I really wanted to like this bike.

[SLAP-DASH]

Last October (2005) I bought a XL883C. I thought I would like it. It's a beautiful looking bike, but, I really don't get the attraction to the ride. After only 500 miles, I knew this was not the bike for me. Actually, it may not be the Sportster in particular, but rather the "cruiser" set-up that does not fit my style. I've ridden UJM's for over 30 years and I guess I've gotten used to them. Also, I'm not crazy about the v-twin motor. I kind of like the buzz of an in-line four.

I'll be taking some pictures over the weekend and put it in the classifieds here. It's going to be a great deal for someone.
--
slap-dash

[avnsteve]

thanks for playing

[xlch_ice]

Last October (2005) I bought a XL883C. I thought I would like it. It's a beautiful looking bike, but, I really don't get the attraction to the ride. After only 500 miles, I knew this was not the bike for me. Actually, it may not be the Sportster in particular, but rather the "cruiser" set-up that does not fit my style. I've ridden UJM's for over 30 years and I guess I've gotten used to them. Also, I'm not crazy about the v-twin motor. I kind of like the buzz of an in-line four.

I'll be taking some pictures over the weekend and put it in the classifieds here. It's going to be a great deal for someone.
--
slap-dash
Sounds like you should have gotten the 883R.

[xllent01]

Don't let the door hit you in the ass .:cry1

[whispanic]

http://sanyo-ptac.com/ben/troll.gif
...................................

[LordVngr]

My question would be Why did you buy it in the first place. Following that I would say I think a lot of sporty owners have second thoughts sometimes After they bought the bike. maybe its the friends ribbing them, or Seeing themselves on it, Or just the girls bike thing.

I think that most just accept it and make the bike their own with changes/mods. those that cant accept it usually wind up selling it and buying a big twin. Since you dont sound like a big twin type either where back to my first question. My 2 cents.


LV

[rx3732]

damn guys, why so harsh on the dude?

[ed_in_az]

No problem, Dash. There are many bikes I wouldn't want to ride or own. Just the look of a machine is a really good clue as to what it's about. Now you know what a cruiser is. On the other hand I'm sure someone will recognize and appreciate your bike for what it is. Good luck in your search for the right UJM.:)

[SLAP-DASH]

I'm not trolling. I will be selling the bike cheap if you know anyone looking for a stock 883 Custom. I just need to take some pictures.

[smoke]

Well, how cheap?

[Casper]

Sorry to hear that it wasn't the bike for you, but the XL definitely ain't for everybody. Some don't like Harley's, some don't like Hondas, and (although it's practically blasphemy on this site), yes, some don't like Sportys. It happens - that's life. Hell, if everyone ended up on a Sporty, the world would be a boring, boring place. The Sportster Creed would have to be changed to "This is my XL. There are too many like it, but this one is mine...no, wait. This one just looks exactly like mine. Mine's over there...aw crap!" :doh

I hope ya get a good price for yer bike!

[Johnny G]

I to started to think I did the wrong move but after 5 seats and 5 sets of handlebars I absolutely love my sportster and will continue to do so for a long time. Sorry to hear but like they say sportsters are not for everyone. I just hope you give it enough time, I bought mine last October to but I have 6000 miles on mine and it took 5000 to get the seat and bars the way I like them.

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

No problem, Dash. There are many bikes I wouldn't want to ride or own. Just the look of a machine is a really good clue as to what it's about. Now you know what a cruiser is. On the other hand I'm sure someone will recognize and appreciate your bike for what it is. Good luck in your search for the right UJM.:)


+1

and

ride safe!!!

[greanmeany1]

if that old V TWIN does not work for you, you got the wrong bike for you. get a jap bike and you will be happy.i fell in love with that engine but i am kinda crazy. its crudness is its soel.

[Moker]

I to started to think I did the wrong move but after 5 seats and 5 sets of handlebars I absolutely love my sportster and will continue to do so for a long time. Sorry to hear but like they say sportsters are not for everyone. I just hope you give it enough time, I bought mine last October to but I have 6000 miles on mine and it took 5000 to get the seat and bars the way I like them.

you still have soo many seats and handlebars to go through though! :roflblack

;)

[avnsteve]

its crudness is its soel.

what him say?

