Hi I have just joined the forum as I need to make a decission. 18 months ago I purchased a Royal Enfield 500 C5 Classic Chrome after a 15 year lay off bikes.

I found that I had to wring its neck in the wind to keep it at 100 kph. Also it did not have sufficient power to get me out of trouble on the highways, cars would easily out accelerate the RE putting me in a dangerous situation.

I just sold the bike and am comptemplating a 883 Iron, I would like a new bike and only have limited funds, therefore cannot go to a bigger unit.

I would like to ask the forum if this bike would be most improved regarding the above issues mentioned? I have been researching this model and found it referred to as a ladies Harley etc. Some people complain about the power, others say ok. I am assuming it would be a vast improvement over the RE?

Also I see dealers are offering custom packages on new 883's, eg V&H pipes, pod air filter, I gather these are not legal?

Looking forward to your responses.

Thanks in advance

Adrian

 

Don't settle. I personally wouldn't buy an 883 for power. Maybe look at a Sports bike. Just because you mite not have an extra 5k now, wait and save to buy something bigger or something you may want.

Welcome aboard Adrian enjoy the ride, If you like a particular bike buy it, there are a lot of happy riders  out there on irons.

The 883 will crap all over the RE 500 and will would be fine for city and country driving. Most of us would recommend a 1200cc or better, but I presume the Irons are just as upgradeable so you could get a 883 and if you want more grunt just grab a 1200 conversion kit. If you're buying new then fuck all that - just buy a second hand fatbob or Streetbob for a similar price.

I too will say go for the 1200 over the 88c as eventually everyone would like more poke. But go for a test ride and see what fits better and feels right to you

Welcome , give a new 883 a miss imo , for that sort of dollar you could buy a nice low km Late model Dyna with 6 speed box and 96ci engine for luxury cruising. good luck.

Welcome, I personally would go second hand bike with a bigger motor especially since you go on country cruises.  Also go to a Harley dealer and test ride a 883 and see how you like it.

Thanks for the feedback guys, the consensus if strongly toward the bigger bike.
I had in mind purchasing a new 883 and using it till the warranty period of 2 years expires, then if I feel more power is required go the 1200 kit, pipes, pod filter etc.

Thanks again
Adrian

Unless you're getting into your twilight years (and even then in most cases) or you have no cash, go the Fatbob or Streetbob and forget peeing around. Cruisers aren't like Sportsbikes where you might be faced with too much power too soon. They ride the way you treat them.

NOTHN WRONG WITH AN IRON MATE HEAPS OF POWER
OH UNLESS YOUR CASEY STONER
AND THEY ARE NOT A GIRLS BIKE
VALUE FOR MONEY THERE GREAT FOR A NEW BIKE
BUT IN THE END YOU WILL DECIDE
WELCOME

Mate go with a bit of grunt. You don't have to go hard unless ya want too ;>) I was a little hesitant about Bob as my last bike was Yamaha 750 Triple (yeh I know rice burner etc etc but at the time (1977)it was a pretty reasonable bike. I'm so happy I did !

At 103 cubes or 1690cc my Bob is a  big bike but like someone already said a cruiser depends on how you ride if you wanna go hard it'll pull ya arms off, treat her nice and gentle and it's just a sweet ride. Good luck whatever ya choose there's nothing like it you'll be glad ya did.

cheers FC

Welcome Adrian , good sporty for sale here on Forum .

welcome get what you want and can afford and fuck what everyone else thinks.... sporty's are nimble machines.

Thanks to all for your inputs.
I have made a decision to go with 2013 Sportster XL1200C.
Need some help here, I have chosen 2 new 2013 models, one has forward controls the other mid controls, I have a bad back & neck and require an upright position.
Which control position is easier on the back & neck?
The bike with forward controls has a better handle bar position allowing me to sit up straight, however I am concerned that this position may put stress on my spine.
Appreciate any help in this matter
Thanks in advance

Thanks to all for your inputs.
I have made a decision to go with 2013 Sportster XL1200C.
Need some help here, I have chosen 2 new 2013 models, one has forward controls the other mid controls, I have a bad back & neck and require an upright position.
Which control position is easier on the back & neck?
The bike with forward controls has a better handle bar position allowing me to sit up straight, however I am concerned that this position may put stress on my spine.
Appreciate any help in this matter
Thanks in advance

I've got a 1200 sportster and an Ultra Classic tourer, and I can tell you the sporty is great fun in town and out on the open highway. The tourer is great all loaded up with the music playing and wifey on the back heading interstate.

Take them all for a test ride, most of the dealers are keen to take your money, it's a great way to see what you like best.

I like your Royal Enfield, it looks like you kept it clean and tidy.

Welcome to the club 

Steve

Good choice..Are you looking at new or 2nd hand? The 1200 customs come with forward controls, unless someone has changed it? I think the handlebars would be the thing to consider for a sore back. I've got drag bars, so maybe not them but some mini apes might suit? Then you could also change seat and shocks for some more comfort. Good luck and welcome.