Harley-Davidson XL 883C Sportster Custom reviews

After riding Japanese bikes since I was 16, I decided to buy my first Harley, at the age of 49, for my retirement in Bulgaria. What a fantastic bike. On the poorly surfaced motorways or up in the mountains, it's a pleasure to ride solo or with the girlfriend on the back. But there is a problem with spares, as there are no dealerships in Bulgaria. Show less

I used to ride sport bikes when I was in my teens and twenties. Then when I hit 30 I saw the light and went into some Honda cruisers, and almost bought a Honda VTX 1300 before I bought this Nightster. I have to say it's an awesome bike. It does vibrate and it's not annoying on the vibration. It's just part of the rumble of the 1200 cc motor's tone. The ride is very quick of the line, plenty of low end torque. I have a stage 1 and remapping of the EFI and it runs far away from the Honda VTX 1300 which a buddy of mine owns. Now he wants a Harley. It's very low to the ground so it's not for riders over 5'10" tall. I used to believe a lot of what all these people say about Harleys and now I know it's all in the eye of the individual rider. But if you look at the top ten list of what we Americans do compared to the rest of tbe world, Harley motorcycles are mentioned in the list as some of the best built and best riding motorcycles in the world. I mean why do you think there are such things as Shadows, Vulcans, Boulevards, and others trying to do it like Harley but just not quite doing it. Well enough I say, but that's my experience. Try one for yourself. Show less

I bought my 2007 883C in late 2010 from a guy who stored it for three years (it was still like new). I've ridden it for a summer and a half so far with no complaints. It's an awesome bike. If you're a "large" fellow, you might want a bigger engine, but the 883 is PERFECT for me (5'10 and 190 lbs.). It accelerates like a rocket, has plenty of low-end torque and cruises at 75 mph. all day long. The rubber mount engine and fuel injection are great additions to the Sportster line. It's classic, has beautiful lines, great mechanics and a well-executed package of exhilaration. If you want to be hunched over a chainsaw, or ride a poser, buy a metric. If you're after a real cruiser and you're not dramatically overweight, pick up an 883C! The forward controls and laid-back handlebars help ensure a comfortable ride and the huge gas tank helps you put on the miles without stopping so often to fill up! I can't say enough good things about the 883C! It's got to be the best version of the Sportster ever devised! Show less

Listen...I'm so tired of hearing people knock the Sportster as...an underpowered bike, a Harley rip-off, or my favorite....a woman's bike. Who can resist the sight of that peanut tank and the feeling it gives you when you sit on Sporty and see that tank? You want a "bigger" bike, there are plenty of them out there. My wife owns this bike, and she loves it. It's got all the power she will ever need and Sporty is a perfect fit for her. I ride an Electra Glide Classic, but I get on her 883L every chance I get. It handles great, and has enough power/torque in 1st and 2nd gear to lift the front wheel. The ONLY knock we had about the bike was the seat, which I replaced with a Mustang solo. Hey, there must be a reason that the Sportster is still Harley's number one selling bike in its arsenal. The problem a lot of people have is that too many equate size with performance. The 2007 883L is a fuel-injected performance machine. Get off its back and on its seat and you'll find that out for yourself. Show less

I bought this bike in Febraury, 2011 with the intention of riding it to Strokers Dallas. I love this bike. My wife and I had no problem riding all the way to Texas with all our stuff. The power is plenty and storage was something I was not used to since I'm used to riding a Softail Standard. I had to get rid of the sorry excuse of a windshield and bought a Windvest, much better. I traded the seat for a Mustang. We had no problem putting 550 miles a day on it although the bars could use some elevation. But when I got home I took all of the after market stuff off and now the only thing after market on it is the windshield. It is a very comfortable bike in its stock configuration but by adding the seat, it raised me up two inches which made the bars too low. It's faster than the Softail I had so I have not felt the need to start doing performance upgrades to it. Plus I like being able to hear the radio and not getting everybody upset in every small town we rode through. We did 4,000 miles in two weeks. So I think I will just leave it alone for now. In closing I wish I would have started on this bike. It would have saved me a lot of money and aches and pain. Show less

This is my fourth Harley, one softail and two touring models and this is the happiest I have been on a Harley. I added the touring windshield and a Sundowner dual seat for comfort and a Stage 1 A/C for performance and feel that is enough money spent on it. It handles better than any other Harley I have had in the twisties, and with a set of throw over bags, is good for a weekend tour. I really believe, as a bike that you can eadily mod to make it your own. This Dyna is the best model Harley produces. Show less

This is my 4th season on my Sportster, and it has been a very good ride. I road a 1200 Gold Wing for 17 years, so this was quite a change for me. To make the Sportster a better road machine, I replaced the seat with one from Mustage with a rider backrest. The rear shocks are progressive. I now have 47,000 mile on it with one small oil leak which was corrected. I am 76 years old, and I still love to hit the open road on my little piglet. Show less

I bought my first Sportster in 1971, it was a '70 XLH. It was balanced, blue printed and other engine mods and could eat up Honda 750's all day long. This '05 is a blast. The 1200 motor delivers great power. The smaller bike makes it easier to handle also. But it will take a few changes if I want it to be a road bike. (the seat especially) I have had it a month and am getting a great ride every time. I love it! Show less

This Harley has all you need to handle. I added some 8" Ape hangers, black diamond cables and numerous Willie "G" accesories. I put on a set of Harley-Davidson magnesium and black 5-spoke wheels, a wide Harley seat for added comfort and chrome accessories. Show less

It's a very comfortable ride. I can go eight to nine hours easily. The high end torque is acceptable for passing. I can cruise at 75 mph. with no vibration. I get approximately 46 to 50 mpg. I live near mountains and it performs surprisingly well, although I don't challenge the mountain curves. My only complaint is I wish the rear fender didn't flair straight out but rather curved down over 1/3 of the rear tire. By the way, that fat rear tire really helps with the comfort level touring down the interstate. Show less