Lot of people build sportsters into touring bikes because of the engine. It's still a push rod engine. No valves to shim for clearance after 10k miles. No cam tensioners to replace like the twin came bikes. It just runs, it's the most reliable bike harley makes. Make fun of them all you like, it's the best Harley made today. Simple, reliable and fast. At least they can be made to be fast.
Very very nice sir! You made your sportster very unique and practical. When i turned 19 i bought a brand new XL883 sportster as boswels harley davidson in nashville tn. I rode that thing for 10 years and never had the slightest trouble with it. My dad made harley jokes when i bought it but the jokes stopped after awhile. It never even had a dealer service. I changed oil, fluids, tires, brakes, when needed and thats it. I ended up selling it in 2013 after a back surgery. I never was able to get comfortable on it again. Now im riding a 2002 dyna wide glide with the carbureted 88 engine. I hope it turns out to be half the bike my sportster was as i judge all bikes by my sportster. People can make all the jokes they want but my first harley was a huge success and impeckably reliable. So far my 2 years with my first big twin have went well too. It starts on first crank and runs like a champ. Sorry for long post but your nice sportster stirred up some great memories. I wish i could afford another 883 to park alongside my wide glide
JohnnyRebKy that's awesome! Good to know Sportster last long if you take care of them; I'm 20 and finally made enough to get my first Harley this year it's a 93 XL883 and I love it
JohnnyRebKy please don´t apologize for your long post, it was great to read it! Thanks for sharing your beautiful memories on this awesome ameican bike! Take care God bless you.
I agree with you on the mid controls. I have the roadster which came with mid controls. I don't care too much for the forward controls. Better control and ride position with mid controls for sure.
I have a very similar colour Sportster 883 custom. I think you did a great job in making the few changes. It makes the bike look so much more impressive. Happy riding!!
You have an awesome sportster! I have the same model and I am so inspired to mod it like yours. Yours look like a good nice tourer without being too huge. Wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
Nice. I've got an 883 I bought slightly used in 1987. Got over 97000 miles on it. Also got an '09 Low Rider for the longer rides, but the Sportster has been some of the best money I ever spent. $3500, then $400 for my trade. Hasn't seen the inside of a dealer or shop since 1988, and then I made 'em give me my money back. Easy to work on.
VERY sharp! Usually not a fan of that style of tank and bars...but yours really looks sharp! Would not be ashamed to throw a leg over that one at all! Great job!!
Can't say enough for Mid Controls and the way it enhances handling, much safer, you can stand up and control the bike much better( like a dirt bike), you done a nice job and one that makes more sense than others I've seen.
YES! I have a herniated disc in my lower back which presses on my sciatic nerve. I can't ride with forward controls for more than 15 minutes because they force me into a slouch. Remember the teacher or your mom saying not to slouch, to keep the arch in the back when you sit straight up? There's a reason for that. I can ride my XL883 Sporty standard all day long with no back problems at all. Also, if you have ever snow-skied, you know the physics of keeping your knees over your feet and your shoulders forward for better handling. Watch the racing skiers go through the slaloms and compare their body position to the racing motorcycle riders. Same thing. I've been riding motorcycles since the early 1960's and I've owned bikes with controls slightly to the rear, mid and forward. I speak from experience. Mid-controls forever!!!!!
Love the mid-controls! Fortunately, H-D still offers mid and forward controls for those of us who want a choice. I'm my case, it's a choice that I need because of my bad back. I have a herniated disc in my lower back that pinches my sciatic nerve when I slouch. That means I can't ride forward controls more than 20 to 30 minutes before my lower back aches, my right leg goes numb and then I'm completely out of service for weeks. With mid-controls, I can ride hundreds of miles a day, day after day, with no problems. Besides that, the physics of your body weight on mid-controls gives far superior handling when you're in the twisties. The body position mimics a slalom snow-skier, just like a racer on a crotch-rocket. Better comfort and better handling. Perfect. I'm 70 years old and I've owned or ridden every body style out there. My current Sporty with the standard position is the most comfortable bike I've owned in well over 50 years.
