883 ROADSTER

[mr moto]

I have always liked the look of this model sportster and would appreciate any feedback on what they are like to own and run. I allready have other bikes in my garage if i want to tour or scare myself at crazy speeds.This bike would be for long lazy backroad rides around scottish country roads.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2010_Motorcycles/2010_motorcycles.jsp?locale=en_GB#/model/xl883r/gallery

[chornbe]

I bought an 883 base model and turned it into a Roadster plus... (a few mods).

I added the dual disc brakes, 4.5 gallon tank, rebuilt the forks and put new shocks on the back, and added better tires.

The Roadster is a good starting point because it's not lowered, it's already got the dual disc brakes and cast wheels (so you can run radials w/o tubes if you so choose).

I love my 883. And contrary to what you might hear, if you know how to ride, it's lack of top-end power is not a deterrent when it's time to crank it in the twisties.

I'm happy to answer specific questions.

Here's a link to my sportie page. http://chornbe.com/motorcycles/sportster/

[mr moto]

Hi, i just looked at your site ...great minds think alike ...all the mods you have done are just about what i would do to the 883R.  Improved suspension'brakes, and fuel range.A classic cool looking bike but made even more practical.
So a few questions if you wouldnt mind....What is your average fuel consumption, and what is involved in maintenance ? . I have built many bikes from scratch and enjoy doing it all myself, and just what Tyres would you advise for use on this bike . Thanks .

[chornbe]

Hi, i just looked at your site ...great minds think alike ...all the mods you have done are just about what i would do to the 883R.  Improved suspension'brakes, and fuel range.A classic cool looking bike but made even more practical.
So a few questions if you wouldnt mind....What is your average fuel consumption, and what is involved in maintenance ? . I have built many bikes from scratch and enjoy doing it all myself, and just what Tyres would you advise for use on this bike . Thanks .

I actually find the stock (dual) disc brakes to be very, very good as is (better, with HH pads), if a little spongy. I haven't sprung for stainless brake lines yet, but I've ridden the exact same bike (Roadster) with SS lines and the difference in lever feel is substantial. I really should get around do doing that.

Maintenance on this bike is a snap.

Oil & filter for the engine, oil for the primary/gearbox. Yes, you drain and fill them separately. Synthetic oil is recommended by Harley for the engine on a 5000-mile change interval. I use Harley's "Primary Plus" (or whatever it's called) recommended oil for the primary case / gearbox. It's probably just plain old 10W-40 according to the parts guy, but I don't care enough to do further research. It's cheap enough to just get their recommended stuff. I use good synthetic oil for the engine - Usually Mobil-1 15W-50 or the like. The oil change takes about 15 minutes. The first time you do it, and you pull the filter, be prepared for a mess. However, with the filter off the bike, cut and shape some card board to use as a funnel. There are some engine casting webs you'll want to notch the cardboard to fit around, then just hit the cardboard with spray paint to keep it from getting oil-logged. Or you could make one from plastic. I find spray-painted card board gets me thru' about 6 or 7 oil changes. In the following picture, you can see the oil filter is off and the casting webs you need to notch out for...



If you do spill or it spreads, a quick shot of engine degreaser and the hose should fix you right up. Leaving the oil on the rubber engine mount (2004 and up) will eventually beat up the rubber and you'll replace the mount. I'm 2 years and ~15k miles into my Sportster so far with no issues.



Belt maintenance is likewise, a snap. It adjusts just like a chain: axle nut and two adjusting nuts on either side of the swing arm. The deflection gauge is built right into the belt guard and again, doing this takes all of about 10 minutes if you actually have to go looking for the 24mm axle nut. It's cleaner and faster than most chain adjustments, and - again - in two years time, I've only had to add 1/4 turn to the adjusters. I ride this bike pretty hard - the belts are really good and the bike has all of 10 lbs of engine torque. So it's low strain.  

This picture shows the adjusters in the swing arm, and the head-side of the axle bolt. The truly asinine part of this design is that you have to pull the rearward muffler to get the axle out and pull the rear wheel. Not cool.





