The Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster New or Secondhand
The Harley's entry-level bike is designed to get you hooked on Milwaukee power so they can flog you a bigger bike. It's the smallest Harley Davidson so it's popular with shorter folk and it's one of the better-handling Harleys. There are three versions - the Sportster, which is basically the standard model, the Hugger, which is similar to the Sportster only with a lower seat and the R with more powerful brakes and a 2-into-1 exhaust instead of twin pipes, but almost all will have been tricked up with official parts by previous owners, if you buy the Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster secondhand.
Interested in a Harley-Davidson 883, what do you need to know?
Reliability is very good, the engine isn't exactly stretched, and owners are generally richer and older, so they get on the dot servicing by professionals, which is good, as the drive belt will rip apart if a D.I.Y. owner adjusts it wrongly. Always check the belt for nicks or cracks, if there are any it will need to be replaced immediately.The vibey engine can shatter bulbs. There's a lot of chrome, it will need regular cleaning and waxing to keep it in top shape. The Harley-Davidson 883 is a popular easy rider with shorter riders, the even lower H-D 883 Hugger version was only made until September 2003.
Steady, now the Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster might be a chunky 883cc engine but the OHC, air-cooled V-Twin only makes 50 horsepower. It's all about style and riding comfort. When buying a Harley-Davidson you need to remember that there's big money in stealing and ringing Harley's, look for a dealer stamp in the manual, three double check the papers, invoices, registration papers and only buy it if you feel 100 percent satisfied it's a okay bike.
alan t
Maybe it could be that a well loved and maintained 883 is often in really top condition and people simply dont believe its age. Maybe the previous owner added a few nice touches that made it look and sound good. Or maybe it is just because it rides so much like it is a part of you especially round town and on the mountain roads... so if you want a bike that makes you feel good a secondhand 883 is worth a thought.