Nice bike. What fork oil did you put in as well as what springs. I am running 15wt on stock springs and 1in spacer and it is pretty good, but when the stockers wear out I think im gonna get progressive brand springs
The short shots sound sweet! Want them for my 98, but they don't make them anymore. I like the laced front wheel too. Nice bike, I got a Sporty just because you can accessorize them so much.
I bought a 05 custom sporty new, had it 8 yrs, sports are great bikes, will have to get another one, let's see what the 60 th looks like, your bike looks so cool, have fun mate.
I have a 1200, but like the other review, you can't take anything away from the 883 and the short shots definitely give it a good sound. Customization was done wisely and gives the bike a very esthetically pleasing look. Ready for the long trip.
Nice sound from those V/H shorts, especially when it's warmed up. I like the 1200's, but can't take anything away from the 883 sound. Good attitude about customizing your ride the way you want to. Sundowner seat and progressive shocks - good move. Very clean and happy motorcycle.
Really like your bike! Very nicely done! Which handle bars do you have? I just picked up the same bags and changed my mids to further forward mids. So much more comfortable. Love the V&H Short shots and A/C. My bike is a 2014 883L so I'm EFI. I'll be changing out the A/C and pipes. Thanks for showing the layback plate signal relocation and the oil temp dipstick. Theses are on my list now. Great job!
awesome sportster..just wondering if you dyno tune that?and where did you buy the handle bar...pretty nice looking bike..i've watched this 14x already..i have my 2013 sportster super low..i wanna make my handle bar like that...please give me an idea...thanks.
Very nice. I have the short shots on my Sportster as well, its amazing how much weight is removed with the stock exhaust and brackets gone. Those saddlebags look fantastic.
Hi, can you tell which handle bars you used and did you use a complete kit for the cables etc. Great looking Sportster... Thanks and greetings from Sweden
Your bike looks great. I have a 2007 883 same color as yours. What fuel tank is that on yours? I just have the small peanut tank. I like the look of the bigger tank. And where did you get the rear shocks and what brand are they?. Keep up the great work
nice ride ...got a 05 sporty ..white pearl...love it ..have many of those mods ..just a kyryukan cleaner ...full boar slip-ons. ...carb re jetted ..1250 kit in the mail
Indeed a nice setup. A few observations: 1. If you get an oil temperature gauge like that, you might find yourself wanting an oil cooler if you don't like some of the temperatures you get. If so, the HD one for the Sportster has no thermostat (despite what the catalog says), but you can get a couple of byapasses from Jagg: manual and thermostatic. I got the manual one but in the future would choose the other. 2. I note how you did the breather. I would think you'd get a bit of oil drip on a long ride, but different Sportsters act differently on that. 3. That luggage sure looks sweet, but all that internal stuff would make it hard to pack with a liner bag, I would think. Maybe that's just the price you pay for having solid, locking side luggage. 4. I would think those bars would make highway touring a bit tough unless you have a windshield. (I personally get too much buffeting from a windshield so I keep my hands lower, and the gauges--I added a tach so I have two gauges--offer some wind protection.) All in all very tastefully executed. It looks like a fun bike to ride.
Mine's an 06 Dragonfly Green with Progressive fronts and 13 1/2" rears. No bottoming anymore. A major change was a larger front cog, like having a sixth gear. Easy cruising.
Can you tell me more about your license plate bracket and turn signal relocation in the rear of your sportster I must do the same thing to my bike for larger saddlebags
That is one fine looking Sportster. They are versatile machines, and can look good in many configurations. You set this one up very well, most of the changes have a function as well as looking good. It's obvious it's to be ridden, not just for looks or bar-hopping. I agree with you on the mid-controls, I've gotten used to the forwards but just prefer having the foot-pegs under me and am going to do the conversion soon. What did you use to cover the mounting points from the forwards?