The primary chain is manually adjusted and should be checked at each oil change. There's a sighting window on the primary cover that comes off with two 5/32 hex screws for checking. The chain is adjusted using an adjusting bolt and lock nut on the bottom of the prmary cover. The primary cover does NOT need to come off to check or adjust the primary chain. In the 2 years, I've had to adjust my primary chain once. Takes about 3-4 minutes.



Steering head bearings can be tricky to check because there is not secondary retainer. The bolt at the top of the steering  head that holds on the top of the triple tree also adjusts/retains the steering head bearings. This uses a T-45 to tighten the neck and a 22mm(?) socket to retain it. It's a snap once you remember there's no secondary retainer - taking off the top of the triple tree also releases it from the bike. Old-school. Not like these fancy new bikes that have like 15 things you have to unthread before the tree comes out of the bike.  

This picture shows the retaining bolt (going in from the top) and the back side (threaded side) of the tightening bolt.



Other maintenance... typical stuff. Cable adjustments for clutch and throttle are simple. The throttle spring is really light. I think I'm still on the same zero-play throttle cable adjustment I did shortly after getting the bike. I just adjusted clutch free play for the second time the other day when I did maintenance on it.



Tires... ah, yes... dear wonderful tires/tyres. The bane of everyone's existence.

The stock tires are 100/90-19 up front, 130/80-16 out back, bias ply, rock hard POS Dunlop D401. You might as well put diamond-coated steel bands. They wear like that and grip about that well, too. I took the stock tires off at 400 miles after backing it in to several turns. If you like to ride above 30 MPH, they're flat out dangerous in turns, IMO. But I actually lean my bikes so I might be a bit finicky.  

I replaced the stock tires with Pirelli Sport Demons. EXCELLENT grip, dry and wet. 4000 mile lifespan and when they're used up, good luck getting home from where ever you are... even if it's a mile away. They went from "I should replace these" to "I'm gonna die" in about 50 miles. Great tires, short life span.

Next up were the Screaming Eagle Sportster Sport replacement tires, made by Dunlop, marketed as the GT501 or GT502 model. Holy. Crap. Hands down THE best bias ply tire I've ever ridden on. Gripped like a proper sport bike radial. I got just a hair over 7000 miles out of them. The front is still usable, but it's showing its age. The back was trashed. I put on a 150/80-16 stock Dunlop I had in my garage - a take-off from my Street Glide with about a thousand miles on it. I'm cash poor at the moment.

The next tires will be Avon Azaro Sport Touring radials - they're available in 110/80-19 for the front, 150/80-16 for the rear. I'm really looking forward to trying these. If they prove to be lower mileage or just not as good as I'm hoping, I'll go back to the GT502s and never look back. They were a great sneaker at a great price.



I did my own luggage setup because of a few reasons: 1) I love Givi's stuff, 2) I'm anti Harley Guy (r) (c) (tm) lifestyle and enjoy breaking from the tradition at every turn. LeatherLyke makes luggage to fit the bike and they're very nice bags. These would have ended up on my bike if I couldn't make the Givi kit work out. I wouldn't spend $10 on any of the actual-leather saddle bags anyone makes because they look cruiser-ish and stupid. I also added the top case because they're just so darned functional. I'm function over form 99.99% of the time.


I hope this helps. I love this bike... I know it seems weird, but in almost thirty years of bike ownership, *MY* Sportster is among my favorite and most fun bikes ever. I made it "mine" and it's very different from any other one out there. I love the way twins deliver power. It's a simple bike that's not too fast yet ballsy enough to do what I want. It's comfortable, it's ridiculously simple to work on and it's a blank canvas, ready to let me do whatever I want with it. Oh, and I know how to ride, so I can eke out some wicked fun performance from the bike, regardless of its "sport" short-comings, while still owing a simple, comfortable Standard.


