Here's Why The Harley Sportster SUCKS!

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Here's Why The Harley Davidson Sportster SUCKS!
Today I'm going over why I think the Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883 sucks! Don't worry, it might not suck for you, but it sucks for some people, depending what kind of riding you want to do. I'm actually a really big fan of these bikes, but I'm not afraid to point out their short comings/the downside of owning one.
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20 мар 2020

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Комментарии : 489

@zappa916 4 года назад

how someone can talk for 10mins non stop and say very little is amazing.

@whitetrashandhellbound6905 3 года назад

He isn't knocking the bike, Jon's followers are mostly stunters and show ponies. We want bikes that we can show off on. Honestly I almost bought a Sportser for Wheelies but decided to go with the Dyna instead. Again, jon doesn't knock it but he dies give great points to his Followers with same interest.

@ryangann665 3 года назад

That’s what RU-vid mostly is

@davidekelman5715 3 года назад

Yet you come back for more?

@jonnymac8925 4 года назад

I love my Sportster, and when I pick up another bike to add to the collection the Sportster will stay exactly where it is. Sportsters aren't frowned upon in the HD community, not the guys that are real HD fans anyways (not the 50 year old guy that never rode a bike but bought a brand new street glide and all the shirts and bandanas to go with it). Anyone that is a true enthiusiast knows how important the Sportster is to Harley Davidson as a whole.

@e.l.9589 4 года назад

Harley guy told me they call them Skirtster, because it's for girls. I went with a Honda after that.

@jonnymac8925 4 года назад

@@e.l.9589 he's a poser if he said that, not a real Harley guy. Ride whatever you want, but if someone elses opinion on a bike makes your mind up for you then you are a poser too.

@daveo226 4 года назад

@@jonnymac8925 so true ride what you like not what someone else likes .

@cadmusravenstag4403 4 года назад

@@e.l.9589 That is a manbaby, not a Harley guy.

@justaguy2365 4 года назад

@@e.l.9589 I'll bet he rode something with a windshield, heated seats, heated handlebars, saddlebags for his accessories, and a radio.

@interman7715 4 года назад

I am a minimalist and this does it for me.

@ihknilsen 4 года назад

I have owned a 2019 Iron 883 for 9 months. I did not buy it for long rides or the comfort. I bought it to jump on when I have 30 minutes to ride and just want to feel the wind. I also have an Ultra Limited for longer rides.

@sluf1963 4 года назад

I have been riding my 1996 XLH 883 since it was new , 23+ years now . I have owned 11 metric cruisers , 1 Triumph , 1 Ironhorse , and 11 Harley-Davidson's in all , of which 3 were Sportsters . My much loved 883 , a "48" 1200 , and , my XL1200 Custom . My other 8 H-D's have all been "Big Twins" , including a new M-8 model . To this day , I have never thought of selling , or parting with my old Sporty in any way , I love these bikes , and it is not a starter bike , it is like a family member , all machines serve a purpose , some for different things , love them all , ride safe , and live large .

@scottlibman7870 4 года назад

They've been making them 63 years, I think that speaks for itself. F.T.W.

@Cube_Ernator1077 4 года назад

@Viking Mike Q Owned one for 4 months. Amazing. Guess you LACK both stamina And Imagination. Good luck with that.

@sethroadcap 4 года назад

Had my 97 sportster for 3 years and i freaking love it

@rider14mcd63 3 года назад

@Viking Mike Q so you knew it was a bad motorcycle and you bought it anyway???? Good review.

@rafaelcavalli9218 3 года назад

2020 iron 1200 owner and I just love it.

@Audfile 3 года назад

@dicax oh come on now bro, you are not "smoking sport bikes". I own a sportster too and it is not quick lmao. Ps I also own a Ninja.

@leftymike8730 4 года назад

I think you made all good points. I’m still a big Sportster fan. It doesn’t check all the boxes for most of us but there is no denying that it is a super fun bike

@dreyn7780 4 года назад

2 bangs for 1 forward motion stroke. You hear bang bang but don’t move very far.

@CMYKPOn 4 года назад

The Sportster has a bigger aftermarket than the dyna. The motor has 4 different cams rather than the 2 of the twin cam or 1 of all the other big twins,. They are cheaper. You can buy great performance packages from hammer performance making them outperform big twins EASILY. In order to not scrape you just buy taller shocks, just like a dyna. Sportsters rule, fuck what enyone says.

@bigslowbro 4 года назад

At least where I live in ca, all the newest aftermarket parts were made for dynas and baggers first, then sportsters maybe. If you're building a chopper/bobber, sure there's more aftermarket, but it seems performance parts always favor the big twins, especially engine building.

@CMYKPOn 4 года назад

@@bigslowbro Engine building is easier with the big twins, due to them simply having more space. So naturally engine building favors big twin bikes. What you're talking about is new aftermarket parts, and there I will agree with you, but that is only because the sportster aftermarket is already so saturated, and has no real necessity in newer stuff. As you said the chop/bob aftermarket is gigantic for sportsters, and yes that does contribute largely to the overall size of the sportster aftermarket. But all in all I still think that sportsters are the best blank canvases for mods.

