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2009 Harley Davidson Iron 883

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2009 Harley Davidson Iron 883
2009 Harley Davidson Iron 883

Harley Davidson has introduced the Iron 883, a blacked out Sportster in the Dark Custom series, an 883 much in the style of the popular Nightster. Looking for a smaller displacement Harley at a nice price point? How about an 883 for $7899? You get a brand new Harley Davidson that looks pretty cool, the price is right and on top of that, if you buy it before March 31st 2009, there’s guaranteed trade-in value toward a Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC for one year.

Riders purchasing 2008 or 2009 model year Sportster 883 or 1200 motorcycles (excluding XR1200) at a participating Harley-Davidson dealership between Dec. 26, 2008 and Mar. 31, 2009 can trade that Sportster in within one year to receive original MSRP on trade-in for qualifying Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC motorcycles.

The Iron 883 looks like a nice place to begin if you want to put a Harley in your garage, the price makes it easy to buy and it has a lot of what I was referring to when I wrote about “blank canvas” motorcycles the other day. Some riders start with a Sportster and stay with it, while others eventually move to a Big Twin. If you choose to do that, the trade in guarantee is a nice option.

Details of the Iron 883 below.

Harley Davidson press release:

With a defiant attitude embracing the pure essence of riding, the new Iron 883 model is the latest Harley-Davidson® Dark Custom™ motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles like the Iron 883 have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s, while also getting pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s.

Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883
Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883

The Iron 883 model continues that rebellious tradition with responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt while pushing the styling of motorcycling minimalism to the edge. Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a combo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization.

“The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization.”

Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883
Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883

The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound.

The black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls.

A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories.

As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down and ripe for custom creativity. Dark Custom motorcycle riders have the youngest average age for Harley-Davidson buyers. Soul mates of the Iron 883 include the Nightster®, Night Train®, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom.

The Iron 883 is available in Black Denim and Brilliant Silver Denim colors.

Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883
Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883

Iron 883 features and highlights:

Rubber-mounted Evolution 883 cc V-Twin black powder-coated engine
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Black fuel tank with unique graphics
Black front forks with gaiters
Black belt guard and front fender supports
Black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear
Black low rise drag style handlebar
Black mid-mount foot controls
Black low profile front fender
Black chopped rear fender with combination rear stop/tail/turn lights
Chrome staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Side-mounted license plate holder
One-piece, solo Sportster classic seat
25.3-inch seat height
Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System
Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank

Link: Harley Davidson

Posted on Filed Under: American Motorcycles, Motorcycle Business

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Comments

  1. Looks like a fun city bike for a decent price, Hopefully it will apeal to a younger group. A new model that looks good with VERY minimal R+D cost, Good move in this weak market.

  3. How about flat-black ceramic-coated exhaust and black chrome on the fork sliders? Then you’d have an $8000 factory rat-rod :-p

  6. I agree with ROHORN. The XLX was a success for Harley, a good basic bike. Same idea here, with the also successful Nightster styling cues. Many people who are looking at medium crusiers aren’t really concerned about big top end power. And it’s not like it took them five years of R&D to cobble this together from available parts.

  7. My only complaint is the damn thing looks like it leans backwards. The profile of the suspension seems wrong. The front end needs to be brought down a couple of inches. Maybe changing the rake on the front end could have accomplished lowering the front without changing the amount of suspension travel as well as giving it a slightly longer profile.

  9. Overall I really like it. The all-black design makes it look really cool, and the price is great. I do agree with Mark F though, the front end looks higher than I’d like.

  11. It needs a smaller front wheel (like an 18 or so) with a same-size rear wheel. Then I would want to add some REAL shocks on the rear to give it some height and suspension travel. Put a decent sized tank on it and something that looks more like a tail light, maybe a limp sausage… Clean up the exhaust with a two-into-one or a left/right set (does anyone make those?) but keep it quiet (does anyone make those?). I’d need some more comfortable foot pegs moved farther back, maybe a dual seat.

    How much am I into it now? “Blank Canvas” is definitely appropriate for this bike but it implies that the factory designers didn’t do a good job in the first place.

    -todd

  12. “it implies that the factory designers didn’t do a good job in the first place.”

    Or perhaps, it implies you should consider another bike …

  15. Todd,

    Reading this site for awhile now, as always, comments are spot on. Especially the foot peg set up, I dont know if HD thinks they cant sell anything with a non ‘lazy-boy’ riding position or WTF, but this does not seem a bike that I want to lean back on. I have owned on older Sportster, 1974, and even then, pegs where in the wrong place. Also, my first Buell, ’97 M2, I had to buy after-market pegs. What is it about HD riders that makes them want to go feet first?