[Gone]

^^^^:roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack

[ed_in_az]

what him say?

Him say potato, potato = mojo

... or something like that.

[JohnK/Pa]

I hate to ask this but are their any bikes made with an inline four engine anymore?? After riding mostly Jap bikes for the past 30-some years I went looking for the Sportster because I felt it would fit my new more laid back riding style, and I was right, it works for me. If a bike doesn't fit you find one that does, as long as you can ride.

[xlch_ice]

Last October (2005) I bought a XL883C. I thought I would like it. It's a beautiful looking bike, but, I really don't get the attraction to the ride. After only 500 miles, I knew this was not the bike for me. Actually, it may not be the Sportster in particular, but rather the "cruiser" set-up that does not fit my style. I've ridden UJM's for over 30 years and I guess I've gotten used to them. Also, I'm not crazy about the v-twin motor. I kind of like the buzz of an in-line four.

I'll be taking some pictures over the weekend and put it in the classifieds here. It's going to be a great deal for someone.
--
slap-dash
You know, the more I think about it, maybe you need a Thruxton? If you don't like the cruiser layout and you don't like a V Twin, but you still want a classic looking bike, it sounds like you want a Triumph Thruxton. If I couldn't have a HD (or a Sportster, more specifically), I'd look long and hard at a Triumph Bonny or Thruxton. They're cut from the same sort of cloth as the Sportster (espcecially when you consider that the K, and then the XL, were made with competing with Triumph in mind).

To me, I'd rather have an original instead of a copy. That's why I'd rather have a HD or Triumph and not some other metric bike (Although I'd ride a Victory 8-Ball in a heart beat, I know it's metric, but I don't think of them as a "metric" bike). But hey, that's just me. I love Sportsters, but there are other bikes out there that still float my boat.

[Roadster_Rider]

I hate to ask this but are their any bikes made with an inline four engine anymore?? After riding mostly Jap bikes for the past 30-some years I went looking for the Sportster because I felt it would fit my new more laid back riding style, and I was right, it works for me. If a bike doesn't fit you find one that does, as long as you can ride.

isnt like every japanese sportbike made with inline 4?

[decrago]

I htink that was sarcasm. He is so happy with the V-Twin that Jap bikes don't exist anymore. :)

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

I hate to ask this but are their any bikes made with an inline four engine anymore??

You're JOKIN RIGHT???

I mean, let's see

there are only inline 4 bikes from

Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, BMW and ????

Nakeds like the Honda 919, KZ1000 or Bandit 1200 or full fairing sport bikes from Gixxers to CBRs, BMW K bikes ... yeah, there are a couple still out there :doh

I don't know how many inline 4 cruisers you're gonna find though. The last I saw was one of the smaller Kawasakis....

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

isnt like every japanese sportbike made with inline 4?

conversely, NO off the top of my head the

SV1000, SV650 are both Vtwins, so was the Honda Hawk GT, and one of their race bikes, plus the new Kawasaki Ninja 650 I think that's the right model, I know they came out with a parallel twin.

There are more I'm sure.

[decrago]

conversely, NO off the top of my head the

SV1000, SV650 are both Vtwins, so was the Honda Hawk GT, and one of their race bikes, plus the new Kawasaki Ninja 650 I think that's the right model, I know they came out with a parallel twin.

There are more I'm sure.

He said "...like every japanese sportbike ...", which means he didn't mean ALL Japanese bikes. :)

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

He said "...like every japanese sportbike ...", which means he didn't mean ALL Japanese bikes. :)

you mean he WASN'T talking like a high school student from the San Fernando Valley? I thought is was

"isn't it, like, totally, every Jap sportbike, like awesome"

but really he meant

"PRETTY MUCH every Jap sportbike"

:laugh

[Fackler Rebel]

Hey y'all:

I loved mine as soon as it got off the truck. As soon as I fired it up, I knew I was right. The only bad thing I've run into is bad Harley dealer's. Love the Sportster more every day, if that is possible.