@MyGenericYTC 4 года назад

@@CMYKPOn Well said, Sir! Sportsters rule, indeed!

@Kashmirknight 4 года назад

Sportsters are for women.

@tylerhubbell6410 4 года назад

The 883 is but the 1200 is pretty quick.My iron 1200 will smoke my fathers 2017 street glide all the way up to 120 then after that the street glide wins because of its 6th gear that the sportster doesn't have.

@michesgqlledobbiln8928 4 года назад

Been riding for over 40yrs, and I've had 3 sportsters, loved every one! The first one was and my first bike was a 1974 XLCH 1000cc, lots of fun to ride. My last sporty was a 1995 Sporty S 1200cc, and had more balls than the 1983 shovelhead Tour Glide and the 1990 EVO 1340cc Heritage Softtail I have now. So I guess you love them or you don't. SPORTSTERS ARE BADASS!!!

@MrTPF1 2 года назад

Same here. I had an '88, an '01 (both 883's), and currently have a 2012 Seventy Two 1200 and a 2015 Fatboy. The Sporty is just so gorgeous and such a piece of Harley history that I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it when I got the Fatboy. Around town, the Sporty is great, but for rides on the freeway for over an hour (mostly every ride in my area of CA, the Fatboy is like a recliner on wheels and comfortable for hours on end.

@humbleservant1294 2 года назад

Exactly my stage 1 xl1200 with woods performance cams completely eats baggers like it’s nothing

@humbleservant1294 2 года назад

@@MrTPF1 put a badlands seat on the Sporty and forward controls and it will be as comfortable

@PkwyDrive13 4 года назад

Everyone told me not to get a sportster iron 883 for my first bike, but I didn't listen and got a 2017 iron 883 about a month ago. I don't regret it whatsoever, have already made it my own with tons of parts, and I just love it. I am 6'3 and in no way feel cramped or uncomfortable, I love how easy it is to whip around on it. I see a 1275cc conversion in the future for sure

@MrPAULONEAL 4 года назад

You should have gotten an Iron 1200...

@MrPAULONEAL 4 года назад

A Softail with forward controls would be something you could look into...

@AlmostLakai94 Год назад

@@MrPAULONEAL Softail Standard is the Harley that catches my eye if I ever get one. These sportsters look great to me tho 👌🏽

@Daedricbob 3 года назад

Just got one, I always owned superbikes previously so I wasn't sure if it would be for me, but man I love this thing! Makes me feel like a hero on every bend.

@JonsMotoGarage 3 года назад

Hells yeah!

@Kasperblk 4 года назад

I’m a 1/4 of an inch shy of 6 foot and I never had any issue on the Sportster.

@PkwyDrive13 4 года назад

I'm 6'3 and ride a 2017 iron 883 daily, no issues.

@specialed5098 4 года назад

Wha Jon is saying is you can but uncomfortable for any distance. How far are you riding 200 or 300 miles a day ??

@MrPAULONEAL 4 года назад

@@specialed5098 You can't ride that far on a Sportster without stopping for gas at least 3 times...

@flynn88MN 4 года назад

i'm a hair under 6 ft. mine is great, but mine also has forward controls which i think makes the bike fit any height.

@drozd1329 4 года назад

6'2 ride my iron883 with mid controls comfortably. Did switch out the seat for a mustang tho, makes a world of difference.

@sportsterrider2087 4 года назад

I love my sportster, and yes I have spent too much in parts. I have made it my own. After all that is where the fun is.

@SportyRider 4 года назад

No such thing as too much in parts if that is what you want. I've had my 2005 1200 for 2 years now. Tried talking myself out of a lot of parts. Most recently, the digital speedo and tachometer. I have no regrets that I have any one of them now. I am currently deciding what rear shocks I want to replace with, then MAYBE I will be done with the big stuff 😂

@dreyn7780 4 года назад

High revving, 1 power stroke per cycle motor. There is only 1 choice out there. Once you get it, you get to fine tune it. It’s designed to exit corners fast and enter corners fast and go back to top speed fast. This is what ‘sports’ means.

@dreyn7780 4 года назад

@@SportyRider it’s called ‘tuning’. You’re tuning the ride performance. You’re tuning the appearance. It’s a respectable profession.

@karantaylor2462 4 года назад

I love my Sportster!!

@MiNkOYu 3 года назад

I love my one too !! Have had a lot and different type of motorbikes. The previous one was ZX-10R. The Sportster makes me feel like I am on a real gangster. I know is not gonna go fast but if I want a fast bike I can get a fast one. Definitely not gonna sell it. Prefer to keep it in the lounge and look at it if not able to ride one day.