And an overlooked thing about Harleys in general is the ability to farkle them to your liking, usually for far less money than some other options. Example: If you want a new seat for a Japanese bike (regardless of type of bike), you have a few options from one or two companies, or something custom made. If you want a new seat for pretty much any Harley, you've got 30 or 40 options from many companies, including Harley itself. The Harley Sundowner optional seat on my Sportster is easily as comfortable as any Mustang or Corbin or Sargent seat. And it was half the money.

[Snapping Twig]

I love the look and feel of the 883. Myself, I've never ridden one, but they look fantastic.

I ride a 1985 Virago 700, sort of a smaller version of the 883.

My modifications were almost exactly the same as yours - Race Tech for the forks (same valve and springs) and rear suspension, but for me it was WORKS Street Trackers custom made for my weight and riding style (twisties).

Tires are the next thing. Riding the Dunlop 404's which are pretty much HD private label stock tires. Research has shown me that Metzler ME 880's would be a wise next choice. Grip AND long life. A close second choice would be Avon Venom in bias ply. Shorter life, but more grip.

If there was a larger gas tank, I'd install it. Someone used to make a 5 gallon for my bike, but they are long gone now.

[mr moto]

LuvMy883 THANK YOU   Thats what i call a detailed response.
You have confirmed a lot of my own views about this bike 'it is a great basic platform from which i could easily put together my own idea of a sportster from the huge range of aftermarket parts that are out there for this model.And the maintenance looks as simple as it gets.
The plan now is to start looking for a decent late model with low miles that i can begin to alter to my own tastes . once again thanks.

[chornbe]

LuvMy883 THANK YOU   Thats what i call a detailed response.
You have confirmed a lot of my own views about this bike 'it is a great basic platform from which i could easily put together my own idea of a sportster from the huge range of aftermarket parts that are out there for this model.And the maintenance looks as simple as it gets.
The plan now is to start looking for a decent late model with low miles that i can begin to alter to my own tastes . once again thanks.

You're very welcome. If you can find an '07-leftover (last of the Roadsters, or maybe '08, I forget.) sitting in a dealer somewhere, that'd be the way to go. I suspect you'll find many blinged-out garage queens, and very few "real" riders' bikes.

g'luck.

[chornbe]

I love the look and feel of the 883. Myself, I've never ridden one, but they look fantastic.

I ride a 1985 Virago 700, sort of a smaller version of the 883.

My modifications were almost exactly the same as yours - Race Tech for the forks (same valve and springs) and rear suspension, but for me it was WORKS Street Trackers custom made for my weight and riding style (twisties).

Tires are the next thing. Riding the Dunlop 404's which are pretty much HD private label stock tires. Research has shown me that Metzler ME 880's would be a wise next choice. Grip AND long life. A close second choice would be Avon Venom in bias ply. Shorter life, but more grip.

If there was a larger gas tank, I'd install it. Someone used to make a 5 gallon for my bike, but they are long gone now.

It's fun taking an unexpected bike into the twisites, ain't it?  

I've been thinking for a while of getting into the custom tank business. The hardest part is having the bike handy to test fit. I'd love to build a 6-gallon tank for my Sportie but that might be a bit much.  

[Galo]

I

Chornbe....I could help but notice....20 degree lean angle and you are about to drag the side stand?
 

[chornbe]

I almost never touch anything down. Both foot pegs have some scuffing and the sidestand has been down a few times, but by and large I'm spark free. And it goes over a tinch more than 20 degrees.  

[chornbe]

Apologies... Something I didn't answer in the initial post was the fuel consumption. For general commuting riding, I'm getting between 40 and 45 MPG, depending on the amount of stop-n-start riding and how much I beat on it. For steady-pace touring, I routinely get ~50-52 MPG. That drops back to the high-40s when I'm really cranking it out on the highway. The bike lets you know it's thirsty on prolonged runs above 80MPH, or so. For a blended ride, where I'm "sport touring" and riding "The Pace", I'm averaging around 46 MPG and that's pretty consistent.

