Just Inherited/Bought a 2000 Sportster 883
- saltwaterwop
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- Real Name: Joe
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- My Motorcycle: 2000 Harley Davidson Sportster 883
- Location: Central Florida
Just Inherited/Bought a 2000 Sportster 883
Hey all..
My wife's Dad passed away in December at 82 years old and was still riding his customized 2000 Harley Sportster 883 until just before his death. We were very close and I asked if I could buy his bike since I've always wanted a motorcycle but marriage/kids/responsibility got in the way until now at 48.
Other than small scooters and mountain bikes, I've never driven a motorcycle but have driven manual trans cars and am hoping that helps the learning curve. Looking to take my MSF course this month and have the bike tuned up as well since it sat for several months.
It was pretty emotional when they were also able to give me all of his leather riding gear that fits me perfectly other than the helmet which I will get new. Looking forward to taking it slow and honoring him by keeping the bike on the road and in the family..
My wife's Dad passed away in December at 82 years old and was still riding his customized 2000 Harley Sportster 883 until just before his death. We were very close and I asked if I could buy his bike since I've always wanted a motorcycle but marriage/kids/responsibility got in the way until now at 48.
Other than small scooters and mountain bikes, I've never driven a motorcycle but have driven manual trans cars and am hoping that helps the learning curve. Looking to take my MSF course this month and have the bike tuned up as well since it sat for several months.
It was pretty emotional when they were also able to give me all of his leather riding gear that fits me perfectly other than the helmet which I will get new. Looking forward to taking it slow and honoring him by keeping the bike on the road and in the family..
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Re: Just Inherited/Bought a 2000 Sportster 883
Welcome Joe,
Luck with the course.
Luck with the course.
2019 Zero DSR, 1980 Suzuki GS550L
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- totalmotorcycle
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Re: Just Inherited/Bought a 2000 Sportster 883

Wow, that's quite the inheritance story there. I'm sad to hear he passed away and happy to hear you got a bike.
As inherited items go, inheriting a motorcycle is pretty great as when you ride it having a great time you'll think of your wife's Dad.
With the right care, the 883 should be in your family for a very long time (keep it as stock as possible to have it last longest)
Mike
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- saltwaterwop
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Re: Just Inherited/Bought a 2000 Sportster 883
Thanks all..
I signed up today to take the beginner rider MSF course and test next weekend.
Here I go... Nice and Slow
I signed up today to take the beginner rider MSF course and test next weekend.
Here I go... Nice and Slow
- totalmotorcycle
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Re: Just Inherited/Bought a 2000 Sportster 883
A very big congratulations on doing that! By the end of the course you will have a lot of new basic riding skills on-tap.saltwaterwop wrote:Thanks all..
I signed up today to take the beginner rider MSF course and test next weekend.
Here I go... Nice and Slow

You should start a Blog here in the Motorcycle Blog Forum and write about each day... I'm sure it will be of interest to many new riders.
Mike
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Re: Just Inherited/Bought a 2000 Sportster 883
Sorry for your loss! He must have thought a lot about you to leave you a bike like that! Smart idea to take lessons. You will have years of enjoyment on that bike. Actually a nice bike to learn on. Remember, be patient with yourself! Confidence is the key!
Life may begin at 30 but it gets real interesting at 140!
- totalmotorcycle
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Re: Just Inherited/Bought a 2000 Sportster 883
Great advice.Markg1 wrote:You will have years of enjoyment on that bike. Actually a nice bike to learn on. Remember, be patient with yourself! Confidence is the key!
We have all been there in those fustrating times when we miss the simple things (like no gas or accidentally hitting the kill switch or forgetting to put up the kick stand...etc)
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Re: Just Inherited/Bought a 2000 Sportster 883
Great story, and what a perfect bike to learn on. That's a keeper.
"If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be."
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Re: Just Inherited/Bought a 2000 Sportster 883
Welcome
Sorry for you're loss, but like you said what a great way to honor him, by keeping his 883 on the road. Good luck on the course, have fun and stay safe.
Sorry for you're loss, but like you said what a great way to honor him, by keeping his 883 on the road. Good luck on the course, have fun and stay safe.