@xsonz2 4 года назад

I like that theyre raw, relatively affordable used, and pretty easy to keep running if you can wrench of them yourself. I had a shadow 750 for years and it was a phenomenal bike and i would recommend it to anyone, but the sportster tickles that itch just a little better

@MrGibsonguy335 4 года назад

Everything you said is completely correct. And it is all Harleys fault! The Sportster first went on the market in 1957. It was based on the KR frame and a new OHV unit construction motor. That original "iron head" Sportster carried on pretty much unchanged until 1982 when AMF replaced the iron and steel frame with a new, much improved all steel frame. 2 years later, Harley finished the job with the new EVO engine for the Sportster. That was followed with 5 speed tranny, belt drive and...... The Hugger Sportster! Made especially for girls and short men. Harley basically chopped 3" off the rear suspension and lowered the forks to match. This is where the Sportster suddenly became a "girls bike". The tall Sportsters, which had plenty of cornering clearance and could really handle were about 480 lbs. The 1200 version was Harleys best performer for a time and I suspect was eating into big twin sales of the day. Then Harley went with the rubber mount frame, destroying the bikes great handling. Then added fuel injection porking the Sportster up about another 100 lbs. Finally they ended production of the tall Sportster leaving the Hugger (for small riders) as the last remaining Sportster. My 2002 Sportster has gone from 883 to 1250cc. About 475 lbs and around 90 hp. And it can handle turns like a sportbike and with a 30" seat height is comfortable for taller riders. Harley could build this Sportster now but an awful lot of Harley riders would opt for a $10k Sportster over a $20k big twin.

@darrellscott7980 4 года назад

The fun of owning a motorcycle is making it your own. If you don’t like something change it. If when you get off it and walk away you don’t turn around and look at it, you’re on the wrong bike to start with.

@frshtlldthfreshtilldeath9670 4 года назад

Iron is the best looking bike HD ever put out imo 😄

@Kashmirknight 4 года назад

The Breakout is the sexiest bike they make.

@princevalium25 4 года назад

The Fatboy, 48, and softail slim all look way better

@frshtlldthfreshtilldeath9670 4 года назад

@Mr. Happy Agreed! I like this one too!

@frshtlldthfreshtilldeath9670 4 года назад

@@princevalium25 No.

@grendelprime166 4 года назад

I was a fortunate kid to have been gifted an 883 hugger when I was 17 years old in the 90s. My uncle ran a chopper customs and repair shop which was my first job and after toiling for him for 4 years he told me to test ride the Sportster I just finished working on for most of the week. When I got back he gave me a birthday card with the title in the envelope. Words couldn't say how much of a gift that bike was to me. On the downside, the bike was an AMF year bike and had left me stranded in the middle of the desert one time and one evening broke down when I was getting my girlfriend home before her parents discovered she snuck out. My friends used to tease me all the time for the many times they came with a pickup truck to bring it home for repairs. My most cherished gift was also a curse in many ways. I never trusted the bike and spent a lot of time wrenching on it to keep it going. Your observations were spot on.

@TheOdyssaus 4 года назад

I love the sportster but my 2018 was spending more time in harley garage than on the road for warranty work. Things were just braking like craaazy! Switches, sensors, bearings, breaks. Finally I gave up on it and got myself the Bolt R spec and it was so much better. Nothing failed, more responsive on throttle, better handling and overally the bike had better feel to it. And I've been trying to make sportster better with stage one and other upgrades but it just wasn't getting close to being as good as the Bolt

@humbleservant1294 2 года назад

My 08 has never been in the shop

@dkelli6020 4 года назад

Had one. Love the looks. The back breaking suspension and the lack of power saw me trading it for a street bob.

@GoonRides 4 года назад

Bunnyshooter 223 street bob’s are obviously better

@dreyn7780 4 года назад

Ever heard of lap times? Lap after lap after lap of NO braking? Racing is about GOING ROUND AND ROUND in circles. It’s NOT about taking off from traffic lights. You tune a bike that is IN THEORY, in motion. Lack of power actually means LACK OF BRAKING MOMENTS. No traffic lights driving. Carry momentum through corners. Ever heard of ‘rolling starts’?

@dreyn7780 4 года назад

@@GoonRides street is not racing. You want the traffic light bike.

@jamesduggan5846 4 года назад

Love mine for running around town plus it’s a good value on the used market. Just don’t take it too seriously and enjoy the ride.

@JonsMotoGarage 4 года назад

🤙😎

@TheScarePlays 4 года назад

I own a iron 1200, i have rode plenty of dynas from 110s and 103s to the old early models and i just enjoy the sportster the most. the only bike that out runs my iron is the 110, even the new 107s get left in the dust. The top end leaves some to be desired but i never find myself pushing more than 100 on it anyway. Its not designed for freeways but it handles it with ease. I am in the process of stunting my bike and i couldn't ask for a more well rounded bike. It wheelies straight out the factory. Long hauls aren't awful, around town is perfect. Fast and nimble, great price point and super easy to modify. And extremely easy to get more power out of it. Its not designed for long hauls but its easy to modify to make it suitable. Personally there is nothing wrong with a sportster, they are designed to be multipurpose and they excel at that. I see them as a open canvas like you said, its up to you how you wanna use your bike.

@briangroh444 2 года назад

OK you got me with the title. But then I watched the whole video and I think you do an accurate job of what the bike is. It’s just that the Sportster doesn’t suck for me because I’m a chill rider and this bike blows my hair back just fine. It’s never let me down and for all the reasons you mentioned about not really caring as long as you’re having fun and I’m definitely having fun with my Sportster. And my bank account loves it too. Respect to all the riders that know a hell of a lot more than I do about motorcycles. But I think we would all agree a good day on two wheels is a good day even if your bike isn’t going to win approval from Bike Enthusiasts. Us low income riders are allowed to have fun too. And the Sportster allows us to do that.