Clean looking ride, is that a stock tank? I have a 2000 custom and the only tanks keep coming across are peanut tanks. I like yours, no empty space. Good job.
You did a nice job. Glad to see you didn't put skulls all over it. I bought an '06 Sportster 1200 Low a while back, and the PO had put about a zillion skulls all over it. Even the seat bolt and valve stem caps. I was able to get most of them off, but I had to replace the gas cap, derby cover, timing cover, mirrors, and get a new medallion for the backrest. Yep, he put a skull emblem on that too. Your bike looks and sounds great, the only thing I have an issue with is the wire spoke wheels. They look great, but when you have a flat out on the road, it is impossible to repair. I like cast wheels and tubeless tires
Just bought 2006 XL1200 SportsterC. Really like what you have done with your 883. Can you guide me on the tail light cover, oil temp gauge, saddle bags, progressive spring shocks and relocater kits mfg's? Did google w/o success...Bill in SC
May be your "ideal sportster" ain't mine that's for sure. Way to much shiny stuff, I want sleek, black, I want to fly by you and you never even seen me. Great looking bike. SPORTSTER4LIFE ☘️
Lot of people build sportsters into touring bikes because of the engine. It's still a push rod engine. No valves to shim for clearance after 10k miles. No cam tensioners to replace like the twin came bikes. It just runs, it's the most reliable bike harley makes. Make fun of them all you like, it's the best Harley made today. Simple, reliable and fast. At least they can be made to be fast.
You speak the truth brother!!
Amen....
Absolutely. If you want a new Harley, buy a Sportster. If you want a bigger engine, buy anything previous to 1998.
I have almost 35,000 miles on a 2014 model 48.
Make sportsters great again
Very very nice sir! You made your sportster very unique and practical. When i turned 19 i bought a brand new XL883 sportster as boswels harley davidson in nashville tn. I rode that thing for 10 years and never had the slightest trouble with it. My dad made harley jokes when i bought it but the jokes stopped after awhile. It never even had a dealer service. I changed oil, fluids, tires, brakes, when needed and thats it. I ended up selling it in 2013 after a back surgery. I never was able to get comfortable on it again. Now im riding a 2002 dyna wide glide with the carbureted 88 engine. I hope it turns out to be half the bike my sportster was as i judge all bikes by my sportster. People can make all the jokes they want but my first harley was a huge success and impeckably reliable. So far my 2 years with my first big twin have went well too. It starts on first crank and runs like a champ.
Sorry for long post but your nice sportster stirred up some great memories. I wish i could afford another 883 to park alongside my wide glide
JohnnyRebKy that's awesome! Good to know Sportster last long if you take care of them; I'm 20 and finally made enough to get my first Harley this year it's a 93 XL883 and I love it
JohnnyRebKy please don´t apologize for your long post, it was great to read it! Thanks for sharing your beautiful memories on this awesome ameican bike! Take care God bless you.
wow really you love him right what a goober
I agree with you on the mid controls. I have the roadster which came with mid controls. I don't care too much for the forward controls. Better control and ride position with mid controls for sure.
That is one fine looking Sportster, love the mods you made to it and glad you left the baffles in, she sounds great, too!
Looks great man, great job! I am slowly building my ideal sportster, no where near where you're at yet, but watching this got me motivated again!
Very nice clean Sportster, the saddlebags really change the look GREAT WORK!!!!
I have a very similar colour Sportster 883 custom. I think you did a great job in making the few changes. It makes the bike look so much more impressive. Happy riding!!
You have an awesome sportster! I have the same model and I am so inspired to mod it like yours. Yours look like a good nice tourer without being too huge. Wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful bike, nice sound, good looker.I like all the modifications youve made. This ones a keeper.
