I accidentally walked into the HD-section of Trivetts in Alexandria while waiting for my car to be serviced (accidental, as I always do crazy things in bike shops and really should avoid them). Anyway, I spied the Iron 883 and basically thought it was just an amazing looking bike - so much so, I even have a tentative approval from the wife to get one (denial is a powerful thing).
Anyway, I have been reading up on it (as you do), and noticed some verbage talking about the mid-pegs and how they're good for shorter people and as I'm 5'11" (178cm) tall, wondered if I'd be cramped on the Iron 883? I didn't sit on it in the shop because I was so dazzled (and didn't want someone harassing me while I drooled), so I can't tell how it feels (will be test riding this weekend out at Blacktown though - for the Metal Mayhem III event!)
Really just interested in people's thoughts about the size of it - I've only got about 5 years worth of riding experience, so i can't say I'm a veteran but I don't want to be buying a bike I'll get bored on. Types of rides I'm really into are the longer rides through whinedy (you know what I mean) country roads, so I guess any thoughts you have on the touring aspect would be appreciated.
The wife will want me to get a tourer seat (with the sissy bar) so she can come too occasionally - will the shocks cope/will it be an uncomfortable ride?
That's three questions for the iron 883:
..looking forward to joining up in some rides!
Oh, is it really bad if I get the yellow one? I like the yellow one - is that weird?
Does an Iron 883 even come with pillion pegs?
I thought they were only really meant for solo. All the custom ones seem to be made EVEN MORE solo... slimline seats/ spring solo seats/ low shocks
Im lookin to set one up with a solo spring seat and bob the back out... maybe even shorten the rear of the frame. The more I talk to people about it, the more I hear "why would you do that to the back of a harley! You gotta have pillion." ha ha
+1 for the 1200 upgrade. Get the look and power you need.
Daimoh, on your questions, my 2c worth:
I have an Iron. Saw one in the ad on TV, then in the flesh and just had to have it. Best move I ever made on bikes. I am 170 cm, 70kg, so its all the bike I need for now. Your final question about liking the yellow - that is just wrong. Get a black one, FFS
edit - double post with an impatient trigger-finger...
My first dirt bike as a kid was flat black. Looks like Im back there...although a little less mad max....a little
Thats what they do
Re Watto's comment about no twist left in the throttle, mine has a bunch of SE bits and goes like the clappers so by the time you add some go fast stuff you might find it's all you need. I had intended doing the 1200 upgrade as well but didn't feel I needed it, at least not solo. It's not until you get a tacho you realise how much we under-rev these things. I was at the lights talking to a bloke on another Iron who had Short Shots on that were so loud I couldn't hear mine, so when I gunned it to overtake him I found there was a whole new torque band up my sleeve I hadn't found before! Just about unseated me! These things are so light they can be rockets, but I got all my bits at once so I'm not sure what in particular made the difference. Riding it back from the dealers after the install though I couldn't believe it was the same bike compared to the way it was stock.
I'm 5 10 and have no probs with the mid controls. One problem with forwards is that this baby has very little suspension travel - you'll want a good back on rough surfaces with forwards. If you find it's a problem maybe you could add mid pegs to take some weight on those occasions you need it.