@j887276 3 года назад

LOL I have a 6'6" 325lb buddie who LOVES his 1200 Sportster with forward controls. I'm 5'7" 225lbs and love mine too. I also rode it 2-up across 12 states no issues. Spend 1,000 on better suspension, bags, seat, make a sissy bar, do a stage 1 and it's better and cheaper than a touring bike. Through nearly 10 years experience, mostly bike snobs choose to dislike these bikes.

@bikebilderbear6786 4 года назад

You should look into the sportster 1200 custom. The later models the back tire gets wider and the lean angle is a lot better.

@stephenmegel6975 4 года назад

The older ones used to come with a lot more suspension on them. I've never scraped a peg on my 99. I think they are 13 in shocks. Its lighter by about 80 lbs too. The stock buckhorns are the only bars I've ever used that my throttle hand never gets fatigued ever. They had to change the bikes to what sold and not what works the best.

@MrGibsonguy335 4 года назад

The tall Sportster was Harleys best bike. I believe Harley destroyed the Sportster by lowering it and making it a "girls bike". Realize a tall frame 1200 would smoke a big twin and sell for half the price.

@daltoncahn55 4 года назад

First bike was a 09 883. Loved it but it was time to upgrade. Got me a streetbob back in 2017 and haven’t regretted that decision since. Would love to build another sporty for a bar hopper and bob it out. Good little fun bikes but they all have there pros and cons for sure. After all they are harleys lol.

@jamescampbell7605 2 года назад

Went in to a Harley dealer and asked to look at Sportster's, the salesmen was very cocky and almost angry and said "Nah man you don't want that, you want a Dyna". That was the day I discovered my Triumph speed triple at a different dealership. Everything about Harley sucks and will never ever step foot in one of their dealerships.

@humbleservant1294 2 года назад

You lost out on something special

@jamescampbell7605 2 года назад

@@humbleservant1294 you have that right, it is something "special". 🤣

@humbleservant1294 2 года назад

@@jamescampbell7605 🤡

@TheDans7300 4 года назад

I wanted one but ended up getting a Yamaha Bolt initially because of affordability. But for some reason the Iron even the 48 sporsters felt smaller than my bolt and less comfortable.

@matterwin8684 4 года назад

At the start of the video I was like wow that neighborhood looks familiar and then I realized it is literally right down the street from my house... Great video btw!

@JonsMotoGarage 4 года назад

Lol. Nice!

@BluesBoy-ij2rb 4 года назад

My current bike is a 96 883....my previous bike was a 1600cc roadstar .....and I just love my little sportster it's fine for me perfect for zipping around town,at 50,yrs old I don't need to go 200 mph .........

@cadmusravenstag4403 4 года назад

The Sportster is Harley's lifeline bike that has consistently sold well throughout most of it's history. It's versatile, practical, and maintains the elegance of the bikes of the 40s (especially the Sportster 48) and 50s. No it's not a touring bike, it's not a minivan on two wheels, and it has a large modding community for those who want to get into the 'hot rod' side of it.

@geoffk777 3 года назад

The thing to remember about the Sportster is that it hasn't changed that much in over 50 years. So yes, it's noisy, unrefined, low on power and handles badly. So does a 1957 Chevy or 1964 Mustang. If you want a classic bike, that just happens to have been made recently, than it might be a good choice. But don't compare it to a modern bike, because it isn't. It's an anachronism, which has lots of character, but not modern performance, handling or comfort.

@fernominal 2 года назад

Hey, great commentary video! Thanks for sharing! But, I've had alot of different types (brands) of motorcycles. Muscle bikes, kawazakis, dirt bikes, yamaha's, my last bike was a Yamaha V-max, (and that is one hell of a muscle bike, not for beginners!) now I bought my first Sportster 1200 Nightster with low miles! I have done all the work to it myself, like changing the oils, and the aftermarket parts I have added. Working on it has been a learning process, as I install parts. I've had it for about five years now, and there are literally millions of aftermarket parts for it. So far, I've changed the handlebars to drag-bars, changed the lights to LED, got some Nightrider X14IED'S to change the lean fuel mix condition it had, some Pulstar Plasma Core spark plugs, a K&N air filter, 14" rear gas shocks to raise the rear end about four inches, Progressive fork springs to raise the front end about four inches, to keep the bike from dragging parts around every corner, and also now I can go over curbs, speed bumps without damaging anything underneath the bike! My 1200 Nightster has alot of torque and easily runs highway speeds! I love it, and have realized how valuable it is, in the Harley Davidson motorcycle family! I do proper maintenance on it, cause I want it to last! I ride it everywhere I go! I love the bike so I can; Ride to live, and Live to Ride! 👍 (It is kinda heavy, but I'm used to heavy weight bikes, and it handles fine! I recommend a Sportster 1200 for first timers, because the 1200 weighs about the same as an 883, but has alot more power and torque. You have to take it easy on it till you learn some important riding techniques like counter-steering and such!!..lol..!!)