  16. I love the style . I have always loved the Sporster . I would toss the the stock bars and bolt on a set of clubmans . That’s the ticket .

  18. How is that a “laz-e-boy” riding set up. Thats about upright as it gets. (for Harley anyway) It has mid mounted pegs, right under neath you. So you are basically sitting pright. I dont know if you guys have been on crotch rockets too long, but I dont see how you can confuse mid mounted foot pegs with forward controls? Maybe due to the fact that Harley builds most of their bikes with foward controls or at least most people put them on with aftermarket parts? Myself, I dont know how you guys can say “comfortable” and rear sets in the same sentence. But maybe some of you guys like riding around on your coin purse?

  19. Justpete,

    My ’74 sportster and ’60 Duo Glide, essentially had 90 degree foot pegs, that is, the knee was at a right angle, which, for me, on the sporty sucked, and on the Panhead was perfect. The Sporty, I could throw around corners, but I did always want my feet father back. The pan, well, shit, it was a stone cold stock panhead, which handles better than most people think…

    Highway pegs; I understand the use of. If you do 800 miles in a day, an optional position is a wonderful thing. But it seems that that has become the norm with HD. Some people like it, great for them. This bike in question; for me, shorten the rake, shorter forks, a more upright, if not forward leaning, position, and I could rock it fast up Independence Pass.

    And yes, I have spent the past several year on a sport bike, an old Duc, which is much more comfortable at speed, but beats the shit out of me around town. If the new Sportster was a little more set up like I describe, I could probably beat the Duc up the canyon.

    And, all bikes are cool. Even if I dont want them myself

  21. Mr Akbar, Have you checked out the XR1200? It pretty much fits your desires in a bike. The Iron 883 has lowered suspention thus a comprimised ability to lean in fast corners. The Mid controls make this bike a Standard not a Sport bike, Both bikes are pretty cool but designed for different purpases.

  22. I see what you mean now. The last bike I rode with the mid-mounts was on 06 Super Glide. Pretty nice change from the forward controls I have on my own Night Train. But I think I know somewhat of what you are thinking of though, foot position wise. I rode a Buell XB12Ss this past summer and really liked it myself. Not as aggressive as the XB12R but still a nice seated position. I think that could work on the Sporty thogh but ground clearance for your feet might become an issue.

    I agree as well. I’ve always had a Harley but latley am craving something I can enjoy for the trips into the Hills with out the heavy lifting I do with my current model. Think I’ll give that Buell a go!

  23. Justpete,

    I loved my Buell, and my old Sporty. If you want bike you can throw around, test drive a mid 90’s Ducati Super Sport, especially if you have another bike, you can get them for next to nothing; not an around town or Sunday drive kind of bike, but it sounds like you have that already.

    Myself, I am lusting after a bagger (getting damned old)

  24. Oh, and the Duc, the faster you go, the better it does. Deadly damned thing at 20 mph

  25. Nice. That’s a slick looking bike and at that price I would definitely cross shop it with a Bonneville 900. Assuming I had the money right now to buy either one, that is.

  26. uh, it’s nice, but isn’t flat black kind of played out? would’ve been the shiz 5 years ago?

    my ratrod flavor features rustoleum camo series tree bark brown, if i had to choose…

  27. Tin Man 2,

    Mr. Akbar? What, I look old even in online postings? I have not looked at the XR1200, have grown weary of HD shops… Will do so at your suggestion, though

  28. something I’ve been wondering for a while now…. can yamaha be credited with creating the all black look of the night/dark line? I can’t help but think of the “midnight” series of the very early 80’s…

    (let’s just ignore the black shadow/lightning for a minute and consider mass produced “customs”. besides, the black shadow had a lot of polished metal in there vs the midnight/dark)

  29. I guess I did describe the XR1200. Except, the XR1200 is $11000 and a basic sportster is $7000. Why the Iron costs $900 more than the standard painted sportster is not clear. I like the more classic looks of the Iron but maybe with spoke wheels and the changes I noted instead. Since it’s over 100 pounds heavier than my R75/5 with the same power it’s not a likely candidate. The Guzzi V7 is more likely.

