I've owned over 50 different bikes since 1975, when I was 16. I bought a new Sportster 1200L in 2006. I now have just over 32,000 miles on it. I replaced the stock mufflers with aftermarket slip ons, for more sound. That leaned out the air fuel mixture, so I had to retune the carburetor. This was just to make the bike run right and not overheat, not for more performance. I installed a backrest on it, so I could tie stuff to the back of the seat. I installed a rear turn signal relocation kit on it, to give me room to install hard leather saddlebags to the rear fender rails. I installed them with Easy Brackets, so they can be easily installed and removed with just the turn of a key. I installed a rear turn signal kit that let me put red lenses on the stock turn signals, and use them as both turn signals and extra tail lights. I installed a connector on the battery so I could hook up a battery maintainer. I replaced the side covers and upper belt guard with chrome ones. That's it. No performance items, no windshield, no engine guard (I have never dropped a bike in 49 years and over a million miles) still has stock seat, stock suspension and stock lights, other than the red rear turn signal lenses. NO LEDS. They blind other drivers. That picture of the dog with his head sticking out the window explains part of the reason why I ride motorcycles. The dog has his head stuck out the window because he wants to. To me that is part of the motorcycle riding experience. I do wear a full face helmet. Not really for crash protection, but to protect me from all the debris that is in that wind. More than once I have been hit with something that cracked my face shield at highway speeds. I use an old school flip phone, and I keep it in a place where I cannot see or hear it. If I need to make a call, I will pull over, shut off the engine, get the phone out and use it, then put it away. How many motorcycle riders have been killed by idiots in cars trying to use phones while driving? We don't need to become a part of that. Keep the phone put away, and pay attention to riding. Those bars are WAY too low for me. I need bars at least 8" taller. I have to have a bend in my elbows while riding, with none of my upper body weight supported by my arms and shoulders.
just picked up my 2022 Iron 883 a week ago. Having never driven a motorcycle, I find it incredibly intuitive for a beginner bike. I don't have my license so I take short trips around my small town to practice stopping and U-turns. Thanks for the video! We have the exact same denim blacked out model ;)
Be sure and check out prices and locations for your testing, the Harley shop I went to charged way too much and it also was not a beginners test, needless to say I failed it and still had to pay $350.00. Now I have to start all over.
I keep getting shot down for a Street Bob but good thing is I love the aesthetics of the Iron. Gonna do a seat for sure. LED turn signals and bars too. I like the mini apes.
Great video. It's good to see what other people think is important. I haven't ridden a Sportster since 1966 and that was a disaster, what a piece of garbage. In the 60s it was BMWs and Triumphs, in the 80s Hondas and Yamahas and my most recent bike was a VStrom. My grandson is looking for his first Harley after Hondas, Yamahas and Kawasakis, so I'm really happy that Harley has improved the model and videos like yours help a lot.
Fellow Sportster rider. All great recommendations. I did them all. I would add a brake kit for stopping and rear shocks as well I added a Progressive cartridge kit front suspension upgrade. Front and rear suspension for me is a game changer. Enjoy the ride!
The best mod I've done to my sportster was adding a sissy bar, it made life so much easier not having a have a big backpack on while I ride. I've been riding for 12 years now and I recommend setting up the bike to fit your riding style to where it's most comfortable. It's super easy to over look comfort for style. I've seen some sportsters that have totally jacked up on the rider triangle to where the bike no longer fun to ride because after an hour on the bike your hurtin bad. I personally I hate the drag bar look give me some 6 inch risers and buckhorn bars with forward controls to stretch my legs outs and I'm golden. Also don't listen to anyone who tells you a "sportster is a girls bike" it's only a girls bike if a girl is riding it. It's one of my favorite platforms because just how customizable they are to work with. I have 2013 "72' that I got ride of the all the unwanted parts I dont need stripped it down. extended the front forks to 8 over stock got rid of the back suspension in favor of some solid struts for hardtail look and put on some cheap amazon canvas saddlebags. I rode from LA to SF roughly over 845 miles round trip and it was blast. More people should take long road trips and experience the thrill of being out on the open road. My next trip I want to do is EDR (El Diablo Run) From Temecula CA to San Felipe Baja California Mexico.
I bought the 883 and it’s already got custom parts. One is the sissy bar. It’s deadwood green and it’s definitely not a girl’s bike. I get alot of honks and looks because it’s a cool Harley. Vince and hines short shots are on it. It’s so fun!!!!
I'll agree with the wind protection, lighting upgrades, seat upgrade, and engine guard. The sissy bar is probably the least needed bit of trim. Get floor boards instead, they'll help your balance and sense of control.