@kencohagen4967 4 года назад

I agree on the 750! I would consider one down the road. But the Bolt is still my favorite. Time will tell! Also, can you do a comparison on the 883 VS the 1200? Or maybe 883 VS the Bolt? What can you do about the scrape? I know it's going to happen, what can you do to keep things from wearing out?

@humbleservant1294 2 года назад

I’ve never scraped on mine but I also put short pegs on it…

@friendlyrando4092 4 года назад

A lot of people are just biased. Just ride and enjoy what you ride.

@ozziejim8472 6 месяцев назад

I rode a Wide Glide for 5 years as a bloke of 5’7” it was just too much of a stretch. But my current ride is a sportster custom. My first ride to bring it home was a 6 hour haul, loved every minute!

@JonsMotoGarage 6 месяцев назад

Hells yeah! I really dig the sportsters! 💯🤙

@MexicanGhost2013 4 года назад

I just got a sportster 883, mainly because i love the looks and im 5'4 and weight 120lbs. This is my second bike and coming from a rebel500 the 883 feels like a dog. I dont really care about speed, i care mostly about looks and how the bike fits me, but this bike tops at 75mph and here in texas thats the slow lane. I have a 95' so its carbed, i was wondering how your 883 FI bikes perform on the highway? Is it still as slow or should I just upgrade to a 1200

@shnrmrz68 2 года назад

I have an 03 and I thought I would be scraping everywhere but I have tons of ground clearance haven't scraped once, I wonder what the difference is🤔

@krishnachaitanya9876 4 года назад

First point. This bike is not meant for speed . 2) you friend might by another fz07 in 5 years, but you can gift this bike to your grand children after you .

@coisnotpog 4 года назад

The Roadster fixed most the issues i had when i was looking at Sportsters. It was a left over 2019, so i paid 883 money for it. It has the 1200, inverted forks, dual front discs, and a higher ride height with the emulsion rear shocks. I still scrape pegs, but im REAL leaned over when i do. Some LED lights, and i was good to go!

@MrTurnone 4 года назад

Unscrew those scrapers before you eat it from them. You will gain more lean angle and yes it safe. Tested and approved

@ajh3367 4 года назад

Not sure what the difference in power is between the 883 and the 1200 , but I have a 1200 custom and it has plenty of power. It feels more at home sitting on 110kph then it does at 50 or 60 , mine has forward controls so you can lean it over pretty far befor scraping. Plus imo probably the nicest looking harley

@MrTurnone 4 года назад

Dude, come on, you can't even compare an 883 to a 1200. It is literally night and day difference in performance. Next unscrew those peg scrapers off of that thing. We took a new Sportster Roadster and with very minimal changes made it a canyon shredder. And if all else fails get on my KTM SD 1290 and go shred that. I usually like your vids but not this one so much. I like to see people get Sportsters 883 or 1200 and make them their own and have fun...and that doesn't suck

@maxwellbricks7202 4 года назад

MrTurnone what were your suspension mods?

@MrTurnone 4 года назад

@@maxwellbricks7202 Progressive Suspension front and back. BUT, I would play with the spring wrench on the rear stock shocks before buying anything. Set them to your weight, just that change makes a huge difference. You may find that you don't need rear shocks but maybe Progressive springs in the front. We also changed the bars and put on Magnum Shielding Sterling Chromate II brake lines and dual disc crossover on it. They not only work great but they are very trick looking in black. We also changed the brake pads to EBC Sintered pads...excellent upgrade. Let me know if you have any more questions, this bike rips the canyons

@JonsMotoGarage 4 года назад

I agree - the 1200 vs 883 are night and day differences.

@maxwellbricks7202 4 года назад

MrTurnone thank you. Appreciate the advice.

@WildOn2sVlog 4 года назад

Fun little bike but I needed something bigger. Got the Indian Chief dark horse

@grumpybiker9422 2 года назад

Great video. I feel like you made it clear multiple times that you love sportsters, you're just pointing out things that some people don't. I've got a '94 883 that I'm gonna end up putting a 1275 hoonigan kit on just cuz, but I LOVE it as an 883 man. Great bike FOR ME cuz I don't care what people think or say, I love bobber and choppers, which are just incredibly easy to do with sportys. Some people's preference differ, but Iove em

@JonsMotoGarage 2 года назад

Spot on, brotha! 💯🤙

@HG-up4sv 4 года назад

Just got my RKS, love your vids. I’m gonna wanna be everywhere with this thing

@justingillette8287 4 года назад

I like the content, your whole presentation, I will be looking out for your videos in the future. with that said, I really like the look and positioning of the sportster 883. I am a sport bike guy but of all my riding experience the Buell XB12 is the one that I liked the most, not fast but full of character and class, grunt, torque belt drive smooth man. Today Harley needs to configure up a Sportster with much the current layout except drop in the Milwaukee 114 into it. Now that would make for a hell of a machine!!!

