Harley Davidson 883 Iron

hirubhaiambani · May 1st, 2013, 06:24 PM

My friend took the MSF class and got his motorcycle endorsement last week. He also put in a deposit for a brand new HD-883 Iron. We picked up the bike today and I rode the bike to his home from the dealership (~40 miles)

I never thought I'd like a Harley, but man, this bike is a stunner. Just looks amazing. Makes a lot of noise but its manageable. I rode in the parking lot for 2-3 minutes and I got instantly comfortable on it. The bike vibrates a lot but I guess thats part of the experience.

The bike itself is stable on the freeway. I ride my ninjette on the same freeway and I'm constantly fighting the crosswinds. However, the crosswinds didn't blow me into other lanes on the 883. The mirrors are POS. Really, really tiny and also vibrate a lot. Thankfully I do a headcheck every time I change lanes. Also, no tachometer, no fuel gauge and no gear indicator (these are avaible as upgrades). For the first couple of minutes I couldn't figure out if the engine was knocking due to being in a wrong gear or is it just vibrating coz its a Harley..lol. The bike also emits significantly more heat than the ninjette (duh!). The left turn indicator switch is on the left handlebar and the right one on the right. That took some getting used to. Also the brakes are crap. Stopping power isn't all that great.

All in all, I believe its a good beginner bike due to the fact its easy to ride. Not sure whether I can live with the engine vibrations on a daily basis.

I also checked out the Ninja 650, Ninja 1000, FZ6, FZ8, FZ1, CBR 600RR, Hayabusa and ZX14R. I think the Ninja 650 or a slightly lowered FZ8 might give my Ninjette some company in the future.

alex.s · May 1st, 2013, 06:38 PM

heeey! i've test rode the iron 883! cool bike. harleys definitely sound and feel ... badass. riding a harley over 50mph was one of the most terrifying bike experiences i've had. forget about trying to turn. u-turn? ha! the vibration made me start to feel numb. also it doesn't really ... not sure the right word, but... fit? as in, a sport bike is made so you fit on it just right. a harley... its an engine with a stool on top and awkward handlebars. there's literally nowhere to put your knees, so they wind up hanging out to the side which really hurts your knees after a short while. also the pegs were in the absolute worst position for city riding. in my opinion it felt like i was hitting redline around 2krpm, but i'm told its actually around 6 or something?

the seat was comfortable. i like their LED projector headlights.

JohnnyBravo · May 1st, 2013, 07:35 PM

I love Harley!!! I own a ninja

Bentley813 · May 1st, 2013, 07:45 PM

This was my riding buddy all day Sunday.

CC Cowboy · May 3rd, 2013, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hirubhaiambani

My friend took the MSF class and got his motorcycle endorsement last week. He also put in a deposit for a brand new HD-883 Iron. We picked up the bike today and I rode the bike to his home from the dealership (~40 miles)

I never thought I'd like a Harley, but man, this bike is a stunner. Just looks amazing. Makes a lot of noise but its manageable. I rode in the parking lot for 2-3 minutes and I got instantly comfortable on it. The bike vibrates a lot but I guess thats part of the experience.

The bike itself is stable on the freeway. I ride my ninjette on the same freeway and I'm constantly fighting the crosswinds. However, the crosswinds didn't blow me into other lanes on the 883. The mirrors are POS. Really, really tiny and also vibrate a lot. Thankfully I do a headcheck every time I change lanes. Also, no tachometer, no fuel gauge and no gear indicator (these are avaible as upgrades). For the first couple of minutes I couldn't figure out if the engine was knocking due to being in a wrong gear or is it just vibrating coz its a Harley..lol. The bike also emits significantly more heat than the ninjette (duh!). The left turn indicator switch is on the left handlebar and the right one on the right. That took some getting used to.

All in all, I believe its a good beginner bike due to the fact its easy to ride. Not sure whether I can live with the engine vibrations on a daily basis.

I also checked out the Ninja 650, Ninja 1000, FZ6, FZ8, FZ1, CBR 600RR, Hayabusa and ZX14R. I think the Ninja 650 or a slightly lowered FZ8 might give my Ninjette some company in the future.

I bet you were smiling the entire time!

alex.s · May 3rd, 2013, 04:22 PM

fz8... love that bike. i would totally buy that bike if i had the spare cash laying around and didnt need to buy a bunch of other ****... and also go racing.... where do i apply for a sugarmomma?

tooblekain · May 3rd, 2013, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

fz8... love that bike. i would totally buy that bike if i had the spare cash laying around and didnt need to buy a bunch of other ****... and also go racing.... where do i apply for a sugarmomma?

