Harley Davidson Sportster 883 - XL 883 Review

Overall Rating

1. build quality
2. very low maintenance
3. (brand) image
4. fuel efficient
5. price in relation to brand image
6. road holding
7. styling

1. suspension
2. engine tuning required for acceptable performance/behaviour
3. jiffy
4. standard tires

My orange Centennial 2003 Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 is a real experience. You have to ride it regularly to keep used to it. It always attracts people, when they see it. It is a beautiful Harley after all.
It has its quirks but when used as conceived (slow cruising) the bike is excellent and due to the relaxing engine character and the stability and once driving
when purchased 2nd hand with 3000km (now 11.000km) on the odo the engine was stock and was mainly vibrating instead of offering some kind of performance and coughing after starting. I corrected both by mounting a Screaming Eagle open engine filter and it also fixed the irritating breather oil leakage problem with the stock closed filter!
I get 20 kilometers per litre and maintenance is very cheap (Euro 150 for 8000km service).
Some things require attention:

1. . the suspension is very soft up front, making braking (brakes are good as such) a sometimes scary experience. because the fork start compressing immediately you tend to break harder and suddenly it looks like you are trying to make a stoppie. this takes some getting used to.
2. Rear shock are stiff with very short travel! even with very modest humps in the road the rear suspensions tends to bottom out, not a nice feeling or sound.
3. The jiffy is unlocked from the actuated position with very little effort needed. so sometimes you find that it has retracted again, without noticing it...
4. Standard tires are okay in the dry (Dunlop) but in the wet they do not offer a lot of grip and they feel a bit hard and square. Bridgestones are definitely better in the wet.
5. Overall I think this motorcycle is an excellent buy, but you have to love it and it's quirks. Ride it for the purpose it was designed for and you will find all is okay and acceptable.