Harley Sportster XL 883 too much for a newbie?

[theoldwolf]

You're into cruisers? Look for a used Triumph Bonneville America. Lighter than the 883, lower center of gravity, and as a bonus will smoke the 883 too! But it's not a power monster, the power is very easy to modulate, throttle response is very predictable.

Actually, my whole family are into Triumphs and have been for decades. They're definitely on my shortlist. My uncle restores old ones as a hobby. Unfortunately he's still in the UK while I'm in California, otherwise I'd surely enlist his help. Might be worth buying him a flight out here when it comes time to buy. Cheers mate!

[koji52]

i ride an 883 and love the thing. I have no problems cornering and maneuvering with it other than my forward footpegs dragging once in a while. I will agree that it's much more top heavy than other harleys and probably most other bikes. I've gotten used to it though. I don't have problems balancing the bike when I'm rolling slow and I think it holds up well on the road and in tight spots despite relatively unresponsive brakes. I've got caught in some really close calls with wet roads, hail and idiot drivers last weekend and was able to hold it upright. I definitely recommend it.

[HYPERR]

You're into cruisers? Look for a used Triumph Bonneville America. Lighter than the 883, lower center of gravity, and as a bonus will smoke the 883 too! But it's not a power monster, the power is very easy to modulate, throttle response is very predictable.

Remember, Brando rode the Triumph and Marvin rode the Harley. 'Nuff said.

Seriously though, it's funny that the Bonnie and the Sporty morphed into cruisers over the years.

[theoldwolf]

You're into cruisers? Look for a used Triumph Bonneville America. Lighter than the 883, lower center of gravity, and as a bonus will smoke the 883 too! But it's not a power monster, the power is very easy to modulate, throttle response is very predictable.

Hi again guys, I'm still looking, and the Bonneville America is definitely on the short list along with the Sportster. I have another question that is related to my first, so I'll just ask here instead of starting a whole new thread (mods - kick me in the backside if this is inappropriate).

One of the things I like about the Sportster is that I can upgrade it to 1200cc at a relatively low cost when I'm ready. I'm a grad student, so it's not like I could upgrade to a Softy or whatever in a year or two. I don't have the money, and my wife would probably beat the hell out of me to boot.

Here's my question: Is there an equivalent upgrade method for the Bonny should I decide that I have outgrown it?

Thanks again chaps, you've all been really helpful so far.

[blues2cruise]

I have no idea about the upgrade to the Triumph, but someone I know did upgrade his HD 883 to a 1200. He liked it.

[Wrider]

I have no idea about the upgrade to the Triumph, but someone I know did upgrade his HD 883 to a 1200. He liked it.

Also not sure about the Bonnie... but I do happen to know that if you put the 1200 upgrade on the 883 it's faster than the factory 1200 and you still pay insurance on the 883...
Just an idea...
Wrider

[jstark47]

Wiseco makes a big bore kit (904cc) and big bore and stroker kit (988cc), apparently works on both 790cc and 865cc New Triumph twins (Bonneville, T100, Thruxton, Bonneville America, Speedmaster, etc). It needs to be professionally done unless you're very experienced and have major tools. Guy in my RAT pack had it done by a local dealer to his T100, I think he said it cost around $1100 for the whole deal. It definitely made a difference in his bike's performance though.

[Grey Thumper]

I'm also a big guy (6'2" and a lean 220 lb), so I can't imagine myself hunched over a sports bike. Hence I am leaning towards a used Harley Sportster XL 833.

The Sportsters are my favorite Harleys, and I really like the riding position, but then again, I'm only 5'8". At your height, you might find it a bit cramped, so try swinging a leg over one. If you're looking for a cruiser, might wanna give a Triumph Scrambler a try; not exactly a cruiser riding position, but it's still got really gorgeous retro/classic looks. If you prefer the cruiser riding position, the Bonneville America has already been mentioned.

[theoldwolf]

Once again you guys come up with the goods. Seriously, this forum rocks!

blues2cruise and Wrider: I keep hearing good things about upgrading the 883 to 1200. It seems like a good way for me to advance without buying a whole new bike. Good to know that the insurance is the same, Wrider.

jstark47, that's the answer I was looking for. I was definitely planning on having a pro do it. As I mentioned above, my uncle and cousins are constantly overhauling Triumphs, but it's way out of my league and they're in the UK while I'm in California now. Still, $1100 seems comparable to similar work to upgrade the 883.

Grey Thumper, thanks for the advice on the Scrambler. I've looked at it, and I think I prefer the Bonneville. Both are beautiful machines though.

Thanks again all, you're awesome.

[BlackCowboy]

Say man I just looked at this bike today. I am really thinking about getting one. It's a Harley that I can afford also. I just statred riding two weeks ago and I am hooked. I just have to convince my wife to let me buy another bike in the same month when it took me almost 40 years to buy one. Good luck Biker.