Why everyone Hates Sportsters(883 Test Drive) 

Harley introduced the Sportster in 1957. You don't keep producing a model for over sixty years because "everyone hates it".

the Harley-Davidson Rebel not to be confused with the Honda Sportster

What you CAN do when you own just the Sportster is continue to feed your family, pay your mortgage, own a car...

You have no idea how much i don't care what others think of my 883 when i'm on it.

Thats a tough ass post it note

Anyone else just impressed with how well the sticky note stayed on the tank? lol

Sportster are arguably one of the most loved bikes

What's with the title? Lots of people love Sportsters!

They won't make it a 6 speed because then some people wouldn't buy the bigger bikes

Haven't had the hate, love my iron 883, never been a part of the whole image thing. I ride what I like for the last 50 years. I also ride my zuma 50 and love it too.

Haha calling the Sportster a Rebel for 2 minutes probably didn't convince a lot of Sportster haters to come around. I never got the hate. I live in Chicago. The 883 is a decent city traffic bike. Riding a Street Glide or some larger bike in city traffic is annoying. Those are highway bikes. Your point about having different bikes for different purposes should be well heeded.

I love Sportsters 883 or 1200. I ride a Softail Deluxe. Would absolutely have a Sportster as an only bike.I don't give a damn what anyone else thinks.

I've had my 883 for 25 yrs & I still love her!

I LOVE Sportsters.....They are the hotrod Harley!

If it has two wheels you will have a blast plain and simple

Love my sportster, everything I need in a small package. Sportsters Rule 🤙

The 883 Iron is a damn fine motorcycle. It's very affordable and reliable. It can run around town, or go interstate speeds. And it's damn good looking. So there, I said it.

5 speed Sportsters weren't available until 1991, so not 4 or 5 decades...

Wish you would film a walk around of these bikes so we can get a good look at them.

Rebel 883

The pink note was to remind you it was not a Honda rebel.

He called a Harley a rebel 10x 😂

As far as the 3.3 gallon gas tank is concerned, I have one on my 2005 Sporty and I love it. Switching to a 4.5 gallon tank would require a different seat and move me back 1.5". I know this because my bike came with an additional seat from a 1200 custom and it not only showed a gap behind my 3.3 gallon tank and the seat, it made me stretch farther to reach the handlebars. This affected the handling and my lower back in a bad way. Also, the extra 1.2 gallons of gas in a full tank makes the bike more top heavy. I'm vertically challenged with short arms and short legs. I love my smaller tank. As far as the buckhorn style handlebars are concerned, I disagree about my wrists falling naturally into that position. I had a Honda Magna with "buckhorns" and my right wrist started to ache about 30 minutes into a ride because I was not twisting my wrist toward me, I was twisting inward toward the gas tank. My lower stock handelebars on my standard Sporty are perfect. I can ride for hours with no problems at all with my wrist or lower back (see the note above regarding the 4.5 gallon gas tank). The only other bike that came close to my standard Sporty was my 1983 Suzuki GS650 GL. The mid-controls and handlebars were the same. I've been riding since 1964 on a bunch of styles of motorcycles from different countries. Granted, by body size (5'6" tall) puts me in a unique group but this is what works for me. It may not work best for everyone else but I've tried the cruiser slouching, hands in the air position with the arms hugging and it may look cool on Main Street, but definitely not for going on long trips in the mountain twisties. And speaking of mountain twisties, my little 883 with the shorter gears loves them and only tolerates the interstate which is perfect for my style of riding. It isn't called the SPORTster for nothing. Did I say I love my bike?

My first bike was a ‘03 HD Sportster Hugger. Short pipes, powder coated black, and super fun to ride. Enough speed and torque to be fun, but not enough to get a beginner into too much trouble (~95mph max).

Not everyone, I own a 2017 1200 Custom Sportster and it freaking rocks...

I had so much fun on my Sporties I have to admit. Just got sick of Assholes calling it a Chick or Poor Mans bike.

The Freudian slips had me laughing!

Click bait title, i learned nothing.