    My BMW has a neutral peg position like the sportster. For me it gets to be uncomfortable after a half an hour, it makes me slouch and my lower back gets tired. I often move my feet back to the passenger pegs for immediate relief. My GB500 has mild clip-ons and rear set pegs. I did a 600 mile day trip on it and was comfortable the whole time (except slight monkey butt syndrome).

    In all, I’ve seen quite a number of Nightsters around the city. That bike and the Iron are good indications that H-D are starting to appeal to the hip young urbanite. Dare I say they are becoming what the Bonneville and Commando was in the 60’s. This is the new Cafe Racer (sacrilege!).

    -todd

  30. I dig the Nightster, so I guess that means I like this bike by default. The tail light/brake light combo, bobbed rear fender, solo seat and track bars are dead on cool.

    I do wonder how many more decades HD will get out of those spoke mags. While nitpicking, is it possible for HD to hide those rear struts inside the fender?

  31. I agree with the guys that like mid controls.I’m 6’4″ and still prefer the mid mounts that my 03 SuperGlide has to forward controls. With the forward controls and bars any farther back then the Flattrack style on my bike I would be using arm muscles just to hold myself up to the wind, that’s tireing and agravated by the forward controls.Also with the mid controls I can stand up when aproaching a nasty bump,can’t do that with forwards.I also agree with the 18in. wheel idea,that would look much better,one I’m going to use on my bike.

  32. I bought a 2008 Nightster last year. After a year of riding, it is AWESOME! And it is the only Harley that really fits me well as I am only 5’6″. Finally, a cool bike for the vertically challenged set.

  33. vancouver bike show just closed, and the same applies this year, as for the last 10. I always head to the hd booth and sit on a sportster883, due to the tempting low price. always the same thing happens: the bike feels like I’m sitting on a rail ! hard as hell and no suspension. every other make feels like a sofa in comparison. can someone explain why hd does this? they might sell a few more! how does this bike feel at speed?

  34. Are you all 5’5″ tall or something? As a guy who is an average 6’1″, anything but forward controls isn’t comfortable. Riding in the fetal position with mid mounted pegs is not comfortable in the least and moving the pegs back farther would put all the weight on the good old boys, not a good option either. Maybe I am talking to a bunch of smurfs but forward controls are really comfortable, short or long rides.

  35. Matt, How about your back? I find that with mids I can take the jaring of bumps with my legs not my back. Im only 5/10 so I can understand your comfort problems on a standard but maybe a taller seat would relax the angle on your legs. Im a HD rider but I prefer my mid controls, Im also an older guy so maybe my back is more of a concern. Ride Forever !

  36. It weighs close to 600lbs wet. It has a 19 inch front tire. The rear shocks are about 2″ too short. It has 45hp. It has a single front disk brake.

    I really like how the bike looks and think it has enormous potential but I’d like to see it with 17 inch rims front and rear so I could mount premium rubber on it. A set of longer shocks would improve ground clearance and balance the bike front to rear. Clip ons would look great. I think a smallish, single front disc with a dual piston caliper is pretty marginal for a 600lb bike. Unfortunately, as is the case with most of HD’s offerings, the priority seems to be with appearance at the expense of function.

  37. Johnin, you’ve basically described a factory cafe racer. I agree that an HD racer (not a Buell) would be a welcome site, though I worry about HD’s ability to design something that speaks to the do-it-yourself, less-is-more cafe crowd.

  38. Number of Sportsters that went out the door when I worked at a Harley shop: LOTS

    Number that got even shorter aftermarket shocks: LOTS

    Number that got longer shocks: NONE

    Number that got forward controls installed: LOTS

    Number that got rearsets installed: NONE

    Number that got higher handlebars: LOTS

    Number that got clip-ons: NONE

    Number that got the second brake disc kit installed: NONE

    Etc……….

    Yeah, Harley clearly isn’t listening to what customers want………

  39. LN, they did that in the ’70s, the XLCR. Didn’t sell very well of course, performance Harleys rarely do (FXDX and VRSCR both come to mind).

  40. Good way to put that ROHORN, to JohninVT I know the horsepower sounds pityful these days compared to other bikes but have you ever riden one? A Harley makes a lot more torque low in the rev range than any high revving 4 cyl. and at the speeds and rpm most ride around at that is what is felt as power to the rider. And even though I ride a SuperGlide big twin I have riden 883’s and they are fun.I know you might compare the power to more modern Twins like a Ducati which is a great bike but the simplicity of the Harley is an advantage sometimes.