Great job......have a 2004 myself and wanted to modify it as well starting with pipes. Awesome!!
Like the temp gauge and that hot rod style breather!
Nice. I've got an 883 I bought slightly used in 1987. Got over 97000 miles on it. Also got an '09 Low Rider for the longer rides, but the Sportster has been some of the best money I ever spent. $3500, then $400 for my trade. Hasn't seen the inside of a dealer or shop since 1988, and then I made 'em give me my money back. Easy to work on.
That's a beautiful bike and nicely introduced. Thks, Food for thought!
tastefully done. congratulations!
Love the sportster it’s what got me into Harley, my first one was an 883 (2002) loved it
Congratulations! You have a very beautiful bike.
VERY sharp! Usually not a fan of that style of tank and bars...but yours really looks sharp! Would not be ashamed to throw a leg over that one at all! Great job!!
Very nice bike. It is well thought out and is sharp enough to turn heads. Scott
Very nice, I like the mid controls too!
You have made some sweet changes to the bike. Thanks for the ideas.
Can't say enough for Mid Controls and the way it enhances handling, much safer, you can stand up and control the bike much better( like a dirt bike), you done a nice job and one that makes more sense than others I've seen.
YES! I have a herniated disc in my lower back which presses on my sciatic nerve. I can't ride with forward controls for more than 15 minutes because they force me into a slouch. Remember the teacher or your mom saying not to slouch, to keep the arch in the back when you sit straight up? There's a reason for that. I can ride my XL883 Sporty standard all day long with no back problems at all.
Also, if you have ever snow-skied, you know the physics of keeping your knees over your feet and your shoulders forward for better handling. Watch the racing skiers go through the slaloms and compare their body position to the racing motorcycle riders. Same thing.
I've been riding motorcycles since the early 1960's and I've owned bikes with controls slightly to the rear, mid and forward. I speak from experience.
Mid-controls forever!!!!!
Fantastic job on your sportster. They look better with the passenger seat, sissy bar and bags. I'm doing the same to my 883
Love the mid-controls! Fortunately, H-D still offers mid and forward controls for those of us who want a choice. I'm my case, it's a choice that I need because of my bad back. I have a herniated disc in my lower back that pinches my sciatic nerve when I slouch. That means I can't ride forward controls more than 20 to 30 minutes before my lower back aches, my right leg goes numb and then I'm completely out of service for weeks. With mid-controls, I can ride hundreds of miles a day, day after day, with no problems. Besides that, the physics of your body weight on mid-controls gives far superior handling when you're in the twisties. The body position mimics a slalom snow-skier, just like a racer on a crotch-rocket. Better comfort and better handling. Perfect. I'm 70 years old and I've owned or ridden every body style out there. My current Sporty with the standard position is the most comfortable bike I've owned in well over 50 years.
Beautiful Bike, love the color. Nice setup.
Great looking and sounding bike. You have excellent taste in bike mods.
Nice bike.
What fork oil did you put in as well as what springs.
I am running 15wt on stock springs and 1in spacer and it is pretty good, but when the stockers wear out I think im gonna get progressive brand springs
Such a beautiful bike. I've never rode before but looking at the Iron.
The short shots sound sweet! Want them for my 98, but they don't make them anymore. I like the laced front wheel too. Nice bike, I got a Sporty just because you can accessorize them so much.
Very nice bike , is progressive suspension make riding more softer ? My sportster always hurting my back on hump !
Beautiful!
Really nice lookin scoot.. I love the mid controls also. I feel much more in control with the mids. Lookin good!
I bought a 05 custom sporty new, had it 8 yrs, sports are great bikes, will have to get another one, let's see what the 60 th looks like, your bike looks so cool, have fun mate.
I have a 1200, but like the other review, you can't take anything away from the 883 and the short shots definitely give it a good sound. Customization was done wisely and gives the bike a very esthetically pleasing look. Ready for the long trip.
