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For my first bike I am entertaining getting a new 883R or possibly a used 883 with the option to upgrade to a larger bike in a couple of years.

Pre-2004, the Sportster's engine was not rubber mounted, transferring vibration to the frame and rider.

I am asking anyone who has actually ridden a pre-2004 Sportster 883 (and preferably also ridden a 2004/2005):

Is the vibration really awful? Or is it just bad compared to smoother running bikes?

Would the vibration make my biking experience/learning terrible?

Thanks.

I've not ridden the new sportster, but I have had the opportunity to take an '02 883 w/ a 1200 kit installed for a few spins around town.

I didn't mind the vibes at all. Ther are definitely noticable, but that's just the way a Harley is. You really have to ride it yourself to get an Idea of it, but If you really want the bike, I don't think a little vibeys are going to throw you.

All that being said, it would probably be beneficial to get an older japanese cruiser and flog it around a bit. That way if you make any newbie mistakes, it won't be to the detriment of your new HD.

Harley-Davidson makes some really nice looking motorcycles and they are becoming quite reliable and quality is right up there now too.

The New rubber mounted Harley-Davidson 883 Sportsters are a huge improvement over the non-rubber mounted ones, but they also weight just a big more too. Vibration is part of the H-D experience, so you just have to get used to it. The biggest problem with Sportsters is the extremely tiny gas tank, so expect to fill up with gas often!

I would also recommend a used motorcycle as well before I spent all that money on the new bike to find out if I like it or not. Used bikes offer a HUGE advantage to new riders being cheaper to insure, fix and buy and offer great experience to learn on.

Mike.

It doesn't sound like you're in the market for a Goldwing, so I think you've got to accept the fact that you're going to get vibrations. A sporster is what it is. The question is, what are you looking for?

Performance, speed, comfort, image. Decide on what's important and then go for it. If you really want to customize your bike and have something that really keeps its value, stick with the Sportster. If, however, you want something to learn on, I'd go with a japanese cruiser. More bike for the buck.

I own a 2004 1200 and I must say it is an awsome machine. I have no problems with vibes at all. The pre 04's did have this problem, although some say they don't mind it. I looked at the japanese bikes, and while I do own a few Suzuki's, I thought the quality on the HD was superior. Not to mention the resale value. Best thing is to check it out for yourself.

Thanks.

I thought I only had one trip to the well on this, and that only after I finished losing the weight my wife wanted.

After talking to her about messing up the new bike a year after I took the class, she has authorized me to buy a USED Buell Blast (the same as they use in the class) right after the class, and upgrade to a Sportster 883 or 1200 a year or so later, after I lose the weight.

Yippee !

Thanks for all your help.

My friend just got rid of his 03' sportster 883 with a 1200 kit in it.
He said Quote" If your planning to do some long hauls be prepared for the vibration" He could only stand about an hour of it. As for the fuel tank, there is a larger tank available for $450 Cdn including color matched paint. I only had one oppertunity to ride his bike. And all I can say is WOW, that little bike turned out to be a monster with that 1200 kit in it.
He has just bought the new 05 Fatboy and says the vibration is similar but it is a harley and you can expect it. It's your choice, ride em both if you can, if you can't I hope we gave some helpful info.

I just sold my 03 883 custom after putting 12,000 miles on it. Moving up to a softail deluxe.

The vibration takes a little getting used to, but I am 48 years old with an artificial knee and last summer I rode my 883 from Columbus OH to Fort Collin, Co and back. I had four different days of riding 650 plus miles in a day. Four of the funnest days I've had in a long time.

Now when I first got on the bike, I thought I was suffering from shaken baby syndrome, but it did not take long to get used to it.

I made the following modifications before my big ride: Mustang touring seat, and kuryakan gel handgrips. I always ride with gel gloves too. All of those help a lot. The seat was probably most important.

I rode about 50 miles on a friends 04 1200. The vibrations were much less. However after 50 on his stock seat on wanted my vibrating 03 back.

Thanks.

Here is what has happened:
- My wife says I can have a 2006 (with EFI I hope) after I lose more weight.

- For now, I have a Buell Blast which, being a thumper, has its own vibration issues. So, a 2006 Sportster will be a major move up.

Excellent plan. I think a Blast would be both a good learning bike and a good one for gettng adjusted to vibrating. I do not believe that Sportster have an EFI option at this time, but one never knows.

As an aside, I did notice a significant performance decline in my Sporty when riding at 10 to 12,000 feet. EFI would have helped there.

Enjoy your ride.

Tom