  41. I have to add that there is a hell of a lot of potential power left in the stock greatly detuned motor.

  42. Hmm…this is the first Harley in a while that’s actually appealed to me (aside from the XR1200, which is made of Unobtanium, as far as I’m concerned.)

    Looks like it would be a good base for a cafe or streettracker conversion, but obviously it’s rideable right out of the box, and you can do your mods to it over the winter 😉 I like Todd’s ideas. I feel it’s way too low in the back too. I’d like both wheel to be the same size, longer shocks in the rear, eliminate the fender and give it a bumstop or tracker seat, and the appropriate handlebars and foot controls, and probably a different tank and it’s pretty much there. Oh, and I never really liked the tiny headlights they put on Harleys either. I guess it would need a VRod light or a 7″ headlight.

  44. Judging by the number of Cafe’d Sportsters I’ve seen (low bars, longer shocks, etc) they must have done it themselves then, not at the dealership. Maybe the guy who takes his Sporty back to the dealer to add accessories is doing so because that’s what he thinks a Harley is supposed to look like. He thinks it will make him fit in more at the local bar next to all the big twins.

    I’m 6′-3″ and the standard H-D feet-forward, short shock, high bar thing is only barely comfortable around town (watch out for uneven pavement!) and a pain on the highway or over long distances. Best bet is to look at how the Iron Butt Rally guys modify their bikes. Maybe it’s different strokes for different folks?

    -todd

  45. S’cuse, I meant just the La-Z-Boy look of the seat itself, not the seating position.
    I’d like something more abbreviated such as an old Bates saddle.
    Don’t much care for the arse-dragger look either. What did that evolve from?
    I guess I’d like it to look like the first one I bought, a ’58, but have the Evo engine and suspension.

  46. A little off topic, but…To add to what Todd just said, when I first got my Buell Blast and was riding it a bit, immediately I came to the conclusion that the hi-rise handlebars had to go and the footpegs definitely needed to be moved back and up. I felt like I was in a “sit up and beg” position. I guess it’s supposed to be “upright” and “user friendly” but I felt like I was a parachute attached to the motorcycle while riding on the highway. I don’t feel that way anymore. I like to be close to the bike.

  47. The two sportified canyon racer Sportsters I built – for myself, with my own money – ended up being my job applications. While I have no doubt some are built in dealers, the majority are built by the owners, independent shops, or all too often, owners aspiring to start independent shops.

    Seriously now – how hard is it to change shocks, handlebars, wheels, etc..? They are ALL simple and sometimes dirt cheap bolt-ons – any moron who can pry themselves away from the keyboard can do it. The only real problem is that the cafe “crowd” is a LOT smaller than their internet presence would suggest. I wouldn’t waste any of my money trying to earn a living by catering to that niche. Which is a shame, since that is also my idea of fun.

  49. I hope the Cafe look doesn’t go mainstream then It won’t be fun anymore . There are some kick ass Cafe sportys running around though .

  51. ROHORN and James Taber, you both have it right but guys that ride Harleys and want something thats oriented towards the cafe style would not go to a Harley dealership and expect to be able to get anything like that. I’ve been riding Harleys for 35 years and love them but I’m not the kind that wears the uniform with all the patches etc. and I like the standard style like my 03 SuperGlide with mid controls and flatrack style bars. When I spend money it is to enhance the motor or take stuff off thje bike not add bling. So what I’m saying is there are a lot of HD guys out there that like simple well handling, fast bikes that are smart enough to know that when they go shopping for maybe a cafe style component they know the HD dealer is not the first place to go and Harley ought to tune into that.

  52. It’s been interesting reading all the comments about the new bike. Myself…I like it. Regarding a cafe Sportster…ather than coming out with a specific model, it would be kinda neat if HD snuck in a cafed sample in their accessories catalog for example, just to gauge interest if nothing else. Personally, I’d like to see something like a cross between this new Iron 883 and the road-racing version of the XR1200 that they race in Spain. That XR1200 road-racer alone is very cool. Besides a cafe Sporster, a scrambler would be cool too. There is a company in France that has built one, and it looks really good.

  53. looks good to me. i think my girlfriend is gonna buy one. the nightster was a little too much $$$, but this one will be do-able. plus she didnt really need the 1200, the 883 will be better.

  54. Fact is, I’ve always prefered xl’s especially “low” ones, but the I can’t get away from the flat black. While I always prefer black, this is just getting out of hand, and could never hope to stand out in a crowd. That’s why I love Buells with hot mufflers on them, getting that nice Harley sound, but in a bitchin chassis that stands out (more or less).

