would tour on. I would assume that you place the Street line in a separate category.

1200 Custom is the king of the sportsters! Big tank, fat tires, passenger ready! Great daily commuter bike, great weekend "cafe racing " bike!

Beautiful

You know at first I wasn't sure about the Iron being it's a smaller bike and I'm a taller guy at 6,4. However once I sat on one and seeing the upgrades I can do to make one fit me I'm really considering one.

This video is very informative for beginners and i am one.

Daaaaamn, I want one of those.

I’m 5’5 looking for a harley not sure on the 883 1200 I love the high bars on the 1200 though

Sportys have their place in the HD line up ....with a windshield and bags nice daily commuter and fun cool iconic bikes ... the 1200 with Buel heads, gearing, cams and tuned, spank 900 lbs baggers with ease

Cool intro

I had a 2009 Nightster. I loved that bike other than the fact that they put a gray engine in it. If it wasn’t for that I never would’ve sold it. The Iron 1200 cosmetically is everything the nightster should have been.

Nick did a fantastic job with the videography

Iron 1200 is a beast on a street. Its an amazing machine. Pure love

What percent of these bikes you sell with ABS? You recommend it?

I want a Sporty so bad. I ride a Road king and just sold my dyna :/ now I want a small bike back in the family.

I am thinking about a 1200 iron for my son? I likely will bring one home tomorrow.

Hey Matt, After 14 years of life on chromed out big twin, I'm looking forward to rat-rodding a new sportster as a nimble "who gives a shit" ride of youthful vigor. I've been inspired by our British counterparts and what they're doing to them over there. I test drove one and love the raw mechanical feel. These bikes seem to be a good foundation for an artists palette of creativity,

No Indian Scout vs Sportster shootout?

I ride a supermoto drz400 & I’m looking at getting my second bike & im looking at a 883 or 1200 but I never ridden a sportster. That being said which will be better to get for me? I wouldn’t say I’m a beginner I just never rode anything like cruiser just dirt bikes & grom

I want to buy a bike, I can not choose between these models, please advise me. Thank you very much

Do you know if the ‘build’ feature will return to the Harley website?

Best Harley logos are the ones with Wings / Eagle

Which bike had the white walls?

I bought a 883 06 it wasnt too bad but i did feel the difference of my old bike the dyna i had but over i am a bit please with my 883

I got a 48 sportster with SE 585 cams and a FPS fuelpak and I can stay right there with the Vrod and dyna all day no problem light to light and on the twisty roads from 0-120 people don’t know how fast they really are

What’s the bike 🏍 with the white walls called sorry I’m a noob here Thank you 🙏🏼

I beg to differ as far is it not being suitable for touring. The question isn't "Is it suitable for touring?", "But will you make it on that thing on a long trip?". Men used to ride horses or walk across the country. But now we have a nation with a culture that's produced a bunch of paper dolls. That's why the bagger and roadking sell better for touring. I personally enjoyed taking my sportster chopper on a 1300 mile trip more than I enjoy riding my heritage on a long trip. I know it's just a preference to most, but it adds a whole lot more to the adventure. It takes more of a man to ride a sportster on a long trip than to ride a bagger I think. Check Great Egret's channel and look at his series of how he did over 4000 miles on route 66 on an iron 883. ru-vid.com/show-UC6lWWldjYGEbatSffj8cPrw

Was the IRON 1200 equipped with ABS?

Premium brands have LED lighting all around. Time to get with the program H-D.

What exact sportster was the one with the white walls and that short bar in the rear fender…

Did HD come out with a bigger back sprocket on certain bikes. I saw an iron with knobbly tires and it looked like it had a bigger sprocket. (It was brand new from the factory)

im Looking to get one of these bikes in the next year or so, I grew up riding dirtbikes for 4 years and owned a yamaha fz07 for my first street bike. I was leaning towards 883 since it will be my first harley but I think I might out grow it even if all i want to do is cruise. That being said I dont need that sport bike type speed anymore and from what i researched it seems like 1200 isnt too crazy of a change although idk so i could be wrong. I love the handlebars on the 1200. I need to go sit on one to see if its comfortable. Decisions Decisions.. excited to get one of the Irons though!

Is iron 883 good bike for someone who is 6ft and never ridden before? 🤔

The Sporty engine is probably the strongest, most trouble free engine HD makes. Very few problems, very little maintenance needed, incredibly reliable. My 03, 1200 Sporty has 75Kmiles on it, never a wrench to the motor.

A sports there's a great motorcycle but you grow out of it quickly but you will enjoy riding it you would learn to love the bike it's part of the motorcycle experience Harley-Davidson take care mat

Okay Matt so what was the concept of holding onto some old tools?

funky music. cool shots... my ears are dead. xD

sonho com essa moto iron 883 na cor preto fusco brazil.

I wonder if the sportster is going to meet the same fate the Dyna did. Got a feeling the Sportster as so many know it will soon get dropped over the next few years and get replaced or completely remodeled. Hope not,the Sportster has got so many riders into HD and this bike must be the bread and butter for HD.

Question. Going to be purchasing a new Sport Glide in couple months. I live near Durango Co where the Harley dealer is very small and they want full MSRP + fees for the bike and only offer 15% discount on accessories. Do large dealers do better than this? Is it worth buying a bike from a big dealer and have it shipped? Thanks! And Milo, I mean Nick, did a great job! Thanks for the videos!

Never understood why they didn't put fuel guages on Sportsters.

Just been watching Million Dollar Bogan riding through India and Nepal on a Sportster. Fantastic solo go anywhere bike.

How come you never see an 883 in Rugged Gold Denim color in any video’s. I think it’s the coolest looking option for ‘19 other than Rugged Denim Black.

I love my iron 1200 but I don’t go to far away.

I hate how the 883 looks like the bomb with paint, style, buts small asf. While the 1200 runs better and is larger, but has a fcking 80s look