883 is a fun Harley to ride and own. It gets you in to the Harley Davidson family. You can always upgrade and put the 1200 cc jug kit on it!

Actually I think I would like this bike. Good looking, sounds great. Fun run around bike. I see a lot of custom interpretations with the Iron 883. Build it your way and have fun.

Love my ‘02 Sporty 883 Hugger. Lots of compliments wherever i go. Wouldn’t trade it, but would get a 2nd bike, something a little bigger and quicker for longer rides, like maybe a Road King.

Not sure why so many don't like them. Mine is my boy hood dream and I ride it everywhere! For real, I do. Even a 7 hour trip each way for lunch and then right back in the same day. Btw, I was the only one that rode a bike on that trip. Everyone else were in cars.

Haha...rebel. I agree 100% though. The sportster is perfect for zipping around the barrio and just blasting the boulevard.

Shawn, love the videos, but $120 for a pair of those gloves is ridiculous bro. Make them affordable so we can afford them

You said Rebel so many times that I was starting to think you meant it 😀

The move I watch and learn about the Sportster, the more I like it's simplicity. It's not a big bike but there's a kit you can do with the Sportster.

Hang on, where's the link for the gloves again?

Back in 78 I bought a new 79 XLH. Some of my friends had bikes, among them a 900 Kaw, a 550 Kaw, a Honda 750 and a couple had dirt bikes. No judgement ever, we bought what we liked and what worked for us. Harley's weren't the big image thing back then. Sure there was somewhat of an image but I was a 21 yr old kid driving around with Levi's, converse athletic shoes and a Lasobek Harley Davidson t shirt. Only leather was my belt. Other Harley riders still waved and complimented my shiny red sportster. Some congratulated me on getting a new bike. The point is these are all opinions. There are certainly faster bikes but what if you don't want to go fast? There are certainly bikes that are more refined but what if you don't mind the vibration and extra maintenance? If you enjoy every minute you are on your bike then you own the right bike. I have read opinion pieces on Sportsters over the years and this is the first time I've commented. Harley makes Sportsters because people like them and buy them. If you don't like them then just don't buy one. Harley's aren't built for everybody, never were. But whatever you do, do not buy for image unless you just want to look at the bike sitting in your garage. Riding the wrong bike sucks. So if you are in the market go test drive every bike in the category you like that you can. One will stand out from the rest. The only opinion that counts is yours.

That exhaust sounds sick! The reason Harley Davidson only makes the sportster in the 5-speed is because it's meant to just cruise around town on & geared low.

started on a sportster, moved to Fatboy and now Road King but plan to get another sportster for fun. Really miss the simplicity of that bike and the mod options.

After 3 years on my Sportster, I wanted it to have a bigger engine, an extra gear, a little more comfort, and a more solid ride. Answer: DYNA. Ding ding ding!! The Sportster is great at being what it is.

Sean, for the record: Sportsters got five-speed transmissions in 1991; prior to that it was a four-speed. Belt drive came along in 1993. My first Sportster was an '86 883 with a four-speed. It was great! Rode it all over hell. My latest is a '96 five-speed, belt-drive which is...nicer...I guess...but I'd own that '86 again in a heartbeat if not for those damn, ugly curved rear fender struts. Yuck.

Kept saying rebel instead of sportster

Love my 883l its a blast to ride. Especially like you said for them short drives when you just need to get their.

My iron is definitely my daily bike because I live in the city. Especially when its cheaper on gas and it is easy to park on any street for free for 12 hours just slide in between two cars. Greatest feeling ever. Smaller bikes are really a trend in urban areas by small I mean can fit in tight spaces. I will say I have only got hate from my old man who hasnt owned a bike in over two decades so I dont bother with him much. Very customizable bike and you give a lot of big twins the slip when you do a 1275 conversion. Got to love that. Light fast and loud. But always well maintained. Ride safe Y’ALL!

I use it for commuting. 50 mpg on a $3500 bike with 1500 miles. I have to ride it 40 days a year to pay for the bike and upkeep.

I love my Sportster it’s an amazing ride!