Very nicely done!!
Nice job what kit did you use for your turn signal light, brand and part # and where did you buy it ?
Sweet sportster, there awesome bikes. And that blue color is looking real good.
Thanks. Got some ideas for my 2006 883 xl custom.
Very nice sportster. It sounds and look very good.👍
It is sweet, not all to my taste, but, hey - to each his own
Its a lovely bike. Not my particular style so my sporty won't wind up looking like that. But that's the great part about HD!
Nice looking Sportster. You did a good jog on customizing it. Hopefully my next bike will be a Sportsterbor a Victory Hammer.
Nice sound from those V/H shorts, especially when it's warmed up. I like the 1200's, but can't take anything away from the 883 sound. Good attitude about customizing your ride the way you want to. Sundowner seat and progressive shocks - good move. Very clean and happy motorcycle.
Really like your bike! Very nicely done! Which handle bars do you have? I just picked up the same bags and changed my mids to further forward mids. So much more comfortable. Love the V&H Short shots and A/C. My bike is a 2014 883L so I'm EFI. I'll be changing out the A/C and pipes. Thanks for showing the layback plate signal relocation and the oil temp dipstick. Theses are on my list now. Great job!
hey, man that's a very, very cool ride, i'm buying some saddlebags for mine, but how much approx was the relocation kit for the tail lights?
SO beautiful!!!
awesome sportster..just wondering if you dyno tune that?and where did you buy the handle bar...pretty nice looking bike..i've watched this 14x already..i have my 2013 sportster super low..i wanna make my handle bar like that...please give me an idea...thanks.
made a nice little bike to take a trip on , really nice , I have a softail, by always had a soft spot for the iron head.
That is an Evo aka the blockhead. The iron head was out in 86.
Very nice. I have the short shots on my Sportster as well, its amazing how much weight is removed with the stock exhaust and brackets gone. Those saddlebags look fantastic.
Very nice!
Awesome job!!!
ok the bars, what did you have to change to run them that high, did you look at replacing the custom's riser ?
Hi, can you tell which handle bars you used and did you use a complete kit for the cables etc. Great looking Sportster... Thanks and greetings from Sweden
Your bike looks great. I have a 2007 883 same color as yours. What fuel tank is that on yours? I just have the small peanut tank. I like the look of the bigger tank. And where did you get the rear shocks and what brand are they?. Keep up the great work
Nice Sportster. Ride Safe and Have Fun.
nice ride ...got a 05 sporty ..white pearl...love it ..have many of those mods ..just a kyryukan cleaner ...full boar slip-ons. ...carb re jetted ..1250 kit in the mail
Beautiful harley dude!!!
Very nice job, killer sporty! What are the saddlebags off of? They look so much better then the stock ones!
where did you go to have your suspension modified? who did your fork oil change?
Great video. I have a 2005 883 Custom. I really like the bike.
Dude very nice job!!
Looks awesome I'm looking to buy one of these bikes.
Beautiful Sportster
Where did ya get the mid-controls ??? Been wanting to do the same to 07 Sporty. Did ya have to tune it ? what tuner did ya use?
What brand and make are those handle bars? They look great!!!
I've got the same one (a 2004 Sportster 883C) in France with (in a few days) the same exhaust pipes!
I'm a road king rider, but I have to say that is about the nicest sportster I have ever seen, good job.
Indeed a nice setup. A few observations:
1. If you get an oil temperature gauge like that, you might find yourself wanting an oil cooler if you don't like some of the temperatures you get. If so, the HD one for the Sportster has no thermostat (despite what the catalog says), but you can get a couple of byapasses from Jagg: manual and thermostatic. I got the manual one but in the future would choose the other.
2. I note how you did the breather. I would think you'd get a bit of oil drip on a long ride, but different Sportsters act differently on that.
3. That luggage sure looks sweet, but all that internal stuff would make it hard to pack with a liner bag, I would think. Maybe that's just the price you pay for having solid, locking side luggage.