[mr moto]

Apologies... Something I didn't answer in the initial post was the fuel consumption. For general commuting riding, I'm getting between 40 and 45 MPG, depending on the amount of stop-n-start riding and how much I beat on it. For steady-pace touring, I routinely get ~50-52 MPG. That drops back to the high-40s when I'm really cranking it out on the highway. The bike lets you know it's thirsty on prolonged runs above 80MPH, or so. For a blended ride, where I'm "sport touring" and riding "The Pace", I'm averaging around 46 MPG and that's pretty consistent.

Thanks for that . BTW are you finished with your 883 mods or do you have any more plans for it ? .

[chornbe]

Thanks for that . BTW are you finished with your 883 mods or do you have any more plans for it ? .

I've been kicking around the idea of a 1200 upgrade, but it's just a "what if" at this point. IF I do it, I'll do it right and get the Buell parts. The 883 and 1200 have different secondary gearing. The 1200, consequently is slower in stop-light runs than an upgraded 883, but the factory 1200 will top end it by a fair amount. If I do it, I'll likely do the gearing change, too.

But that's all a huge "IF".

Another big "IF" is IF I can find an XR1200 swing arm from a wrecked bike, I'd like to fit it onto my bike so I can put a proper 180-series tire on the back. IF I can/choose-to do that, and IF it fits the way I think it will, then I'll spring for the front end from a Buell or an XR1200 to complete a *proper* light-weight wheel and radial upgrade.

Again, another huge "IF". The $$$ involved, I could get a used SV650, do a Traxxion treatment on it and come out with a better bike. But there is just something about tooling around in the mountains in this bike, keep up with and occasionally passing the gixxer boys.  

I want to add more lighting to it... I have some PIAAs and some MotoLights. I just have to decide which I like better and get my lazy ass in the fabrication shop to make some brackets. That was supposed to be a Day-1 upgrade when I got the bike. Here I am 2 years later and it's not done yet.  

I'm thinking lower bars, but again... not fully convinced. I have a set of flat bars for it that sit me prety comfortably, but they're not dimpled for the wiring, so it's one of those "when I'm really bored one weekend" because I have to build a jig so I can keep them from bending as I dimple them. Or I could just get a set of Convertibars and roll my own. Or a Gixxer/Buell front end conversion will include bars. I don't want full sport-bike lean-over seating, but just an inch or two lower.  

I don't feel the need to do an exhaust and power commander to it... but I admit the XR1200 exhaust sounds f'ing sweet... but not $2100 factory pricing sweet.  

If I do change the exhaust, that'll make room for Storz or XR1200 foot pegs / rear-sets. The seating is really good now. If I could get my feet back just 2 inches, I'd be in heaven.

REAR SHOCKS REAR SHOCKS REAR SHOCKS. The rear suspension just sucks, even with the Progressives I've got on there. It's a geometry thing more than just crappy shocks, I think. I got spoiled by FJRs and CBRs and the like.  

These are all low-priority, "IF" kinds of things. Truth to tell, I could continue riding the bike as-is and never *really* "need" any of those upgrades.

This is what the Rev-2 build-out looks like. 2-up, full Givi kit reworked.

[rauchman]

LuvMy883,

2 questions for ya.

1.  Why the name change?

2.  How tall are you / what's your inseam.  I'm about 6' w/ a 34" inseam.  I'm curious about the comfort level of the midmount pegs.  Wondering if I would feel too squished w/that setup.

[chornbe]

LuvMy883,

2 questions for ya.

1.  Why the name change?

2.  How tall are you / what's your inseam.  I'm about 6' w/ a 34" inseam.  I'm curious about the comfort level of the midmount pegs.  Wondering if I would feel too squished w/that setup.

1. I want to limit google searches finding "me" when I start job shopping.

2. I'm 5'6.5" with a 29.5 - 30" inseam. I've heard taller guys complain about the mid controls. Here's me on the bike... as you can see, I fill this bike out pretty well.