Ride to Live and Live to Ride

Reb

[decrago]

you mean he WASN'T talking like a high school student from the San Fernando Valley? I thought is was

"isn't it, like, totally, every Jap sportbike, like awesome"

but really he meant

"PRETTY MUCH every Jap sportbike"

:laugh

Apparently, you only converse with people who are as intelligent as yourself.
:laugh

[busboyblues]

Hey Johnny G, what seat did ya settle on? I put on a Mustang solo vintage about a year ago, and the improvement was immense, but lately, if I'm on it for 50+ miles or so, my bum is starting to get mad at me. I don't think I've gotten any thicker back there, but it's just not as comfortable, so I may be on a mission to find something more comfy.

[busboyblues]

:doh Whoops, i see you have a Corbin on there, my bad.

[ZenBiker]

Hey y'all:

I loved mine as soon as it got off the truck. As soon as I fired it up, I knew I was right. The only bad thing I've run into is bad Harley dealer's. Love the Sportster more every day, if that is possible.

Ride to Live and Live to Ride

Reb

Amen to that. I liked mine quite alot the day I got it, but it's been growing like a fungus on me more and more every day. :rolleyes:

[JohnK/Pa]

I wasn't talking about sportbikes, I ment the jap cruisers, everyone i see looks like a HD.

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

Apparently, you only converse with people who are as intelligent as yourself.
:laugh

:doh :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack

Good thing I'm not so thin skinned that I'd be offended :D

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

I wasn't talking about sportbikes, I ment the jap cruisers, everyone i see looks like a HD.

I can't think of a Jap cruiser with an inline 4--- unless they still make the Kawasaki 500cc cruiser, I THINK that was a 4, but I never paid that close attention.

Yamaha still has some V4s.... but that's as close as you're gonna get.

I just can't see an L4 as a cruiser, that's just not how they're desigend, they tend to be more revvy, less torquey, shorter stroked and just plain don't lend themselves to cruisers. Plus, since the market is pushing for twins, well, that what you get.

[rlstone]

The Yamaha V-Max is a V-4.

[xllent01]

Sportster, an addiction that knows no cure

One day you'll look back and wonder about that void in life called the Sportster. Better to burn out than fade away. :smoke :roflblack

[H@mbone!]

Well sorry to hear about you not likeing your bike but like everyone on here has said Sportsters are not for everyone same as Harleys. If you don't like the cruisers and are intrested in a sportbike have you looked into maybe a Buell still Harley made but the Sportbike line up.

[FSZEKE302]

Not a problem, Sporties arn't for everyone. Find what lights your fire and ride safe. :tour

[decrago]

:doh :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack

Good thing I'm not so thin skinned that I'd be offended :D

LOL, you and me both!:banana

Now, I'm gonna, like, look for that V-5 bike...

[Desertfox]

I've ridden UJM's for over 30 years and I guess I've gotten used to them. Also, I'm not crazy about the v-twin motor. I kind of like the buzz of an in-line four.

I'll be taking some pictures over the weekend and put it in the classifieds here. It's going to be a great deal for someone.
--
slap-dash
That's why ice cream comes in both chocolate and vanilla.:)

[sportsterrific]

I didn't like my Sportster Custom either. So I bought a Sportster Sport. Addressed all the things I didn't like about the Custom and I got all the handling & braking features I expect.
I don't understand how you could spend all that time and money on a bike and not like it after 500 miles? What is the thought process invovlved in this?

[SLAP-DASH]

Maybe I jumped the gun.

I think I'll finish out the year on the Sportster.

Thanks for all the replies.

You can stop now.

--

slap-dash

[Casper]

Yeah, we probably could stop now, but we're having too much fun with this. At the rate this thing is going, it'll turn into yet another Dead Horse thread by the end of the month!

[bplinson]

That's why ice cream comes in both chocolate and vanilla.:)

Everyone knows that Chocolate tastes better then Vanilla. :gun

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

LOL, you and me both!:banana

Now, I'm gonna, like, look for that V-5 bike...