    Maybe it’s just the stupid single speedo I could never get past, now it’s just black. I think it ruins the line. HD got wise to the side dangler license plate, how about a little dangler speedo?

    just 2 cents, thanks

  55. In my time in the HD dealer network, I saw LOTS of things that you could call ‘trends’ in a marketing standpoint… And NONE of them were ‘cafe’ in nature. HD ‘listens’ to thier customer-base… AND respond in kind. The customer’s speak through dollars spent, and what they buy translates into what HD will build/offer. In the 15+years of working in the industry, from Cali, AZ, LA, and TN I can say that I’ve seen exactly 2 ‘cafed’ Sportys. And One of them was mine. The other belonged to another guy @ one shop I worked at. Does this ‘new’ sportster seem like a good candidate for the caff treatment? Yep. Will it get it? Not from the factory…. Too many times I’ve seen the cool low-bars removed for mini-apes. Too many times I’ve seen mid-controls swapped for forward pegs. FAR too many times have I seen sissy-bars and backrests put on with saddlebags on this neat little bike.

    FWIW: 4 years ago, @ NOLA H-D, I built a floor-model 1200 sporty… It was an extra allocated model, in black. They let me have my way with it… Blacked everything out, 2-into-one Force pipe, clubmans, flyscreen, solo-seat, Works shocks, Storz rearsets, 18″ wheels. you know… the stuff y’all are talking about here. Was a SICK little bike. Was very similar to my personal sporty… ANYWAY… A dude came in and bought it. Jumped right on it. Everyone else that looked at it were indifferent… Less than 2 weeks later, said Dude is having work done to the bike. Bought some accessories, and was having them installed… Ended up UNDOING everything that made that bike what it was… Mini-apes, Bags, Forward controls, 21″ wheel… EVERYTHING. There was like, 5 other bikes for sale JUST LIKE THAT he could have bought… BUT he bought the caff’d one because it was Black.

    H-D listens. Just not to those of us who ride Anything other than a Harley.

  56. @ Dr. Gellar:

    Harley DID do the ‘sneak-in’ in ’03ish. There was one photo of a caff’d 883 in the ‘wish-book’. List of parts with it, etc… I’ve NEVER seen one done anywhere close. Hell, in ’01-’02 there was a sporster ‘racer’ (actual privateer race-bike) in one of H-D’s books… Mostly Harley parts there too. NOTHING. Crickets, dude. The “Harley-Guy” doesn’t want that stuff. Fact of life. H-D could be leaning that direction now, trying to ‘young-up’ thier customer base, but I doubt it. Flat-Black is “cool” right now… And hence, it’s not cool anymore. One of my bikes is getting painted this week, simply becase some cheese-head asked me 2 days ago if it was “that new Harley”…. It’s a friggen ’73 Honda CB350!!! Whatever.

  57. I think you guys are right on, Cafe bikes are the new Choppers, home built by the owners. IFFFF the factory started making them the cool factor would be sucked out as all the wanna bees would have an easy route to cool. Garage built is best, IMHO.

  58. Yea I pretty much agree with whats being said.I want to say how I got to prefering the mid controls and flatrack bars.In 1974 I bought a brand new 74 Sporty, first bike, I really liked it but every time I was at the dealers I was sittng on the SuperGlides as I’m 6’4″, so after about 9 mo. I traded for a one year old SuperGlide.Being young and inexperienced I asked them to put on forward controls and those stupid 3 bend pullback bars.That thing was really uncomfortable to ride as I had to use arm muscles constantly just to hold myself up and the forward controls just agravated it. I’ve been with mid controls and flatrack bars since.

  59. I wasn’t saying Harley should make a cafe Sportster. I only commented on what I would do to this model if I bought one. I think it’s the best looking Sportster they’ve made in 20 years. I like it better than the Nightster or the XR1200. It’s got awesome potential as a “blank slate” and it appeals to me the same way the new Guzzi V7 does. It’s very close to being a “standard” bike instead of a cruiser. Yes, I have ridden Sportsters and while I enjoy them, their fabled torque is way, way, way over-rated and they weigh 150lbs too much. Folks who trumpet Harley torque as all conquering have usually never ridden a Japanese liter bike from the last 15 years. Most have more torque at 3,000rpm than any Twin Cam has at its’ peak and they keep revving to 11 or 12,000 rpm. I’d like to give a Sportster the cafe treatment but I wouldn’t delude myself into thinking it was actually fast.