You might find it awkward. A Dyna Superglide might be a better fit.... it's basically the "big-twin" version of the sportster. Mid controls, standard bars, good seating position. The Dyna frame is a bit bigger in all directions than the sportie frame.

[Nodaclu]

Chris mentioned the LeatherLykes that he would have opted for if he hadn't been able to make the Givi's work. Here's my dealrly departed 883 with the LeatherLyke bags.

He's answered just about everything else I could have possibly answered (last of the 883R's in the U.S. was '07, just for confirmation). I dearly miss this bike and will replace it if/when I ever find a &^*$ing job again in my lifetime.  

[chornbe]

How did you keep those wheels looking so good? Mine look like shit. Harley needs to take a lesson about surface prep and coating when it comes to aluminum.

Dear Harley,

Aluminum != Chrome.

Thanks,

me.

[rauchman]

Chris mentioned the LeatherLykes that he would have opted for if he hadn't been able to make the Givi's work. Here's my dealrly departed 883 with the LeatherLyke bags.

He's answered just about everything else I could have possibly answered (last of the 883R's in the U.S. was '07, just for confirmation). I dearly miss this bike and will replace it if/when I ever find a &^*$ing job again in my lifetime.  

 Very cool bike!!!  How is the cowling?

[rauchman]

1. I want to limit google searches finding "me" when I start job shopping.

2. I'm 5'6.5" with a 29.5 - 30" inseam. I've heard taller guys complain about the mid controls. Here's me on the bike... as you can see, I fill this bike out pretty well.


You might find it awkward. A Dyna Superglide might be a better fit.... it's basically the "big-twin" version of the sportster. Mid controls, standard bars, good seating position. The Dyna frame is a bit bigger in all directions than the sportie frame.

Thanks for the info.  I've been giving serious thought to a Superglide or FatBob.

[Nodaclu]

How did you keep those wheels looking so good? Mine look like shit. Harley needs to take a lesson about surface prep and coating when it comes to aluminum.

Dear Harley,

Aluminum != Chrome.

Thanks,

me.

Remember....desert = no rain. No rain = no mud. Sand and dust wipes off easily.

I did use a product called "Captain Richard's BEST" purchased at the local Harley dealer, with did a nice job cleaning the wheels. But even after a 1,000 mile trip into the Sierra Nevada's, they still looked pretty good upon arriving home. Wonder if they changed anything with the surface prep between '06 and '08?

[Nodaclu]

Very cool bike!!!  How is the cowling?

Thanks!! I loved that little quarter fairing. No buffeting like the big shield I had on it prior to that. It let more wind through, but it was clean air, and broke it up enough to keep the pressure off my chest at 70-80 mph.

Plus, I loved the way it looked on the bike. If I end up with another Sporty, it will look just like this one with only two minor changes:

1. 1200cc (need it for the long higher speed freeway runs in the west)
2. 4.5 gallon tank (need it for the long stretches between fuel stops in isolated parts of the west)

Had a chance to trade my 650F for a '06 1200R last month, but the bike was leaking oil from the base of the front cylinder with only 6,600 miles on the clock. I know some Harley's still leak, but that wasn't a spot I wanted to mess with. Shame....I really liked the bike otherwise.

[Bounce]

This bike would be for long lazy backroad rides around scottish country roads.

if you're willing to drop the "long" part then you shouldn't be too dissappointed.

[atadaskew]

if you're willing to drop the "long" part then you shouldn't be too dissappointed.

Why?

[Nodaclu]

if you're willing to drop the "long" part then you shouldn't be too dissappointed.

Agreed. Why?

The only 400 mile day I've ever been able to manage with my back and hip problems was on my trusty Sportster.

It was far more comfortable on long rides than the "standard" position GSX650F that is collecting dust in my garage right now....

[DCLXVI]

+1 on the super glide. With the used bike priced where there at you can get some deals out there. '06 and newer are good for the super glide. Lots of new, good changes on '06. Great handling bike and almost as easy to maintain.