@soorajsaikumar 4 года назад

My ride is an 883, it wasn't perfect for me as im 6ft plus..so i did some modifications and im super liking and happy about what i did to it. It is one motorcycle where you can modify it into anything... from bobber to off-road riding. Admit it, most of the youtubers started out on an iron883 or nightster ;)

@FSAUDIOGUY 3 года назад

I learned to ride on an AMF sportster back in the late 1970's. It was my brother's bike, we had a blast on that thing! I recently picked up a 2008 Nightster, going to keep it for a project bike. I need a larger Harley so I can cruise in comfort. Looking at a few right now. Everyone has to start somewhere, a sportster is a good starting point for newer riders that want to transition to Harley's. They don't suck, they are just a different ride. Plus they are a great platform for learning to turn wrenches on a Harley. Stay safe people! :)

@fishstick341 4 года назад

Don't care about spec but my 79 sportster will haul butt. U better hold on. Not a poplar year but it will fly

@TheWolfsnack 4 года назад

Had one back in 81...which I chopped.....but the early Sportster always had problem with it's high center of gravity.....what I did back then with a 75, was to change the shock absorber mounts to the underside of the swingarm, and raise the fender a bit......this lowers it enough to handle more like a big twin.

@jedifabiano930 2 года назад

I believe this Sportster is definitely iconic but stock will always have issues but you’ll know whether it’s an issue regarding oil, air leak, or too rich! Customizations I believe are key such taking off as much as you can to reconsolidate wiring or changing the whole look with an adjustable suspension, handlebar set, and fender manipulation! Touring wise for the 2015 and older you have to improve suspension which is worth the extra 3-4K in work compared to newer (another 3k for performance to current stock levels)

@Donfleebie1 4 года назад

I had an original $3995 1986 883 4spd. chain final drive, and I had a blast on it. I put a 1200 kit in it in 1989 and rode it until 1995 putting 20k fun miles on it. I even took a couple of small 1000 mile road trips on it, until I sold it and kept my HD Ultra as my only mc. I wish I would have kept it.

@silverwiskers7371 4 года назад

I'm in a MC and tried riding an 883 and it can't hang at all, especially on the interstate on long rides, you have to keep it pegged wide open for long stretches, they just can't keep up with the big twins

@mikelivingston6157 Год назад

I bought mine brand new in 2001 and still ride it every year. I have a metric touring bike but those little cafe bikes and stuff getting popular and so I cruise my little sporty around town to relieve stress save on gas commuting to work. To me it’s priceless

@EasyRiderGreg 4 года назад

What sucks the most is 883 cc < 54 ci. For almost the same weight you can have a sportster with 1200 cc > 73 ci and 30 % more power. What's great about the 883 is it still looks, feels, and sounds like a Harley!

@JonsMotoGarage 4 года назад

Grear points for sure!

@rickbradshaw2148 4 года назад

883 vs Triumph T100? Which one do you like better?

@louadams4942 4 года назад

883 is one of the best city and wheelie bike out there

@louadams4942 4 года назад

Rick Bradshaw you can’t compare the two its like comparing apples to pears two way different bikes

@EasyRiderGreg 4 года назад

@@rickbradshaw2148 883 because I'm a Harley guy. I'll ride any motorcycle though, just very particular about what I'll buy. As long as I can only have 1 bike and I can still handle the weight it'll be a Harley!

@williamquire2115 4 года назад

Dude I get the impression you have no idea of what you are talking about I am part of the harley community and I realy like sportsters and know several other riders that like them just fine so speak for yourself not the " community "

@yayagazab4449 4 года назад

If your Sportster scrapes on turns it’s probably because the rear suspension is 11 inches or less. You will definitely scrape the wear pegs or the kickstand assembly.

@fukcg00gle95 4 года назад

What kind of mirrors are those? Stock?

@chizorama 2 года назад

Just recently started to consider picking up an 883, or 1200 with mid controls, just because of the customability(is that even a word.) Factor. Open to any suggestions as to year or model from those with experience.

@patrickfox8755 9 месяцев назад

04,05 and 06 1st 3 years of rubber mounted engine and last 3years of carburetor . Many low mileage STOCK 883's available I've got 3 and looking for stock low mileage 1200 Better to buy 1 previously owned by a woman.

@MidnightSportster 4 года назад

Most people get the 883 for the look, or as a first bike. I would suggest at least the iron 1200 to get the bigger engine. I have a sportster 1200 that I absolutely LOVE. the sounds, the smells, the rumble, the solid *click* in shifting... its top shelf. But so many ways to build it out and make it yours. A 1200 that is staged out (google it) is plenty fast, and a torque monster. I get compliments on my bike from all side, baggers, sport bike riders, hippies, hipsters, everyone likes a good looking bike.

@JJosephS1 3 года назад

For tall dudes you can get a raised seat and forward controls. For more speed you can do the S&S 1250cc upgrade with cams and porting. You can also get much better piggy back rear shocks that more than double your rear-end travel and increase the lean angle.

@davidelizabeth4933 4 года назад

Good insight! Thanks for sharing things to think about if someone's considering this bike. 👍 👨‍👩‍👧 ❤

@RocsAquatic 4 года назад

I love mines had it for three years now. About to get a bigger bike in a few weeks for longer trips . And yes I'm keeping my 883 😆😆

@dreyn7780 4 года назад

Bigger bikes take longer to get up to speed and longer to slow down to a stop. The corners don’t change. The road doesn’t get longer. The earth doesn’t get any bigger.

