2011 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

[Rabidsnipe]

Harley Davidson introduces revamped 883L, the new SuperLow

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/harley-davidson/2011-harleydavidson-sportster-superlow-89807.html



Visually, the SuperLow appears to be pretty much the same low-to-the-ground model that’s become a favorite these past few years among first-time Harley buyers and women riders. Now here’s the catch: in reality the SuperLow is an all-new model that’s only based on the low-rider theme. In truth, the SuperLow checks in with new suspension calibrations front and rear, new wheel and tires sizes, new fork and gas tank, even a new and better-padded solo seat.

I know this probably won't get a lot of play here, but I think this is exactly what this model needs.  Larger fuel tank (up to 4.5 gallons), more suspension travel, 17" rear and 18" front (with tubeless tires), more padding in the seat, and tweaked suspension.  Very interesting...

[Rincewind]

Nice looking paint job.  I prefer that lower-profile tank to the peanut-styled one.  Glad to read of the suspension improvements.  

$7999 is a good price!  $8499 for two-tone.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Motorcycles/superlow.html

[Guy]

With that paint scheme, it sorta reminds me of a Bonneville  

[chornbe]

BUT HARLEY DOESN'T DO ANYTHING RIGHT AND DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO ATTRACT BUYERS AT ALL AND THIS SUCKS AND HARLEY SUCKS AND YOU SUCKS FOR THINKING THIS DOESN'T SUCK.

Just getting a head start on the uninformed, baseless and close-minded bashing.

Continue on...  

[1KPerDay]

Tweaked suspension. Yeah that 1.4 inches of travel is going to feel positively luxurious.  

[Rabidsnipe]

As excited as I was about the new model, one thing really put me off reading through the spec sheet:

2010 883 Low: Lean Angle 29/31
2011 883 SuperLow: Lean Angle 24.4/24.7

I don't know how big of a difference 5 degrees will make on a bike like this, but I really wish they wouldn't have reduced the angle even further.  It was already pretty low.

I was encouraged to see the running order weight drop from 583 to 563 even after adding 1.2 gallons of fuel.

[Rincewind]

As excited as I was about the new model, one thing really put me off reading through the spec sheet:

2010 883 Low: Lean Angle 29/31
2011 883 SuperLow: Lean Angle 24.4/24.7

I don't know how big of a difference 5 degrees will make on a bike like this, but I really wish they wouldn't have reduced the angle even further.  It was already pretty low.

I was encouraged to see the running order weight drop from 583 to 563 even after adding 1.2 gallons of fuel.

Bottom line is - get a Bonnie or Guzzi if you want to lean, in retro-style for this price.  Or put out the extra cash for a Harley XR or XR1200X.  

[ConPilot1]

Looks like just another Sportster to me.

[falconati]

Well, they got the price point right.

[bomber]

With that paint scheme, it sorta reminds me of a Bonneville  

I was thinking the same thing -- I woulder if HDI knows they should be aiming at the Bonnie in their product planning meetings?

[Rabidsnipe]

I was thinking the same thing -- I woulder if HDI knows they should be aiming at the Bonnie in their product planning meetings?

Whether they realize it or not, it is this bike's primary competition. I've been jonesing for a twin since riding the NT and 796 las t winter. I want something different from the FZ1, something laid back and retro. It is really between the v7 classic, Bonnie, and this new Sportster.

[desert_rider]

BUT HARLEY DOESN'T DO ANYTHING RIGHT AND DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO ATTRACT BUYERS AT ALL AND THIS SUCKS AND HARLEY SUCKS AND YOU SUCKS FOR THINKING THIS DOESN'T SUCK.

Just getting a head start on the uninformed, baseless and close-minded bashing.

Continue on...  

It's gettin' old.  

BTW - It is a good looking paint job.

[bomber]

Whether they realize it or not, it is this bike's primary competition. I've been jonesing for a twin since riding the NT and 796 las t winter. I want something different from the FZ1, something laid back and retro. It is really between the v7 classic, Bonnie, and this new Sportster.

The 05 Bonnie in our motorpool has been as reliable as a stone ax, needing only gas, oil tires (it's really easy on em, as it's light) and an occasional hug -- runs like a watch every time.

It LOOKS retro, for certain, but it works like a modern bike, complete with acceptable suspension from the showroom floor (the rear shocks are gonna get replaced this winter)  . . . . I'm a fan of sporties, in general, but, for me, dollar for dollar, the Bonneville is in a different league altogether. Highly recommended.

[Rabidsnipe]

The Bonnie is nice.  From a handling/sporty stand-point it is the obvious winner.  However it does lose a few points for its chain drive and valve checks when compared with the Sporty.  However, I think the Sporty and Bonnie are both a few steps ahead of the Guzzi from a dealer/accessory standpoint.  Each bike has its own strengths and weaknesses as well as different engine configurations between the set.  At the end of the day, it will probably come down to the test rides.  Hopefully I can get on the Bonnie and Sporty this weekend.  The Guzzi will have to wait until I can make it up to Tulsa.

[bomber]

You're in lucky, as both sets of dealership (in the main) offer test rides . . . . . .

[atadaskew]

 However, I think the Sporty and Bonnie are both a few steps ahead of the Guzzi from a dealer/accessory standpoint.  Each bike has its own strengths and weaknesses as well as different engine configurations between the set.

The Guzzi matches the Bonnie for speed, but has the advantage of much easier maintenance.  Shaft drive, screw adjust valves sticking right out there in the open with its perky jugs.
Dealer/accessory standpoint? Er, umm, hmmm....
 

[Skee]

That actually looks like a motorcycle I might want to ride...

...right up to about the first corner.

I think it might be a good bike with a decent set of shocks.  I didn't just say that did I?  Been at work too long.  Need  

[falconati]

The Bonnie is nice.  From a handling/sporty stand-point it is the obvious winner.  However it does lose a few points for its chain drive and valve checks when compared with the Sporty.  However, I think the Sporty and Bonnie are both a few steps ahead of the Guzzi from a dealer/accessory standpoint.  Each bike has its own strengths and weaknesses as well as different engine configurations between the set.  At the end of the day, it will probably come down to the test rides.  Hopefully I can get on the Bonnie and Sporty this weekend.  The Guzzi will have to wait until I can make it up to Tulsa.

I predict you will want the Bonnie.

[chornbe]

It's gettin' old.  

What's getting old? The never-ending stupidity that happens around here whenever someone mentions Harley? Or the fact that 99.9% of the posters here never owned one, never rode one and STILL profess to know EXACTLY how badly they suck and EXACTLY how horrible they are? Or the fact that people who KNOW EVERYTHING continue to be just flat out WRONG about everything they rag on Harleys for?

Just trying to find out where the line is...

[atadaskew]

What's getting old? .....

Just trying to find out where the line is...

I just like it how peeps say what will save Harley is them building a 600cc sport bike.  Even though the Japanese 600cc sportbikes are collecting dust on the showroom floors, and Harley is still doing better than any of the Japanese mfgs in this economy...