Go to Jack's in La Jolla or Fox Fire in Anaheim Hills...both are FULL of cougars living off their rich ex-husbands. If not that, it's an easy lay.

I speak troof...

Think Im joking? http://www.yelp.com/biz/foxfire-rest...ery:Fox%20Fire

alex.s · May 3rd, 2013, 04:45 PM

good lookin out brah.

hirubhaiambani · May 4th, 2013, 12:03 AM

I was honored that my friend trusted me with his brand new '0 miles on the odo' bike knowing that my motorbike is significantly different and lower powered than his. He could have easily asked another friend who rides a Duc 1098 and has 5 more years of riding experience than me. I think my friend knows deep down inside that ninjette riders are super safe and super good riders. I was definitely giggling like a little girl inside my helmet. hahaha

And yes, the FZ8 is a superb bike. I hate its exhaust can, but man, the bike looks and feels solid. I need to go back and get a test ride. Also, I think its priced right.

hirubhaiambani · May 4th, 2013, 12:09 AM

My labmate got a federal grant for her research and since I am so nice, she buys me reagents for my experiments off her grant money. Now, this gives me some experience to go get a real life sugar momma but I think real life sugar momma's like guys who ride R6

hirubhaiambani · May 4th, 2013, 12:10 AM

Steve: What tailbag is that? Looks super neat!

checho323 · May 4th, 2013, 01:13 AM

That's the bike I want

KawiKid860 · May 4th, 2013, 01:47 AM

I like sportsters. I think a small sporty cruiser would make a nice 6th or 7th bike for me after I've already bought all the others I want.... I'll keep on dreaming.... Surprisingly the 883 sportsters start at about $200 less than a shadow 750

psych0hans · May 4th, 2013, 02:39 AM

I rode a friends Iron a short distance, not a bad bike at all, but I still prefer my Ninjette. Even over my dad's Fat Bob.

thurt88 · May 4th, 2013, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hirubhaiambani

I was honored that my friend trusted me with his brand new '0 miles on the odo' bike knowing that my motorbike is significantly different and lower powered than his. He could have easily asked another friend who rides a Duc 1098 and has 5 more years of riding experience than me. I think my friend knows deep down inside that ninjette riders are super safe and super good riders. I was definitely giggling like a little girl inside my helmet. hahaha

And yes, the FZ8 is a superb bike. I hate its exhaust can, but man, the bike looks and feels solid. I need to go back and get a test ride. Also, I think its priced right.

I think a ninja 250 is more powerful than an 883. It's definately faster. V twins are ancient technology.

psych0hans · May 4th, 2013, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thurt88

I think a ninja 250 is more powerful than an 883. It's definately faster. V twins are ancient technology.

Are you on weed?

thurt88 · May 4th, 2013, 03:43 AM

There is like 20hp difference and the Harley is almost 200lbs heavier....

But yea weed too. I stand by my comment. Ninja 250r is 30-35 hp.

thurt88 · May 4th, 2013, 03:49 AM

Oops, I was wrong its more like 27hp for 250r. But still, that big ass Harley.

From stop light to stop light a ninja 250r would smoke that 883. At least I know mine would. Although top speed mine putters out at around 84 mph.

TheDementedDrummer · May 4th, 2013, 03:58 AM

I dunno if the guys who ride them like going slow, or if the bikes are actually slow, but whenever i see a group of Harleys, they're not doing more than a hundred km/h (60mph).

psych0hans · May 4th, 2013, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDementedDrummer

I dunno if the guys who ride them like going slow, or if the bikes are actually slow, but whenever i see a group of Harleys, they're not doing more than a hundred km/h (60mph).

Cruisers aren't really meant for going fast... And Indian roads aren't meant for going fast on... lol I touched 120km/hr on my dad's Harley, about 73mi/hr But by then you're pretty much handing on for dear life... lol Wind blast buddy... The faster you go, the more the aerodynamics matter. And did I mention Indian roads aren't meant for going that fast?

psych0hans · May 4th, 2013, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thurt88

Oops, I was wrong its more like 27hp for 250r. But still, that big ass Harley.

From stop light to stop light a ninja 250r would smoke that 883. At least I know mine would. Although top speed mine putters out at around 84 mph.

You're mostly right, I was just trying to prove a point that an 883 isn't slower. Try taking one to the track tho... lol low side at turn 1

Mine too... I can't take it beyond 87... It's like it tops out there.

TheDementedDrummer · May 4th, 2013, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psych0hans

Cruisers aren't really meant for going fast... And Indian roads aren't meant for going fast on... lol I touched 120km/hr on my dad's Harley, about 73mi/hr But by then you're pretty much handing on for dear life... lol Wind blast buddy... The faster you go, the more the aerodynamics matter. And did I mention Indian roads aren't meant for going that fast?