:roflblack :roflblack

Ya see, THAT I understood :banana

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

Everyone knows that Chocolate tastes better then Vanilla. :gun

:clap :clap :clap

That's cause Vanilla is Gay! :shhhh ;)

[decrago]

:roflblack :roflblack

Ya see, THAT I understood :banana

So, where's your advise on where to find one? :doh

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

So, where's your advise on where to find one? :doh

Got me mang,

I said I understood what ya said, not that I liked it ;)

[pirate50]

:clap :clap :clap

That's cause Vanilla is Gay! :shhhh ;)

Vanilla might be gay, but its faster than chocolate.

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

Vanilla might be gay, but its faster than chocolate.

:laugh

but only if you're lactose intollerent :D

besides, everyone keeps saying that BLACK is the fastest color (even though I hate owning one, too much work to keep clean and scratch free) :wonderlan

[xena]

Hey Johnny G, what seat did ya settle on?, nevermind I see its a Corbin.

Johnnys seat is not a Corbin. It's a Lepera Daytona LT Sport. I have one in my seat collection. For me its good for all day cruising with no bum pain.

[SLAP-DASH]

Hey Slap-Dash,

you just may find the sporty growing on you. maybe...

That's what I was thinking. The feet forward riding position and the (compared to other bikes) low revving engine are new to me. I don't totally hate the Sportster, but it's a new and different experience. I was dissapointed and being hasty.

It wasn't pressure that made me want to continue with the Sportster, but the enthusiasm of the replies (even the rude ones). I must be missing something about the bike and I intend to try and find what it is.
--
slap-dash

[KC_Sporty_Gal]

Mmmmm did someone say ice cream? I am more of a strawberry person myself!

[dooley]

Everyone knows that Chocolate tastes better then Vanilla. :gun


Bert: You just have to find the right vanilla.

Breyers Natural Vanilla:clap

[Hdrider8831200]

Hey Slap....you need to get more seat time before you right off the sporty....http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/medium/100_0946smaller.jpg

[DustyJacket]

That is why I always advise bike buyers to go to demo days and ride 'em before you buy 'em.

[BWP 5p]

Don't let the door hit you in the ass .:cry1

NOW...Now.....we need top be politically correct and "touchy feely"

It's BYE...BYE....don't let the door hit you in the Rear....or is it Butt.......or is it gludious maximus?!?!?!:roflblack I get confused!!!!!!!!!
But at any rate.....sorry for your luck....WE ALL LOVE OURS:clap
Your experience may vary.
I sincerely hope you find something you like though:) Harleys aren't for everyone;)
Good Luck on the sale:clap

[rshute4]

THE SPORTSTER ROCKS!

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

OH Kev.........that's just Ghey:roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack

:o :o :o :shhhh :laugh

[decrago]

OH Kev.........that's just Ghey:roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack

I think the word Ghey is Gay.

WTF, Ghey is more PC than Gay??????

I wish everyone would call each other Fags because I like to hear about peolple being called a cigarette. :banana

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

PC is gay... I mean, Politically Correct not Personal Computers... oh F@#$%$^%$^# it, nevermind.

Ride safe ya cigarette :p ;) :roflblack

[xllent01]

NOW...Now.....we need top be politically correct and "touchy feely"

It's BYE...BYE....don't let the door hit you in the Rear....or is it Butt.......or is it gludious maximus?!?!?!:roflblack I get confused!!!!!!!!!
But at any rate.....sorry for your luck....WE ALL LOVE OURS:clap
Your experience may vary.
I sincerely hope you find something you like though:) Harleys aren't for everyone;)
Good Luck on the sale:clap

Ok i'll play nice, hows the other go? oh yeah

Don't let the door hit ya were the good lord split ya:roflblack :roflblack


Like i could really care about being PC, thats just too ghey for me.:laugh :banana

[jaxs1984]

Did you know that the Surgeon General says that cigarette riding contains carbon monoxide :) LOL

[jack82]

I must be missing something about the bike and I intend to try and find what it is.
--
slap-dash[/QUOTE]


What your missing is power,handleing and braking..:laugh

It's a big jump from a big jappa to an 883........I couldn't live with an 883 personally [too gutless].Try a 1200 R If you get the chance.Nice motor,twin disc front end and mid controls..Not as quick or as nimble as your average UJM.....but pretty close.