@Fearless154 4 года назад

@@dreyn7780 Depends on the motorcycle he gets. Sport tourers and adv bike will accelerate much faster and stop sooner than any HD.

@RocsAquatic 4 года назад

I'm getting a Low Rider S it's faster and has better brakes than my sportster.

@dreyn7780 4 года назад

@@RocsAquatic all objects are only comparable to the 1 object that was made before it. Those other bikes you mentioned are not comparable to any HD. They’re only comparable to the last year model. You stop dismissing details to understand the object and you start exploiting the difference between bikes. You tune the bike to the extreme limits of your product. All bikes are valid to buy. You’ll use some more than others based on what you prefer. Faster and better brakes means nothing. There is no context to the more speed feature. Speed limits aren’t changing. Roads don’t change either. If you add more power, all your settings on the bike must be changed.

@RocsAquatic 4 года назад

@@dreyn7780 bro what is you talking about it's not Comparable a Low rider s is made by HD . And i wasn't really trying to compare the two I just said is has better breaks and has more power than my sportster which is Facts. No big deal bro

@kidluk 4 года назад

Bought my first bike at age 45 and it was an 883.......bought a Road Glide Special 6 months later. My Iron is a 2015 and I have just over 6000 km on it. Traded my RGS last May for a Road Glide Ultra. From May to October I put 10000 km on it. Still have my sporty and am adding some stuff to make it better for me.

@milesdean4076 4 года назад

You’re scraping the feelers, take a video of you scraping the pegs without and then you can say there’s no lean angle. Love sporties, love all harleys!

@mtwb13 3 года назад

Just bought an 883 Iron and love it but... I wanted the 1200, which was nowhere as sexy looking. Anyways, it's fun and in time I'll upgrade in time to get it the way I want it, because nobody will build a bike like I want except me haha

@MrTPF1 2 года назад

I've had two 883's and now a 1200. The 1200 is great for more power, but just be ready to stop for gas more often. I got about 120 miles to my 2.25 gallon tanks on my 883's, but only get around 85 miles on the 1200.

@kristopherlopez2763 4 года назад

Street rod 760 or iron 883 as starter first bike?

@marvinsuarezstudios 4 года назад

It was my first bike, 2016..was a great bike but thrown around for highway..simple awesome bike..traded mine in 6 months later for a Dyna Lowrider..miss it tho

@josephniemczyk4488 4 года назад

I think depending what sportster model you get changes in size. I have ridden a iron and they do seem pretty small but I own a 03 xlc and it seems way bigger

@zoebettina 4 года назад

The handling is not to my taste. Always liked the look tho.

@td9243 Год назад

I hate when people say the sportsters are slow or small…no one buys a sportster to go fast or expects it to be big.

@NeverHADaNes 4 года назад

Love mine more than my R1 and GS put together.

@TR5T 4 года назад

It is the only Harley I would ever own besides the old hand shifters.

@forgottenmotorcycles 4 года назад

Have you thought of making a video comparing a current Sportster to an Ironhead? Thanks.

@gcdiver 4 года назад

Loving my 02 Sporty Hugger. Not the fastest thing on two wheels, but fast enough for the type of riding I do. Get lots of complements on her, too. Maybe add a Hammer 1275 conversion in the future, maybe not, but I really enjoy riding her as she stands. BTW, I get lots of comments from others saying they wish they had their old Sportsters. Seems like there is some regret by those who had one and got rid of it. Shiny side up!

@leoeckert4408 4 года назад

I've had the street rod 750 that bike is awesome. 9,000 rpm red line and six gears. Great bike. The tank is in the way a bit.

@ImperialEwok 3 года назад

what tailgate ramp do you got?

@jcorcoran04 4 года назад

All good points my wife wants to get back into riding it’s been a long time for her. That was one bike we were looking at. I think I’ll get here on my sons ninja 250. And decide what she really wants. Thanks again. You wand your wife rock.

@ragimundvonwallat8961 4 года назад

ninja 250 are fun little bastard... but the 400 is a small bike that can be used as a normal bike

@tonykartracer8032 4 года назад

She wants a sportbike.

@jcorcoran04 4 года назад

She likes the R3 but she’s open to anything

@jaredkish992 11 месяцев назад

As a 2001 1200s pepped up sporty (505/515 fueling cams, s&s lifters, full CVPerformance cv40 carb rebuild and jetted for my bike 205/48 I’m at sea level Florida, 2 into 1 custom exhaust, saddleman tuck and roll with diamond stitching. My rev limiter set at 7k and I can drift and wheelie all day. My 2002 dyna fx winks at my sporty every day.

@louadams4942 4 года назад

The only one person that can tell you what is good for you is you I have own a big HD to a Hayabusa and everything else I have been riding over 40 years

@upsidedowndog1256 4 года назад

They are great bikes if your world revolves around HD. For the rest of the riders out there better options exist. I don't dislike the Sportster but don't like it enough to own one.

@USNVA-yn6cp 3 года назад

you have never rode one huh.....