I hit 190 on a friend's MT-01, that was scary

No wind protection at all.

thurt88 · May 4th, 2013, 04:15 AM

I'd love to take a Harley xr1200 on the track.

Bentley813 · May 4th, 2013, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hirubhaiambani

Steve: What tailbag is that? Looks super neat!

Ogio tail bag. I love it. Each side pocket can hold a 32 ounce drink, main compartment holds my full Frogg Trogg rain suit plus a change of shoes, and the front compartment hold my wallet, mp3 player, and phone.

psych0hans · May 4th, 2013, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDementedDrummer

I hit 190 on a friend's MT-01, that was scary

No wind protection at all.

Dude, you're 16... WTF are you doing riding an MT01 at 190? Got a death wish much? lol

psych0hans · May 4th, 2013, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thurt88

I'd love to take a Harley xr1200 on the track.

My cousin has one... It's WAY sweet!!! Too bad they stopped production.

CC Cowboy · May 4th, 2013, 10:41 AM

This thread cracks me up.

I really love this quote," I think my friend knows deep down inside that ninjette riders are super safe and super good riders." Except for the 90% that crash!

leed · May 4th, 2013, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thurt88

I'd love to take a Harley xr1200 on the track.

Agreed. They're sooooo coooool.

Quote:

Originally Posted by psych0hans

You're mostly right, I was just trying to prove a point that an 883 isn't slower. Try taking one to the track tho... lol low side at turn 1

I laughed the first time I went on the HD website, on of the performance specifications on their motorcycles is "Lean Angle - Right" and "Lean Angle - Left"

Reswob · May 4th, 2013, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psych0hans

Are you on weed?

Twice the hp... but twice the weight too! And the little Ninja certainly handles better.

CC Cowboy · May 4th, 2013, 01:17 PM

Harleys rock. At least that's what girls tell me.

hirubhaiambani · May 4th, 2013, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Harleys rock. At least that's what girls tell me.

Because Harleys have chrome? Girls are attracted to shiny stuff.

hirubhaiambani · May 4th, 2013, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

This thread cracks me up.

I really love this quote," I think my friend knows deep down inside that ninjette riders are super safe and super good riders." Except for the 90% that crash!

90% of ninjette riders are ambushed by toyotas. Statistically proven fact. Ask Jiggles.

hirubhaiambani · May 4th, 2013, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bentley813

Ogio tail bag. I love it. Each side pocket can hold a 32 ounce drink, main compartment holds my full Frogg Trogg rain suit plus a change of shoes, and the front compartment hold my wallet, mp3 player, and phone.

The price is right too!

backinthesaddleagain · May 4th, 2013, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thurt88

I'd love to take a Harley xr1200 on the track.

A friend just picked one up used, and a new Repsol themed CBR250.

Ytse Frobozz · May 6th, 2013, 05:25 PM

Dude that is an insanely steep hill you're climbing. I love the look of the 883 Iron, like it's something out of an Indiana Jones movie. If I had a Harley, it would be that or the Night Rod.

xtrapsi · May 6th, 2013, 05:38 PM

Night Rod or the Nightster...with the 48 a definite runner up!
When my Sportbike days are over I'll be looking into these.

May 1st, 2013, 06:38 PM	#2
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	heeey! i've test rode the iron 883! cool bike. harleys definitely sound and feel ... badass. riding a harley over 50mph was one of the most terrifying bike experiences i've had. forget about trying to turn. u-turn? ha! the vibration made me start to feel numb. also it doesn't really ... not sure the right word, but... fit? as in, a sport bike is made so you fit on it just right. a harley... its an engine with a stool on top and awkward handlebars. there's literally nowhere to put your knees, so they wind up hanging out to the side which really hurts your knees after a short while. also the pegs were in the absolute worst position for city riding. in my opinion it felt like i was hitting redline around 2krpm, but i'm told its actually around 6 or something? the seat was comfortable. i like their LED projector headlights. __________________________________________________

May 3rd, 2013, 04:22 PM	#6
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	fz8... love that bike. i would totally buy that bike if i had the spare cash laying around and didnt need to buy a bunch of other ****... and also go racing.... where do i apply for a sugarmomma? __________________________________________________

May 3rd, 2013, 04:45 PM	#8
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	good lookin out brah. __________________________________________________

May 4th, 2013, 02:39 AM	#14
psych0hans ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Hansveer Location: Bombay, India Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r - Track whore, Ninja 300 - SOLD, KTM RC390 - Orange Hulk, Ducati 899 Panigale - Red Devil. Posts: A lot.	I rode a friends Iron a short distance, not a bad bike at all, but I still prefer my Ninjette. Even over my dad's Fat Bob. __________________________________________________ GETTING BACK INTO RIDING? Read this.