Ya gotta ride what suites ya........Me.......I like ALL bikes...........But I love V twins..........and not just HD twins....;)

[decrago]

:eek: :roflblack PC is gay... I mean, Politically Correct not Personal Computers... oh F@#$%$^%$^# it, nevermind.

Ride safe ya cigarette :p ;) :roflblack

NO, NO, NO... A fag was a cigarette. So, in order to call someone a cigarette, you have to say, "Ride safe, you fag".

It's no different that you telling everyone that they are happy. :banana

Ahh, you are right... Nevermind.

...Now returning to our regularly scheduled happy cigarette programming...

[BWP 5p]

So if we smoke....we're a Fag ?:D :D

[lagerdrinker]

So if we smoke....we're a Fag ?:D :D


no, some just scream fag without opening thier mouth.

btw, how much did you drink last night? you were acting pretty silly after 5or6. didnt get to read all your posts yet but damn good so far:roflblack

[BWP 5p]

no, some just scream fag without opening thier mouth.

btw, how much did you drink last night? you were acting pretty silly after 5or6. didnt get to read all your posts yet but damn good so far:roflblack

Got a tooth hurting too....so maybe the beers AND the Oxycodone combined were the "trigger":D

[decrago]

So if we smoke....we're a Fag ?:D :D

No, but it means you put a fag in your mouth when you do!! :banana

[decrago]

I too drank a few to many rum and cokes last night and jumped on the forum.

I'm busy editing my messes now. hehe

[rjg883c]

Last October (2005) I bought a XL883C. I thought I would like it. It's a beautiful looking bike, but, I really don't get the attraction to the ride. After only 500 miles, I knew this was not the bike for me. Actually, it may not be the Sportster in particular, but rather the "cruiser" set-up that does not fit my style. I've ridden UJM's for over 30 years and I guess I've gotten used to them. Also, I'm not crazy about the v-twin motor. I kind of like the buzz of an in-line four.
I'll be taking some pictures over the weekend and put it in the classifieds here. It's going to be a great deal for someone.
--
slap-dash

I also fail to understand the mystique of Harleys. I've had several in-line fours over the years so I know where you are coming from. I'm enjoying my XL883C probably because it is different and something new to me. But I don't blame you for wanting another in-line four. I also really like my V-four Magna. The best part is that we have so much more to chose from then we had 30 years ago. So get a ride you like better and hit the streets!

Ron

[bshadbolt]

This may upset a few people, but that's never stopped me before. I do not buy into the whole HD thing at all. I generally don't like HD's - they are too big, don't perform, too much chrome, too expensive, etc, etc. I don't like patches, badges, vests, groups rides or leather tassles.

I like riding motorbikes and I like the styling of the sporty. I see it as a great platform for anything I might want to make it into.

I personally don't like the customs much, I like the roadsters. Even then, there is quite a lot I don't like about them. What I love about them is that you can make it into virtually any type of bike you want to.

The sporty is versatile and if you don't like the forward controls on the custom (I hate them), then change them to either midsets or rearsets. If you don't like the bars/risers - change them. Don't like the braking/suspension - change it. Want better engine performance - upgrade it to a 1200 + other mods. Don't like the seat/fendes - change them/chop them, etc, etc, etc

Yes, you will end up paying a lot more money than a Jap sports bike, and no, it won't ever perform as well as a comparably sized japper, but they are fun, the sporty has so much torque that it is a fun bike to ride at 'normal' speeds - how many people spend the whole day riding at 150MPH+ speeds.

In the end, nothing that anyone has said here is relevant to your decision, if you don't like it, sell it. Changing it to suit you will require committment and cash - you may not be willing to contribute either - up to you.

Just have fun.

Cheers,

Brett

[opiewontaylor]

I kind of had the opposite reaction to my Sportster. After 30 years of inline fours, they were boring the crap out of me. Strangely, their attributes were taking all the fun out of riding. So smooth and quiet they felt like a 2 wheeled car. My Sportster is crude, demanding, loud, vibrating... and I love it. It lets me know it's alive, there's a motor, not a turbine, powering it. If I had been riding on Sportsters for 30 years, maybe an inline 4 would be a revelation. Instead, for me, it's the other way around. (I still have a fondness for thumpers though)

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

DUDE - you're a study in contradictions (not that it is a bad thing necessarily, but it is a little confusing.