    This is just my personal opinion and I have no interest in arguing if you disagree. I happen to like anything on two wheels..I just like some bikes more than others. I’ve never worked in a Harley shop and while I’ve ridden friends Road Kings, Fat Boys, Electra Glides and Sporty’s…I’ve never owned one. I’ve come very close to buying a Harley on several occassions but I’ve never been able to get past the price until recently because they’ve come down to reasonable levels second hand. If I was in the market for a brand new bike that cost around 8 grand I’d look at this Sporty, a Bonneville Black and a Guzzi V7. It would be a hard choice between those bikes and the Harley would definitely have the “cool” factor over the other two. I’m just not sure that owning and riding the bike would measure up to the eye candy aspect of it compared to the other two.

  60. I finally got to see a Motto Guzzi G7 in person yesterday at my local Italian dealer, TTT Ducati in Michigan. The G7 looks Great in person! I had heard that it was small, Its Not, it is a Very good Solid looking Standard, The Tank is Outstanding and shows the Guzzi Engine to good advantage.

  62. dave

    Are there pics of those cafed Sportsters from HD’s old accessories catalogs somewhere on the internet? I’d love to check them out.

    It’s too bad that’s the way it is with cafe Sportsters. I’ve seen some really cool ones here and there while surfing the web.

    Your story about the moron asking about your “Harley” is hilarious….hahahaa!

  63. always said id never buy a sporty but if they set up a big twin like this i can say im there. maybe even a 1200. really like the way this thing looks.

  66. I drove 30 miles to the HD dealer to check the Iron out today. I have to admit that it is better looking in person than it is in pictures. There are several things that I would have to change to be able to live with one….but it really is a nice looking motorcycle.

  67. Thats all fine a well to do introduce this but lets get real on Sportsters. If HD wants to pump up sales on Sportsters just introduce a big bore sportster. 80+ cubic inches would be almost free for the company because the aftermarket has done it on the present platform. They rock and could just add it to the present lineup.

  68. I currently ride a 07′ ninja and have never considered a HD until now. Can the suspension and ride of this 883 Iron be any worse than my sportbike? I’m 5’10” and 155lbs and looking for some input. I appreciate any comments. Thanks
    Rudy

  69. I’m 6’3″ 230 and a huge Sporty fan. Also I am completely anti-chrome! I bought an 03′ 883c with forward controls and drag bars I was more than comfortable. I then in Dec of 06′ bought an 07′ Street Bob. Put on the forward controls again and with the apes was even more comfortable. When the 883 iron came out I re-fell in love wit the Sporster. I’m now selling my big twin to move back to the 883. Black forward controls, black mabey 12 inch apes and homemade pipes. Shhhhhiiiiittttt! That’s all I need!

  70. I intend to make a Sportster my first bike, finances permitting, by mid-summer. Don’t know if you guys have seen it, but HD now has a nice (close to) cafe fairing for the Sporty. I’m not sure if they have rear(ish) sets to go with that yet.

  71. i have drempt of riding this thing home from the dealership for one month now. when is the ausralian release date??????? the money is burning a hole in my pocket and i have a nice spot in my lounge room for this bad boy!!!

  72. loose all chrome,make it truely black add a military stealth headlight then send it my way.Oh yeah add boobs then it would be a real short distance bike.

  73. Was never interested in a Harley before the nightster. Now this iron looks really nice. I’ve got a 550cc antique Yamaha that I like working on, but I’m getting tired of a very old motorcycle demands. This is Harley-simple to still work on, the 1220 displacment upgrade is just $700 dollars as an after market add on. Then you trade with some bloke who actually wants those too short rear shocks. You have something even better looking that the Nightster IMHO, with a lifetime part availabilty promise, and yeah – it is still nice to support something (mostly) made in the US, at a price that isn’t completely overblown like some of the softtails.
    I’m sold. Now if I could get my wife sold…

  74. I was wondering if people can give me some advice, I’m 17 years old and i’m 6 foot tall and weigh around 165..the iron 883 looks to be the bike i’m getting but i’m that its too small for how tall i am..anyone know if i could ride this thing comfortably?

  76. I just bought one of these bikes yesterday, only mine is Brilliant Silver Denim….meaning the tank and fenders are a matte silver color instead of the black. It’s been a few years since I’ve ridden, so it’s definitely a great starter bike to get back on the road with. I’m the envy of all my friends!

