Do Sportster 883s lend themselves to performance/ cosmetic modifcation as readily as the other HD models?

Question

Hi! I almost have enough to buy my first HD, a Sportster 883. I am unsure as to whether to get the Low model, with the single seat, or the 'R', with room for a pillion.

My question is, I know that the 883 Sportster is the 'baby' Harley. Does this mean that parts for modification are any rarer than those for the rest of the HD range?

Do Sportsters form good bases for a modified Harley or am I better off keeping the Sportster relatively stock and saving for a larger HD if I want to mod? I am thinking loud (but legal) pipes, a slightly upgraded engine system, acres of chrome and a set of mile-high ape hanger bars.

Could I do all of this to a Sportster- would it look as it does on the bigger Harleys? Or am I better off waiting until I can afford a Softail?

I am in Bristol, UK, by the way, in case anyone is local or knows of any good Modification workshops in this area.

Cheers!

Answer 1

There are as many performance and cosmetic parts available for the Sporty as there are for the Big Twins (look what Buell have done with the Sportster engine over the years...).

A good place to check out what's available and what's possible is Battistinis down in Bournemouth.  They have been building and modifying Harley's for almost 20 years.

Answer 2

First off ignore the first poster. He's full of himself. :-)

Second, Sportsters are the best handling bike Harley makes. They will run circles around a big twin. And whether it's an 883 or 1200 they have a lot of options for them, just like the other Harley models. If you stop by a Harley dealer ask them to see an accessory catalog and look in the Sportster section. You will see they sell a wide variety of goodies for them.

The sad part is you will have to have some thick skin to tolerate having a Sportster as there are many out there that have the same stupid opinion as the first responder to you question. You will get the usual girlie bike attitude from those that are jealous as your bike can whip their butts in a heartbeat. Whenever I had someone call my Sportster a girlie bike I would challenge them to a race to see whose bike is really a "girlie" bike. That usually shut them up on the spot.

So if you have thin skin and can't handle the girlie reference then wait till you can get a "real" Harley.

Also, check out http://www.sportster.org/. Tons of great info and helpful people over there that are true believers in the Sportster.

Added: as far as handlebars check out Dyna Wideglide bars.

Answer 3

There are just as many or more goodies for the sporty.  As to the R, I think if you are interested in goodies, the L would be a better choice, and it can accomidate a pillion just as easily as an R and look nicer doing it (the R is blacked out, where the L has chrome)

Good point with the used, not sure what the used market does on the other side of the pond, but myself, I buy alot of bikes, and am a firm believer in late model used over new... let someone else eat that initial depreciation and then you get a few years of free riding because they hold their value so well after that initial new vs used drop

welcome to the world of hd, enjoy your ride

Answer 4

just bought my sportster 883 today!! so i'd also appreciate any answers. i'm trying to learn up on it :)

Answer 5

Sportster's for little girls and one hand lovers.  Buy a real harley

Answer 6

go for the bigger bike ,sporsters are for beginers and girls .in the hard core motor cycle world the real question is, how do you wish to be perceived

Answer 7

The Sportster is probably the best HDs of all when it comes to performance modifications. I am not a fan of the apes, but I think they look tough with drag-bars. Sportsters look best to me when they are stripped, lightened, and dechromed. That's just a personal preference though. I had heard that the "baby Harley" attitude wasn't as much of a problem in Europe, but I obviously could have heard wrong.

I loved both of my Sportsters. If I had an unlimited budget, there would always be one in my garage.

Answer 8

get the sportster and chop that muafucka out!!!   get the apes stick with skinny peanut tank and ride the S**t out of the muafucka!!!!!  thats badass, know what i mean bloke?????  

Answer 9

the Sportster 883 is a nice bike with a lot of parts that can be put on it I currently ride an 07 883L that I have put drag bars and custom drag pipes on as well as changed the single seat to a double seat the seat I choose for mine was the Stripper seat from Harley Davidson ,if you install ape hangers on it you'll also have to change all your control cables and wiring coming off the handle bars that's part of the reason I went with drag bars instead of apes

Answer 10

bitter ol son of his mutha is right...he just can't spell.,

and his stool softener fragrance is obvious from his breath.

Answer 11

Just a suggestion, have you looked at the used motorcycle market?

You may be able to find a low mileage 883 or 1200 Sportster that has been modded for less than a new machine.  

I bought my 1800 Goldwing with $3300 USD worth of accessories for $1000 USD less than a bone stock new Wing.  I took possession of my Wing with 2800 miles on the odometer.

I am not nor ever been a Harley owner.  That said, I strongly suspect there are a lot of after market parts from performance parts and "safety chrome".

My opinion here, rethink the ape hangers.  They really reduce your ability to safely operate a motorcycle.  While they have a real "old school" look, bikes are meant to be ridden, not just looked at.

What ever you decide, best of luck.