@upsidedowndog1256 3 года назад

@@USNVA-yn6cp I have ridden several, actually.....

@hardwire101 2 года назад

bought my sportster in 2012 and the only time it was in the shop was for two new tires that I didn't want to mess with everything else I do myself,.totally love the bike and I'll never sell it!

@BoZhaoengineering 4 года назад

This biggest drawback point, except the price, is that it is difficult to find neutral gear. When I firstly gave it a test ride, I immediately gave up this bike and X48 which was also in the sport ester line. Hard to find neutral gear, it is nightmare for me riding in traffic jam.

@biohazerdbc5480 3 года назад

The sportster evo engine is super reliable it's been for years I own a 19 iron 883 and with all the mods I can do to it makes it my own bike. You can even upgrade the suspention for less of the scrape city and put a 1250cc in it for highway rides but still you are right on the fact that it isnt built for the freeway.

@user-bm3ts2ql6s 2 года назад

my Victory Kingpin is broken, rented a sportster to ride for a few weeks while my bike is getting fixed. Riding the sporty has made me realize just how much I love my Bike. That's all i'll say.

@anthonysmalawipredators8794 4 года назад

The 883 never made sense to me.. I got my 1200 and absolutely love it but the more I ride, learn, read, and see.. I want more! Saving up beans for a 6 speed dyna... I fish for that gear everytime I take out my bike -.- don't make me feel buyers remorse a full year later lmao.

@nitrofish8908 4 года назад

It really is all you actually need. How much hp do you need to do 60 mph. But fast it is not. My DL1000 smokes big Harleys

@fatratz2012 4 года назад

I love my nightster 1200 I think 2020 is the last year they are gonna do them I've heard they may release a 1200 with 6 speed tranny dual front disc and antilock all things that would make the sportster and it's varients really cool that and a 5 gallon tank stock

@mdgiebel 2 года назад

I have an iron 1200 and after 4000 miles I have yet to scrape. Lol. Either I just never have needed to lean it that far or it’s not that common an issue lol.

@bhight100 4 года назад

You could always put on a smaller sprocket on the drive wheel and that will raise your speed, be a bit harder to take off, but you'll go faster.

@MrGibsonguy335 4 года назад

You change the front pulley (belt drive remember). the 883 has a 27 tooth pulley and the 1200 has a 29. That makes the more powerful 1200 cruise at highway speeds a little easier. Go with a 30 tooth and it really smooths out your 883 on the road. Sportsters from '06 on can use a 31 tooth but nothing larger will fit.

@bhight100 4 года назад

@@MrGibsonguy335, thanks, I'm working on my first bike and though what I said effectively is the same thing, your idea is probably easier.

@fonziebulldog5786 4 года назад

Thought of buying a Harley Street instead of my Hayabusa but when the seller told me it only had 53 HP i walked out again. Nice bike but sadly no power to talk about. I wonder why ???.

@omarsalgado9715 3 года назад

Horse power is a measure of nothing. Any bike is way more than just a theoretical number.

@THE_SNAPP 4 года назад

I dig it. Was heavily considering this as my second road bike. Not now...sounds like too many things would disappoint. I can't think of another bike, any style, that I like the looks of more...but that's too one dimensional for it's lack of power.

@poppyclypsenoir9156 4 года назад

Nostalgia, look, feel, has enuff power to turn me on, not a crotch rocket, bullet proof, extremely low maintenance, good gas mileage, not too uncomfortable, best for short rides, shadow is cheaper, comparable performance to shadow, not a shadow.

@JonsMotoGarage 4 года назад

All great points.

@davidswanson5436 4 года назад

The new standard Softail is worth the extra money. M8 107. Get rid of the sportster!

@jessejordan4662 2 года назад

Had a sporty, then a dyna, then went back to sportster. But 1250’d it and set it up club style. Rips and it’s super comfortable!

@flyhouseoftruth470 Год назад

I like my 1993 Sportster 1200. It sets of car alarms when I ride by, also sets off rattlesnakes on the backroads. I hear the rattlers over the noise from the bike. Needs new tires before I road trip it.

@neilstern1694 4 года назад

I use to start up their bikes for them all the time ,seen some of the get flipped over the bar and some would f up their legs, cud they didn't follow through with the kick, bring up to TDC and go for it. Now anyone can push a button. And talk big. Some of them wouldn't let me off till I took it down the road.then I'd get on my sporster and drive off. Oh and I have helped a fue get out from under their bike. One guy was under it for 3 hours. Love my 883, put iridum plugs on it for more punch.

@bubbajo9089 4 года назад

This is my dream bike to make a scrambler out of I live in a mountain dirt area and me and my bro wanna build a bike together

@JonsMotoGarage 4 года назад

I've seen some rad scrambler/sportster builds.

@fyaworx 4 года назад

As long as you dont mind needing to have 500meters clear road when over taking go for it. Sold it got a duke 900ss, I'd probably get a 1200 in the future opposed to an 883

@MrTPF1 2 года назад

Huh? I guess if you don't downshift.

@fyaworx 2 года назад

@@MrTPF1 every other bike I've never needed to down shift, not even my 400 lol