I'll focus on one only---

first you say


I do not buy into the whole HD thing at all. I generally don't like HD's



then you say


I like riding motorbikes and I like the styling of the sporty. I see it as a great platform for anything I might want to make it into.

I like the roadsters. Even then, there is quite a lot I don't like about them. What I love about them is that you can make it into virtually any type of bike you want to.

The sporty is versatile and if you don't like the forward controls on the custom (I hate them), then change them to either midsets or rearsets. If you don't like the bars/risers - change them. Don't like the braking/suspension - change it. Want better engine performance - upgrade it to a 1200 + other mods. Don't like the seat/fendes - change them/chop them, etc, etc, etc



and FINALLY you say


Yes, you will end up paying a lot more money than a Jap sports bike, and no, it won't ever perform as well as a comparably sized japper, but they are fun, the sporty has so much torque that it is a fun bike to ride at 'normal' speeds - how many people spend the whole day riding at 150MPH+ speeds.


Well son, I hate to say it to you, but the fact is

You do get it, THAT is the Harley thing, EXACTLY

Screw the patches and the vest and the posers and the attitudes and ???? that is IT exactly!!!!

[xtheunknown]

I kind of had the opposite reaction to my Sportster. After 30 years of inline fours, they were boring the crap out of me. Strangely, their attributes were taking all the fun out of riding. So smooth and quiet they felt like a 2 wheeled car. My Sportster is crude, demanding, loud, vibrating... and I love it. It lets me know it's alive, there's a motor, not a turbine, powering it. If I had been riding on Sportsters for 30 years, maybe an inline 4 would be a revelation. Instead, for me, it's the other way around. (I still have a fondness for thumpers though)
I absolutely agree. I had a Yamaha Royal Star (1300cc V-4) and although it was a smooth ride, I never felt like I was riding a motorcycle. My Sportster vibrates and the engine makes noise, but I feel connected to the road through my bike and I like it! I might eventually get a Softail or a Road King, but if I can afford it, I'll keep the Sporty for those times when I want the "complete" riding experience.

[greanmeany1]

If It Has Water Cooling, Shaft Drive, Or A Radio I Will Not Ride It.
I Love Gravity Feed Carbs, No Plastic Covers On The Engine .
I Do Not Need High Tech To Make Me Happy.
If You Want That Go Metric,
I Also Do Not Fit The Hd Biker Mold, Could Not If I Tried. The Hd Mold Is Good If It Fits You.
After 35 Years I Finally Got A Hd Well 1/2 A Hd Acording To Some Folks. I Like What I Have It Makes Me Happy Right Now.

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

If It Has Water Cooling, Shaft Drive, Or A Radio I Will Not Ride It.
I Love Gravity Feed Carbs, No Plastic Covers On The Engine .
I Do Not Need High Tech To Make Me Happy.



Shaft drive rocks!

Belts are better for less frictional loss, but unless you go with an automatic tensioner like Buell, they're still a tiny bit more work.

I like em both...

[rjg883c]

Hey Slap....you need to get more seat time before you right off the sporty....http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/medium/100_0946smaller.jpg

Hdrider8831200, that is a nice bike! Are those Vance & Hines sideshots?

Ron

[SalTheWop]

Before owning a Sporty ,all I had ridden was Jap sportsbikes . Bought a new 2004 Sportster ,and really enjoyed it ,but there was always this feeling that I had made a mistake . I longed for a comfortable seat , decent suspension and great brakes . I pined for long open roads where I could get my speed fix. So I sold the Sporty and bought a new CBR600 . I realised almost immediately that I had made a mistake (again) . There was something about the Sporty(Harley) that must have got into my veins , cos I missed it like crazy ,so I did the only thing I could do .Sold the CBR and bought me another Sporty:) .

Still like the Jap sportsbikes and if I could afford to, I would have one as a second bike in a heartbeat.

[Paulie420]

Hdrider8831200, that is a nice bike! Are those Vance & Hines sideshots?

Ron

no. the sideshots are straight... go down at an angle but straight.

those look like hooker troublemakers or something similiar.