Firstly thanks to those who contribute to this site, it's already helped me decide on buying the Iron; I know i'll be able to seek/contribute ideas and knowledge for the 833. Especially when the time comes for the 1200 upgrade!
For me, this all black bike looks just right in its proportions; the line of the tank flowing back to the rear wheel, overall width when looking from the back/front, blacked out engine etc made me look closer to see what the bike has in terms of parts and features. So with this in mind i'm going to be progressively changing a few parts (not the bling bits that advertise a manufacturer and don't do anything performance wise) to optimise the torque of the bike. It's not a race bike (i'm sure lots would disagree) the lean angles and braking don't lend itself to this like my Duke does. As such i'm not fussed about saying i've done 160-180, when i'd be shitting myself trying to slow it before an apex corner, i'll be working out how to get good torque so I grin everytime I pull away at the lights or rolll on out of a corner.
I took a bike for a test ride but had pretty well decided on the bike beforehand. I was trying not to talk myself into it. I wanted to see how it felt, rode, sounded and had my fingers crossed it would be willing to please on all fronts. For a bike that weighs over 250kg, it felt really natural to be on. This was my first suprise, it had S&S slips on so the note was louder than stock, this noise smoothed out at cruising speeds. For those in the know, I rode from Harley Heaven in Franklin St, up the freeway to Eagle on the Hill, taking the turn off and throttling out of the corners for the feel and sound. The roundabout at Crafers put a nice scuff mark on the right peg (2nd suprise-not so nice to feel, doesn't corner like other bikes) then off for a squirt along Upper Sturt Rd to Belair, before taking the old road back down to Fullarton Rd, returning to the dealership.
The ride sold me, I put down the deposit and should be picking up a new Iron next week sometime. I asked for prices on a few parts but think i'll be using other sources, considering exchange rates, other manufacturers etc for parts. I have resisted the urge to have all the work done before letting myself settle into the bike. I figure start riding then change parts as required. I have in the works upgrades to air intake (possibly including the throttle body-going slightly larger) chip/module for tuning, front brake upgrade (this will be fairly soon) and suspension, exhaust obviously, but really need to think about that one, although I felt it was ok for the type of riding. I need an exhaust that not only looks good, but allows the bike to develop the torque in low to mid rev ranges. Possibly the oil cooler, given it's an air cooled engine, tacho, got me stuffed why there isn't one on the bike, LED light upgrade, La Pera twin seat for the weekend....
There's no pictures yet because firstly I don't have the bike in my garage and secondly if you don't know what a bog stock Iron 883 looks like, then why are you on this site?
Well i'll get back to searching the web for parts and will look to hook up with fellow riders in Adelaide when I get the bike and the time is right.
Cheers and beers!!
Welcome
Welcome Eddie hope you enjoy the forums and thats a great introduction good to see another S.A rider on the forum.
Thanks to all who replied to my intro, good to feel welcome.
I picked the bike up today after not having the correct ignition key but anyway it got sorted.
I've been for a ride and have managed to put 246km on the dial....
Bit of a sore arse, and have worked out the standard headlights are pretty average, but I have a huge grin and that's worth it above all else.
I met a guy (customer) at the shop today who said there's Sportster meets about once a month down near Marion, so thought I might look into this.
Cheers all, will catch ya round the traps i'm sure.
Iron Ed.
Onya Ed. I can definatly vouch for the Iron being great fun... and you can still filter in the city!
Enjoy mate.
SJ