Hey man great video!!! I noticed your suspension is set to the 2nd line if I’m not mistaken, I set mine to the 6th line and made a huge difference besides the seat that you installed of course, give it a shot and set it up according to the charts you might feel the beneficiary difference if you haven’t done so
@@picassomotoadventures I think there’s a spec sheet or something out there that tells you what to set the suspension to for your weight. Or how much weight you expect to normally put on the bike. I could be mistaken though.
Congratulations! I have an iron 883 too that I got last year. Best decision ever! I would highly reccomend switching out the rear shocks when you have a chance, its a night and day difference. Also the best advice I was given is to wait when it comes to replacing the seat. You wont know what kind of adjustment you want until a few thousand miles. What I mean is if you want something that pushes you forward, seats you higher, seats you back a bit, etc. Anyways, happy riding!
I am SERIOUSLY considering getting the Iron 1200. I LOVE the so called "mini ape" bars they have on them, i think it would make for a MUCH more comfortable riding experience.
I totally agree with the 1st two upgrades. I hate the feeling that I’m being blown off my 1200C every time. I upgraded to a 2nd bike (sports cruiser). Your upgrades are cheaper))
I appreciate your style and content (you don't act like you're in a high school locker room, too many do). Just subscribed, which means I unsubscribed elsewhere, 'cause that's how I do it. Love the comment at 1:58 about not looking like an SUV, spot on man. I've always said if I wanted a Buick I would've bought a Buick, you gotta keep these sporty. Dig the FAU shirt, been down there once, awesome campus...pulling for them in the NCAA tourney right now, they're looking good! Again, well done. I've been riding a long time but may pick up a sportster next week, still trying to decide. Best...
I picked up an 01 883 a few months ago and while I dont have any issues with the seat, i would love a saddleman seat... but man i cant justify 500 bucks for a seat.. daaaang
Nice vid. I've been riding for 30plus years and my 883 is is my 2 hd some say I down graded from my dyna but i feel its an up grade in my opinion. Very fun to ride nice growl en many compliments too. Plus it's a nice ladies bike as well. No offense guys let's keep sportin the sporty baby!!!
Great stuff my friend.....I'm looking right now..883 or 48.....your suggestions for upgrades are huge for comfort and safety....was looking at another video...a guy here from Canada...he expressed concern for the stock tires...stated he was sliding often....have you encountered this issue ?
I haven’t had any issues with the tires. Canada terrain is different. I even got new Harley tires recently and still hit curves with no issues. I think the 48 is a good choice if you have experience. This is my first bike. However the 883 is fully capable. I love it and I’m satisfied.
@@picassomotoadventures right on bro... appreciate your opinion...roads are the same up here...well 8 months at least.....ya I'm pumped for the bike......just seen Top Gun at theatre...exceptional footage.....feel like I'm ready for anything...lol...peace..thanks again
Hey man good video, I got the same bike not long ago. Lets link up and ride. I got mine at the alligator alley harley , I'm in sunrise and looking for people with the same bike to ride.
How much did you pay for the fairing, the engine guard, and the new seat and sissy bar. That is the modes I want to make, the first time I hit 95 headed south towards West Palm, I felt exactly what you explained. I will check on that mod an further investigate.
where's the link to the memphis shade farings? it's not on your description. you and i have almost the same upgrades cept I upgraded my stock rear shocks. i first bought the progressive 970 piggybacks 14". I initially wanted to add a better lean on my bike so i thought giving it a little height would do it. But it really made my bike look like a wannabe scrambler. so i got the 12" progressive 444's. and i gotta say, my back has been ever so grateful for the saddleman seat and progressive 444 upgrades.
The Sportster saddlemen stepup seat is crap, you'll soon be feeling like the frame going up your butt on every bump It's daytime you need the bright lights, on high beam, and as many sets of LED's pointing forward as you can put on.....and it's true loud pipes saves lives, but so do bright lights Swing arm bag $110 for Harley sissybar...... that's not counting the stuff you need to mount it Now that you got Memphis shades fairing, you can get the droptop windshield and not have to buy the mounts......suppose you want to ride and not get hit by every critter there is......or you want to ride with halfshell.......but if you think that fairing did good for long trip, droptop will amaze you......you can switch back and forth in seconds The hd sundowner or solo(be sure to try before you by, there are different parts numbers, one part number of the sundowner is complete crap), Corbin, mustang, LePera....bare bones starts out rough but gets more comfortable the more you ride
Imagine buying a car and then spending thousands to make it comfortable and functional. I have a big twin and my second Sportster, it's just not good enough for a premium brand. Don't believe the hype. Harleys are works of art, I've had my Springer Classic for 3 years and never get tired of looking at it but as a motorcycle they're average at best.
OG name for it is a sister bar. Back in the day, they were on bicycles so your sister could hold on while you rode the bike and she rollerbladed. Then some politicians said they'll be mandatory on motorcycles for safety. There was pushback from the community by calling them sissy bars. Now days its a nice add-on to the bike for looks or even to maneuver it.