  77. Good style, fun bike. My buddy just bought one a few weeks ago and I’ve ridden it a few times now… I’m 6’3 and just over 200 lbs. It was comfortable. I’ve got long legs, and really didn’t feel cramped at all with the mid controls, but forwards would give it some good style too. The ride is a little stiff, but I’d strut the rear end and slap a springer seat on there anyway… so the stiff ride wasn’t a turn off for me. I want one.

  78. I bought this bike in Feb and its the best bike Ive ever had,Im 44 yrs old and been riding 34. I comute 84 kms a day 4 days a week and my butt has not got sore once.My leg get a little stiff after 45 min,so I,m thinkng forward controls,but in the twisties I,m concerned it will not corner as well,because I,m draging my pegs lots.This bike gets more attn than aDucuti or Fatboy.I dont ride a fat wife or a Fat Bike. Sporsters rule

  80. I’ve been riding the Iron for a few weeks now and really like it. It’s my first bike and it’s been 38 years since I’ve rode a motorcycle, it’s a great bike to start back on. I’m 6′ 165 lbs. and it fits me great. I did get the forward controls and mini ape bars for more comfort. Other people really check out the bike and someone asked me if it was a custom bike. I probably wouldn’t have bought a bike if I didn’t see this model. I love the low maintenance.

  81. With this economy, I’ve been looking at Sportsters with a little more interest. I’m 6′ and weigh ~215 lbs and share the concern of some of the taller guys about comfort on a long ride. I didn’t see longer shocks listed as an available option for the Iron 883, but it seems if the shocks were a little longer, I would be able to stretch out a little more and not jolt my spine every time I hit a bump. I’ve never had a bike with forward controls and don’t think I’d want them. Maybe a better option would be highway bars to stretch out on once you get up to speed.
    With the 1200cc upgrade available, this might be a nice way to get into a Harley on the cheap and pump up the power when I have the extra cash…

  82. Just put the cafe fairing on my 2009 Harley Iron,I was going mini apes and forward controls but the longer I have this bike its definitely going in a direction,old school cafe racer,with a 1200 kit. 2950 kms in the last 2 months and I love This bike more each day. This is going to be The Mad Max bike of the decade.Irish Times called it The best Harley EVER. Not trying to blow my own horn but this bike is going to be a collector piece for sure. Good luck trying to find one,my is the only on vancouver Island.

  83. I bought this in mid-April – my first bike – and ride it every chance I get. The suspension does feel tight. I have to watch constantly for potholes, bumps, seams in the road, or I’m likely to get bumped off the seat on the big ones! Not sure yet what to do about that… Softer/thicker seat? Otherwise, it’s a great ride for me.

    I can’t see how it would be a comfortable ride for long-legged people – I’m 5’5″ and find the footpegs just perfect. Not that I know anything about being tall. Just sayin. Side note – the air filter did feel a bit in the way at first, but I’m used to that now.

    Oh, the soft clutch is worth mentioning. You don’t even have to think about it – easiest thing in the world to squeeze and shift.

    Anyway, this baby gets lots of stares and excited comments from guys who ride, used to ride, or wished they ride. Great conversation piece. 🙂

  84. I am considering this for my first bike. Would adding a seat and small back rest to where my wife can ride be practical? I don’t want to ruin the look of a sportster, but it’s kind of a deal breaker for me.

  85. Do not add a peepad,you dont need a back rest and ride the bike . I agree the shocks are a little soft on the bumps but great on the straights,I,m 5,8 and 185. I traded my bike for a Ducuti monster for 45 min on sat, my wrists got sore my back killed me,but isure love the insane power,Got to get a 1200 kit,The dude who rode my bike love it,thought it was very smooth,hes 6 foot and the mid controls were perfect. Got back on my bike and it was like putting on your favorite jeans.

  86. I bought my Iron the 31st of March and have over 5k miles on it now. This turned into my daily driver really fast. I use to ride bikes all the time since i was 5 to 17. So now im back in the seat and rideing everyday. Hell i even ride in the rain and high winds, god i hate wind. That would be the only down side i have about the bike. I get blown all over the road if the wind is above 15mph or so. Ive added a 2up seat and rear pegs to mine so far, low/mid backrest and some side out pipes is next on my shoppin list. Id say this is a great beginner/ welcome back bike for anyone. Cant wait till my daughter turns 16 and i can pass it off to her.