4. I would think those bars would make highway touring a bit tough unless you have a windshield. (I personally get too much buffeting from a windshield so I keep my hands lower, and the gauges--I added a tach so I have two gauges--offer some wind protection.)
All in all very tastefully executed. It looks like a fun bike to ride.
Really like what you have done with the bike over the years. Do you still have this bike, if you do can you give us an update?
If you still have the bike, what are those bags, and how did you mount them? Special mount or that's a Harley mount?
Beautiful bike by the way!
Nice bike. You did some nice things to it. .. Mine used to look like that!
Mine's an 06 Dragonfly Green with Progressive fronts and 13 1/2" rears. No bottoming anymore.
A major change was a larger front cog, like having a sixth gear. Easy cruising.
Love the side shots exhaust, camera does not do justice.
sweet looking blue bike.
Can you tell me more about your license plate bracket and turn signal relocation in the rear of your sportster I must do the same thing to my bike for larger saddlebags
Love the color
Those turn signals relocation kit WHERE did u get them? Ones I see are low, I want those, high ones next to headlight
That is one fine looking Sportster. They are versatile machines, and can look good in many configurations. You set this one up very well, most of the changes have a function as well as looking good. It's obvious it's to be ridden, not just for looks or bar-hopping. I agree with you on the mid-controls, I've gotten used to the forwards but just prefer having the foot-pegs under me and am going to do the conversion soon. What did you use to cover the mounting points from the forwards?
No!...I LIKE spokes....great job. One of the best Ive seen.
beautiful bike!!!!!!
i would like to know where you got the tail light bracket ?
Clean looking ride, is that a stock tank? I have a 2000 custom and the only tanks keep coming across are peanut tanks. I like yours, no empty space. Good job.
Really nice bike !
Best Sportster was the 2008 1200 Roadster. Only year for 4.5 tank, triple disc brakes,mag wheels, drag bars, two up seating, tach, blacked out engine.
You did a nice job. Glad to see you didn't put skulls all over it. I bought an '06 Sportster 1200 Low a while back, and the PO had put about a zillion skulls all over it. Even the seat bolt and valve stem caps. I was able to get most of them off, but I had to replace the gas cap, derby cover, timing cover, mirrors, and get a new medallion for the backrest. Yep, he put a skull emblem on that too. Your bike looks and sounds great, the only thing I have an issue with is the wire spoke wheels. They look great, but when you have a flat out on the road, it is impossible to repair. I like cast wheels and tubeless tires
Where did you get the saddle bags? I'm looking for some for 14 1200t superlow
Holy crap! How many loose bolts are on that exhaust system?
I like it man I like it a lot it’s sick. I just got a 08 1200 and I’d love to do something like it.
Just bought 2006 XL1200 SportsterC. Really like what you have done with your 883. Can you guide me on the tail light cover, oil temp gauge, saddle bags, progressive spring shocks and relocater kits mfg's? Did google w/o success...Bill in SC
I would need a separate tach gauge even though I know the speedo has it digitally built-in, just to round out the look of your beautiful bike.
May be your "ideal sportster" ain't mine that's for sure. Way to much shiny stuff, I want sleek, black, I want to fly by you and you never even seen me. Great looking bike. SPORTSTER4LIFE ☘️
How well does that rocker breather work...does it eventually leak oil..??
real nice looking bike. like all the mods
Ever get your relocation kit? probably by now, but Dennis Kirk has some nice, inexpensive ones..
Nice Bike!!!!!!congratulationsssss!!!!!
Good afternoon, can you tell me how many inches this guidao has on your bike?
Nicest one I've seen!
Very nice. I'm looking at 2015 883 low, the Harley bags and mounts, where did you get them and how much?
Very nice brotha
Nice classy bike!!!!!
Great bike I love it
where did you get them bags?