May 4th, 2013, 03:58 AM	#19
TheDementedDrummer Present. Somewhat. Name: Neel Location: Bangalore, India Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 KTM Duke 200, 2011 Ninja 250r, 2011 Ducati Monster 796, 2014 Kawasaki ZX10r Posts: 227	I dunno if the guys who ride them like going slow, or if the bikes are actually slow, but whenever i see a group of Harleys, they're not doing more than a hundred km/h (60mph). __________________________________________________ Highest speed on two wheels- 230 km/h Beat that.

May 1st, 2013, 07:35 PM	#3
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	I love Harley!!! I own a ninja

May 1st, 2013, 07:45 PM	#4
Bentley813 ninjette.org member Name: Steve Location: Oswego, NY Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 White 300 Posts: 221	This was my riding buddy all day Sunday.

May 4th, 2013, 12:03 AM	#9
hirubhaiambani Ninjette Fanboy Name: HB Location: Missouri Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja250 Posts: 307	I was honored that my friend trusted me with his brand new '0 miles on the odo' bike knowing that my motorbike is significantly different and lower powered than his. He could have easily asked another friend who rides a Duc 1098 and has 5 more years of riding experience than me. I think my friend knows deep down inside that ninjette riders are super safe and super good riders. I was definitely giggling like a little girl inside my helmet. hahaha And yes, the FZ8 is a superb bike. I hate its exhaust can, but man, the bike looks and feels solid. I need to go back and get a test ride. Also, I think its priced right.

May 4th, 2013, 12:09 AM	#10
hirubhaiambani Ninjette Fanboy Name: HB Location: Missouri Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja250 Posts: 307	My labmate got a federal grant for her research and since I am so nice, she buys me reagents for my experiments off her grant money. Now, this gives me some experience to go get a real life sugar momma but I think real life sugar momma's like guys who ride R6

May 4th, 2013, 12:10 AM	#11
hirubhaiambani Ninjette Fanboy Name: HB Location: Missouri Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja250 Posts: 307	Steve: What tailbag is that? Looks super neat!

May 4th, 2013, 01:13 AM	#12
checho323 ninjette.org guru Name: Checho Location: Los Angeles Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): Harley Street 750 Posts: 284	That's the bike I want

May 4th, 2013, 01:47 AM	#13
KawiKid860 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Murphey Location: Eastern Washington Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.	I like sportsters. I think a small sporty cruiser would make a nice 6th or 7th bike for me after I've already bought all the others I want.... I'll keep on dreaming.... Surprisingly the 883 sportsters start at about $200 less than a shadow 750

May 4th, 2013, 03:43 AM	#17
thurt88 ninjette.org guru Name: Tommy Location: Missouri Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CRF250L, 2010 ninja 250r Posts: 413	There is like 20hp difference and the Harley is almost 200lbs heavier.... But yea weed too. I stand by my comment. Ninja 250r is 30-35 hp.

May 4th, 2013, 03:49 AM	#18
thurt88 ninjette.org guru Name: Tommy Location: Missouri Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CRF250L, 2010 ninja 250r Posts: 413	Oops, I was wrong its more like 27hp for 250r. But still, that big ass Harley. From stop light to stop light a ninja 250r would smoke that 883. At least I know mine would. Although top speed mine putters out at around 84 mph.

May 4th, 2013, 04:15 AM	#23
thurt88 ninjette.org guru Name: Tommy Location: Missouri Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CRF250L, 2010 ninja 250r Posts: 413	I'd love to take a Harley xr1200 on the track.

May 4th, 2013, 10:41 AM	#27
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	This thread cracks me up. I really love this quote," I think my friend knows deep down inside that ninjette riders are super safe and super good riders." Except for the 90% that crash! __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!
	2 out of 2 members found this post helpful.

May 4th, 2013, 01:17 PM	#30
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	Harleys rock. At least that's what girls tell me. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

May 6th, 2013, 05:25 PM	#35
Ytse Frobozz Not dead yet! Name: Rob Location: Marlborough MA Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 315	Dude that is an insanely steep hill you're climbing. I love the look of the 883 Iron, like it's something out of an Indiana Jones movie. If I had a Harley, it would be that or the Night Rod.

May 6th, 2013, 05:38 PM	#36
xtrapsi newbie Name: Gregg Location: Cape May, NJ Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2013 300 ABS Posts: 83	Night Rod or the Nightster...with the 48 a definite runner up! When my Sportbike days are over I'll be looking into these. __________________________________________________ So you will put frame sliders on the bike to protect the fairings but won't wear leathers to protect your skin???

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