  88. IM 19 years old and am about to purchase this bike. I dont look like a person to be interested in harley at all. What i really wanted was a crotch rocket but when i saw this bike i fell in love and the price is perfect for me as well great bike rides even better

  89. i just bought an iron 883. i love it. ive had a ninja 250 and drove several of my dads bikes. he has an older harley 1350 now and i love it too but i wouldnt trade my iron for anything. there really isnt anything wrong with the suspension to me. i think it just appeals to certain people that like that look. if you don’t like it you dont have to buy it. i think the bikes perfect for me though. years from now i might just get it bored out or something.

  90. I love you guys. I just want you to know that. Some of you look so hard at the details for flaws that you miss the total package. Take a step back, and just look at this bike for what it is. This bike is PERFECT. It’s beautiful and functional right out of the gate. It’s also a blank slate for whatever mod you may want to do later.

    planned mods for now: Lift her a few inches for a bit more clearance and the possibility of a softer ride. New seat and passenger pegs so I can throw my wife or daughter on the back. That’s pretty much it for now.

  91. Hiya
    love the looks and would like the change but as i ride big trailie looking bikes like the Triumph Tiger 855 and am 6ft+ would this look small for me?

  92. Hmm? Did you say there’s a passenger seat and pegs available for this beautiful machine? I’m excited if so because I too was looking at the Guzzi Classic V7 as a potential for my next bike because havin’ a spot for my little lady is important to me. I’m dropping the dollars soon, so any advice would be awesome. I’m thinkin’ HD with the 1220 displacement mod., a new seat, and some pegs for starters. Oh, and by the way, I’ve been riding a crotch rocket for the last ten years. I was lookin’ at new bikes, and when I saw this I fell in love.

  93. if you guys would like the front end to be lower then the best and easiest way to cure that itch is to buy a smaller front wheel….maybe a seventeen inch instead of the nineteen inch that harley uses. personaly i like it the way it is but im curious to see what attitude the seventeen will bring to the stance and appearance of the bike.

  94. i just bought bought my first harley, something i worked hard all my life for, and i went straight for the iron. i love it, and it would be nice if people just gave up trying to compare any harley to a freakn rice rocket. they make cruisers, not 2 stroke rice burners.

  95. Got one since last year august, done about 10000km and the front suspension is a nightmare, bottoms out when it’s standard, too hard with heavier oil and the rebound all wrong, yet Harley Davidson says nobody else complains so they won’t do a warranty claim. We fitted the standard forks from the 883 custom and they work perfect on the bike, so looks like they won’t have a repeat customer if that’s what they want.

  96. I LOVE the look of this bike. I am 5’9″ and 190 lbs, and the Iron fits me perfectly. My only issue is deciding between the Iron and customizing it, or saving my pennies and getting a Superglide, and of course customizing that.

    Problem is not any flaw or limitation with the sporty, just the type of riding that I like to do, which is touring. Yes, the big twin will be more comfortable, but the Iron, with a little cafe bubble fairing, a better seat and some soft saddlebags would make a mean sport-tourer.

  97. @ Marylin,

    You are a very lucky person to have both an Iron AND a Nightster. I’ve ridden the Nightster extensively, how does the 883 compare in power and feel? Is it really slow or adequate? How does it sound?

  98. This is the first time I have ever seen a Harley that genuinely jumped out at me and said “hey”. This is one seriously badass bike. But it’s not screaming “BADASS”, it’s just quiet about it.

    I really like the idea of the smaller engine, lighter overall bike and the lines are very cool. I don’t mine a bit of chrome here and there, although a fully stealth bike would indeed be sweet.

    Sadly, even an 883 is too big for me for a guy looking at a first motorcycle. It will be 8 years or so before I can even consider looking at getting one due to licensing restrictions and taxes in BOTH places where I live.

    If they made a 250cc version of this, that would REALLY get the entry level crowd. I have to ride a 249cc or less for at least one year on my Asian license or in Canada (new legislation for motorcycle licenses) and it’s just not practical for me to spend that on a motorcycle in Canada.

    Even if it was 800 bucks more than a nearly identical 250cc Rebel, I’d happily pay it. In fact, I’ll probably drop 800 bucks on buying a bunch of Iron parts and converting them over to fit on a Rebel simply because I have no other choice.

  99. I don’t ride, but after seeing this bike I’m buying it. This is the type of bike I always wanted. But trying to find those old schools bikes is impossible, and even if I did find one it’d be a chore. I’m definitely going to get one of these though.