My first bike was an 883 sporty and it was a 4 speed. I loved the bike but it really didn't like to cruise at highway speeds. 65 mph was about as fast as you could cruise on that bike. I loved that bike but I couldn't keep up with my buddy's.

Really love your videos guys....i really want to get an iron 883...i grew up riding on the back of my Dad's Super Glide and later on his FXR. After coming back from Iraq I had a lot of issues with being on the road due to PTSD from roadside bombs. I am finally after 15 years starting to be comfortable being on the road again without swerving away from every single peice of trash in the road lol. I think it's time to finally ride. Thanks for bringing so much fun, and objective views to the bikes you review.

What kind of a camera do you ride with its so clear and very stable

I’ve had a 2001 Harley Sportster and a 2001 Harley Ultra at the same time, I now have a 2003 Goldwing and a 1985 Honda Shadow. It all depends on whether you’re going to ride for 3 days or 3 hours, it’s also nice to just ride what you’re in the mood to ride. If you’re not worried about having new bikes, you can have a lot fun for very little money.

I wasn't aware that Harley Davidson made anything other than a Sportster!

I got the xlc package on my 07 883 and ive taken it from San Antonio to Corpus Christi which is about 150 mile give or take 5 miles man I love my bike wouldn’t give it up for anything in the world.

The exhaust looks like a good leg burner LOL. Pretty neat though

I just traded in my 2019 forty eight special Sportster for a 2019 Street Glide 107 and it is a big difference I love the comfort of the Street Glide but I know that I'm going to miss that jumping on that Sportster that I had all set up how I liked it and just bobbing through town like it was nothing you are totally right on that

I really like my sportster 883. But when did Harley make a Rebel? Are you st stuck on Honda's.

i actually love that exhaust.. it works with the rest of the bike's aesthetic i think

Had buckhorn bars on my '93. Only mode of transportation for 6 yrs. Then got a '00 XLC w/ drag bars, and could never get used to it or feel comfy.

had my sportster since 2012 and I have never had one problem with it...I love it and will never give it up.

You killed me at “ who can endure it!!”

First, I ride a '99 Bandit 1200. I know it's apples to oranges. Test rode an 883 at the very friendly and accommodating HD dealer here in N.J. I love the way it looks. Stared at it for 1/2 hour after I brought it back in. The ride? Reminded me of my first ride, a Rupp Mini Bike .

The 883 HD is like the Honda Civic of the motorcycle industry. Tons of mods and super cheap.

When I was 17 to 19 years old I thought the Sportster was the coolest best looking bike HD made. I bought a brand new one when I was 19 in 2003. Back then they was 5800 bucks for a XL883. Kept and rode it for 10 years. Never let me down once. Bad back so I had to upgrade to a Dyna Wide glide

How could you post this video. I think I would have re shot this. But all in all, the Sportster is definitely my favorite bike that I have owned. I’m currently looking for an 883 iron. I want to give it some off road mods and still be able to use it as a bar hopper great videos

Got a 883 modified to Stage 1. I love it. At a stop light it speaks English, potato, potato, potato.

I’m looking for a 90’s Sportster for a roadster project. For me there’s nothing that fits the classic roadster look better than a Sportster and I think the rigid mounted ones were the best of the best.

Love my 98 sporty have no desire for anything else.

The 883 is to small for me, The 1200 is too, But it sure is fan to ride around! That little bike sounds good!!

My wife and I went from Seattle to Indianapolis and back tweet trip 5039 miles on a Sportster great ride

Do you know what bars these are ? I just got a 2015 fat bob and I’m looking into new bars . If you have any suggestions that would be cool !

Thank you for saying buckhorn, I'm always trying to think of that -horn word, my mother didn't let her baby grow up to be a cowboy.

I love my 83 ironhead sportster but newer models are too light.

Where is the glove link? I am in the market for a new pair!

I absolutely agree On what you said about instead of stepping up just getting another bike, I got my first bike 2 weeks ago and I got the Harley Davidson Nightster Edition with the 1200 absolutely love that bike and I will probably never sell it. However, I will probably get a bigger bike for longer-distance once I feel comfortable, but I will always keep my Sportster. It's small and mean.

