jerryassburger
Member
Hi-
I will soon be taking delivery of an 07 883XL, and I'm wondering what anyone else's experience/ advice is for these bikes. I'm not new to motorcyles, but I have never owned a Harley yet, so I have a list of questions.. (more to follow, I'm sure.)
1.) Right now, I'm in the ordering stage. As far as options go, the dealer I'm working with orders ALL of their bikes with the security system (which is good, right?) and I'm wondering about other options to get on it.
a) I want the oil temperature/dipstick to monitor the engine as I ride in what is arguably H_LL for air-cooled engines (Arizona.). Do these engines do well without taking drastic measures?
b) The detachable luggage rack looks really stout, and should haul the occasional milkcrate nicely.
c.) Don't ask me why, but I really like the round mirrors (more traditional looking), and at $14 each, they're a steal.
d.) I'm not too sure about the tach.My Suzuki Savage doesn't have one, and to be honest, once you know the engine revs per mile, you're set. I don't plan on exploring the upper reaches of the powerband- so why?
2.) I wonder how well these bikes are going to respond to something like putting on S.E. slip-on mufflers. On most fuel-injected engines, the injectors/engine-control will compensate for changes, as long as they aren't too drastic from stock.
3.) I have NEVER in my travels ever heard of a modern Harley "wearing out"... They might get totalled or sold, but I've never heard of them wearing out! Is it just me, or does anyone agree with that?
4.) Is the 883 enough? Before I start an argument, this is what I am asking: My favorite bike I've owned so far was a Yamaha XS650 twin. It made good power everywhere, was plenty happy on the freeway, and seemed the perfect size/power for me. While it'd be great to put the checkmark next to a 1200 or a big twin, the reality is that the 883 is my only choice. I have heard "it's too slow", and "you HAVE to get a 1200", but considering who I've heard it from, I'm taking those statements with a bit of salt. The bike magazines are no better. They compare the 883 to bikes that routinely top 120mph in 3rd gear. My logic tells me that if a 70's tech 650cc twin made me happy, a 883cc twin should deliver equal power with change to spare. I commute 75miles roundtrip daily, most of it at 65-70 mph on my Savage, which does the job, but with almost nothing left for passing. What do you think?
I will soon be taking delivery of an 07 883XL, and I'm wondering what anyone else's experience/ advice is for these bikes. I'm not new to motorcyles, but I have never owned a Harley yet, so I have a list of questions.. (more to follow, I'm sure.)
1.) Right now, I'm in the ordering stage. As far as options go, the dealer I'm working with orders ALL of their bikes with the security system (which is good, right?) and I'm wondering about other options to get on it.
a) I want the oil temperature/dipstick to monitor the engine as I ride in what is arguably H_LL for air-cooled engines (Arizona.). Do these engines do well without taking drastic measures?
b) The detachable luggage rack looks really stout, and should haul the occasional milkcrate nicely.
c.) Don't ask me why, but I really like the round mirrors (more traditional looking), and at $14 each, they're a steal.
d.) I'm not too sure about the tach.My Suzuki Savage doesn't have one, and to be honest, once you know the engine revs per mile, you're set. I don't plan on exploring the upper reaches of the powerband- so why?
2.) I wonder how well these bikes are going to respond to something like putting on S.E. slip-on mufflers. On most fuel-injected engines, the injectors/engine-control will compensate for changes, as long as they aren't too drastic from stock.
3.) I have NEVER in my travels ever heard of a modern Harley "wearing out"... They might get totalled or sold, but I've never heard of them wearing out! Is it just me, or does anyone agree with that?
4.) Is the 883 enough? Before I start an argument, this is what I am asking: My favorite bike I've owned so far was a Yamaha XS650 twin. It made good power everywhere, was plenty happy on the freeway, and seemed the perfect size/power for me. While it'd be great to put the checkmark next to a 1200 or a big twin, the reality is that the 883 is my only choice. I have heard "it's too slow", and "you HAVE to get a 1200", but considering who I've heard it from, I'm taking those statements with a bit of salt. The bike magazines are no better. They compare the 883 to bikes that routinely top 120mph in 3rd gear. My logic tells me that if a 70's tech 650cc twin made me happy, a 883cc twin should deliver equal power with change to spare. I commute 75miles roundtrip daily, most of it at 65-70 mph on my Savage, which does the job, but with almost nothing left for passing. What do you think?
