2004 Harley-Davidson reviews

I bought my FLHRS on June 26, 2004. It has 26 miles on it when I rode it away from the dealership. I have taken on some short road trips (approx 200-250 miles each way) and have not had too may issues with it. It has remained reliable and always started for me. Its design and appearance turn some heads. and overall, I love riding it. Some of the things I am not fond of, but can live with are: 1) It isn't as nimble as some of the other bikes so moving around the urban landscape can be a bit daunting 2) isn't as peppy as some, but hey when you look this good going down the road, what kind of rush could you be in to get there? 3) Brake noise. When I apply the brakes (and no, I do not mean the usual brake scrape sound) I get a loud squeak from the front brakes. I have taken it to the dealer twice and they are unable to resolve. The breaks work fine, just noisey when used. All and all, it is a great bike, comfortable, easy to ride, low center of gravity, ample storage in the saddle bags, unique design que's only found on this model. It is not a bike for the novice rider or someone who has problems holding up some weight. At 750lbs (when you get me on ther, over 1/2 ton), it needs some experience and strength to handle in traffic. Show less

This is my first Harley after 3 imports. I love the machine as a whole-very nimble, quick, and visually appealing. I agree with the other fellow who said it's the perfect mix of bar hopper, highway and just a good ole Sunday riding bike. FI model is very worth it. My only complaint is in the stopping power of the front brake. I'm looking into doing a braided line then move onto pads if needed. A must ride if considering a bare bone Harley! Show less

I have owned many bikes in the past with 25 years of dirt bike experience and 14 years on the road. This bike will certainly get the looks, but thats the main reason you either bought one or are looking at it now. Start looking early because they are a little hard to find. Deffinately go Stage 1 and pipes, and stage 2 if you can swing it. I have over 9000 miles on this in less than a year and have loved every mile. Having ridden "dead head" from Phoenix to Salt Lake (700mi) and the longest ride to date, Salt Lake to Spokane in one day (832mi) I feel iI know this bike well. First, after 300mi your butt will go numb so you might want to upgrade the seat or get a gelpad. Overall it's a great bike though. Deffinately a true cruiser. Show less

On March 30, 2004 I purchased a 2004 Harley Davidson Sportster XL883. This 883 Sportster is a wonderful motorcycle. I just love it. It remains stock. I use it as an errand bike around town and is serves its purpose fantastically. Super maneuverable in all traffic conditions. It works best in and around parking lots where tight turns and quick maneuvering is required. The TT type handlebars make it great for quick and short throw reactions. Perfect for cruising wherever you want to go!! Show less

Used Fatboy SEFI 4,400 miles Stage-1 After riding this for a few weeks I find this bike to be everything they say it is and more. My only complaint is the stock seat. But I haven't seen a stock seat that I liked yet anyway. I am a previous owner of a V-Star 650 classic. The fatboy handles as easy or even easier. Keeping this in mind, if you are looking for your first bike. Something easy to learn and something you want to keep. This is it! Wish I had ridden one of these before. Show less

Ok, so all my buddies told me not to buy a Sportie. Too small, not enough power, no fun to ride and "a girls bike". All I have to say is this - NO WAY! This is one fine bike, very easy to ride, looks and sounds realy cool. This thing has plenty of power for quick passes and just plain getting ya down the road. Taking it up through the gears, you can easily get lost in the moment and be idoling down the road at a good 80 mph before ya know it. I do experience some "bottoming out" with a rider, but slowing down a bit it is not a problem at all. I have not had one lick of trouble with it and will gladly buy my next bike new from Harley as well. The only drawbacks are low after market parts availability, a hard seat and 3.3 gallon tank. Pulling over every 110 miles or so is a major pain. Beyond those minor drawbacks, this is one bike I heartedly recomend! Show less

This bike is the nicest bike I have ever ridden. The seat height is perfect when riding or sitting at a light. The beach-style bars are more comfortable when riding then when sitting stationary. It handles the twisties as well as any 750lb bike could ever. I have a removable windshield which I only use for trips or to get out of the cold. For cruisin' I take her out bare. When the wife wants to come along I put on the two-up seat, slip on the padded backrest and the windshield. It is the most versatile bike in the Harley family. Mine is a carbuerated version with the slash cut slip-ons and the stage one kit. It sounds great whenever I roll on the throttle. When under way it just purrrrzz along. The fit and finish is typical Harley with just the right amount of chrome. Damn, I love my Custom. If you have the dough and are on the fence, do not hesitate any longer. I promise you will be a happy person. Show less

First, this is a big bike (800 lbs.) which is lots of fun backing into garages and parking spots, but still manageable. Rides great and it's a chick magnet, believe it or not. Carry an extra helmet if you're not married. I have had more compliments while riding this bike than anything else I've owned. The radio/cd is great. Never thought I would like the radio but I wouldn't own a bike without it now. Even with screaming eagles you hear it with no problem. Weather band is good for traveling too. There's a lot of bike to clean but that's the only fault I have with this bike. Oh, there is another fault, Electra Glides ride so great that a 100 mile run for coffee is nothing so plan on spending twice the amount of time riding than you do now on your little Harleys! Once you have one of these you will wonder why you didn't buy one sooner. Show less

Just picked up my black/cream 2004 1200R last week and have already washed it three times... just for the hell of it. So far a great, powerful, stable bike that gets a lot of attention on the street. I am upgrading from a 600CC Kawasaki Eliminator, which felt unstable and got tossed around at highway speeds. I am still riding my new Sporty gingerly as it breaks in. Will give an update at a later date but for now I am in heaven! I was going to buy a Suzuki Boulevard M50, but it was only a few $$$ cheaper than my sporty and full of plastic crap everywhere. Once you own a Harley, few people go back to metric bikes. Harley parts are no more expensive than the metrics, are so well made, and there are just so many opportunities to customize these bikes. Show less

First off, like most of us on this web site, I love to ride whether it be on a Harley or another medium sized cruiser. I am however very fortunate in that I have been able to purchase the real deal, (made in payments every month) Harley-Davidson, and see what the difference is from riding other bikes with similar styling. I have upgraded the seat to a Sundowner H-D seat and it has made a huge difference in riding comfort for me and my wife. It has a much wider surface area and doesn't concentrate all the bumps directly up my spine to my jawbone. No windshield, no stage 1 or SE exhaust mods done yet and it has run flawlessly since purchased last year. I did heed the advice of one reviewer who mentioned ways to beat the so called "Harley Tax", and have changed my own oil and air filter so far. I would hope that most people who own motorcycles for any period of time are somewhat mechanically inclined. For anyone thinking of purchasing one of these Sportsters or other Harley, I have to tell you get what you pay for and that is a high quality bike made of parts that are durable and user friendly. Example, take an air cleaner off of any metric bike and change the filter, it will most like be very light weight and be chrome plated plastic. Now visit a friend or Harley shop and try the same. The difference in parts is incredible, great fit and finish with all real steel parts, I washed and dried my air cleaner cover and swore it was no different feeling than our "good" pots and pans. Silly? Maybe, but for my money I want the real deal. Check out the battery cover, steel there too. Final words, it's expensive to own any make of bike. Secondly, it's cool to own a Harley. Third, after purchase you will be hounded to join HOG, make your bike louder and to dress the part of a biker. Fourth and final, group rides are fun, but venturing out on your own is more peaceful and adventurous feeling. Signed, a very satisfied Harley Owner. Show less