Does anyone know where I can find bars like the ones in this video?

Cool bike. Looks great. Yeah, meh on the exhaust geometry but with the position of that saddle bag, not much room to route to the rear. My first bike was a Sporty 1200. Fun to ride but for me, two hours was about the limit. Traded up after a year.

I actually like my Sportster, though it is on the small side for me. I'd prefer it if the handle bars were about 3 inches higher. I know, easy fix, but it isn't free.

Sounds good ,dial speedo, nice and simple ,what's not to like ?

I recently bought a 2003 Harley Davidson 883 sportster for my first bike and I absolutely love it

My dads owned many motorcycles & 3 was 1200 sportser. I Loved zipping around the mountain but anything over an hour ride wasnt for me...

Buy a 883 and put the 1200 kit in it....it is then fast with the 883 drive sprockets.

I have a 2002 883 Sportster and it vibrates so bad I can't ride it more the 30 minutes without my left hand going numb. It also need you to tighten down the bolts all the time, because it vibrates them lose. Just yesterday the shifter bolt cam lose and had to slip the clutch to get some where to put the bolt back. He is right you need a second bike to go with a sportster, but then again why not just buy the other bike and leave the sportster at the dealership. I really don't see any place this bike fits in. If you are a beginner I suggest you get a dirt bike and go to the trails. It teaches you to handle a bike and what to do when surprises show up in front of you. You will crash but you will be going 15 to 20 MPH and it won't kill you. The move up to a used 500 cc bike and ride it around to see if you want to get out in traffic. Remember that car is 5 feet away and it will kill you. Then if you want bigger pass on the sportster and go to the big bike. Ride it around the neighborhood for a while to get use to the weight and then hit the open road. But as far as this sportster I find no use what so ever for it. As he said it isn't fast and it isn't quick and you don't want to be on it for very long time. Just my opinion of the sportster.

The Iron is an awesome, great looking bike, on the city I’d rather ride an Iron 883 than an Ultra. By the way, Sportsters are not slow, the 1200 is one of the fastest HD on 0-60, excluding the V-Rod.

Wow never realized how small that bike is but always loved the look.

I'm new to bikes the bike I'm learning on is 05 Kawasaki vulcan nomad 1600 an I'm just in love with it

I had one Sportster a 68 I just fixed and sold that right side sifter freaked me out .

I don't hate em,but I sat on one when I went to get my first bike and my knees were in my chin.Like em or not they have been many of peoples first bikes and when a non Harley owner hears Harley Davidson a Sportster is the image that they have in their head.

I love the 883 it is what I think of when I think Harley Davidson. Shame they're discontinuing them. If I could get away with having more than 1 bike I'd have an 883 in my garage.

Beats walking .. who cares what others think

I would rather have a four speed with the top gear being very high for the interstate, and then space those gears out. I don't know why they space them so close, especially on a Harley.

SRK,could you be able to tell the brand of handle bars that this bike has?

What city or state do you live?? Man it’s gorgeous there so green

Didnu have to change cables for ur apes? What size are ur apes? Thanx

You mean the H-D Street Rod or those liquid-cooled H-D bikes below 883cc.

Something sketchy going on within the Matrix. 5 minutes prior to watching this video I was looking at parts to fit onto my Rebel classic from a Sportster 883 as I want to do a replica build (I don't have a full license so I'm limited to what I can ride). I came here looking for videos to watch on Sportsters so I can get it right, and here we are.... Mind blown.

I'd be down to buy one of these 883 Iron

883 is geared different than 1200. It will pull away from the 1200 until second gear. 1200 overtakes 883 with better top end and higher displacement.

Its a sportster brah

I bought one in 2004. Loved it for short rides. Anything 350 miles or more it would leave your butt numb for hours! A serious case of the " Numb A$$"!!!

Holy crap. Just watched this video, and realized, that's the area I live near. I ride around there alot. I have a Sportster, and it seems like Sportsers get a lot of hate from other Harley riders.