Hi everyone.  This whole Harley thing is new to me. At 69 years of age  and a life time of sports bikes  I am looking to venture into Harley ownership.  I have ridden a NIght Rod and an 883  briefly  but nothing else.  Located a 2013 883  in Melb  with a stage 1 kit and Vance and Hines black short shot exhaust system  but a bit worried that it might be too loud  and even have a hard time getting through the identity inspection  and registered when I get back to adelaide. Also not sure abut the touring capabilities of the 883.  

Any words of wisdom greatly appreciated  before I make the jump

Knoffie (Adelaide)  

 

First of all WELCOME, secondly Harley's are supposed to be loud(so everyone can hear that sweet music only a Harley can make) and thirdly I personally wouldn't take an 883 touring, that is not to say it couldn't do it, I just wouldn't.

Methinks if it comes from interstate Regency Park wont pass the pipes....there's plenty of them for sale though, so maybe hold off for a local one.

Personally I thinl after a few months you wont be happy with the 883 and will be looking to upgrade. I dunno what you expect from it though, so I may be way off the mark.

Before touring consider the tank size and fuel range.

Welcome there mate do enjoy ur stay in here

Thanks Guys, I think you are right about the touring bit. I am going to test ride a 1200C Sportster this morning. I will left you know how I get on.
There is a cracker for sale in Tourquay a 2007 model with 6,ooo els on it for $12,000 that might be worth the trip from Adelaide to see.

thanks for the help

Paul ( knoffie)

welcome mate you should be able to get a lot later model for that money plenty around its a sporty buyers market
Good luck with the purchase
I'm sure whatever you get you'll be stoked
Cheers

I agree, in the current market you can get a better deal than that.

Maybe a little out of left field and possibly not what you are looking for..or asked for, but I was visiting a mate down the Port yesterday who told me he is putting this on the market.

1800cc Boulevard, 8000km, $10k, and I know he's spent a pretty penny on it.

Possibly something else suitable for touring if that is your intention. I sat on the thing and found it incredibly light and comfortable compared to my HD.

Thanks Youngblood, the boulevard looks good but I am really after the 883 Harley
Thanks for your response to my post appreciated.
Paul ( knoffie)

Welcome Knoffie, hope you enjoy whateveer you end up with. 

Mate i have a question though, why is it you are after an 883 specifically? Is it all that fits in your budget Harley wise?

The sporty 1200 would be so much better and in the right circumstances can tour pretty good

My missus is only tiny and we would even consider the 883 for her. Anything the 883 can do the 1200 will do and do it easier.

But for real comfort with touring there is nothing blike one of the big twins for your own comfort and the ease of doing high K's with the bigger engine and tank capcity.

As has been stated before I think you'll want more from an 883 after not to long. Best thing to do is take a few bikes for a run. If you can find a dealer to take an 883 and 1200 for a ride one after the other i think you'll see what we mean mate.

Good luck with which ever wway you go though and get out there and enjoy.

Cheers

YEH BUY THE HARLEY MATE
IM SURE THE RIGHT ONE WILL COME ALONG
MAN THATS ONE UGLY MOTORCYCLE RANGER HEY

Welcome Paul. If you are keen on a sportster, get a 1200 if possible. Touring is ok, but not what I would call comfortable. I've got stock seat and shocks + drag bars and do plenty of long rides. Agree with the others above, no rush, you will find a bargain. Let us know how you go. Hope to catch up on SA ride one day.

If you go interstate to buy ,, MAKE SURE you get the original exhaust with it ,, because it will have to go over the pitts to register it in SA

I posted this in the sportster section as well.
Crazy, but after test riding a new 883 twice and then a 48 and a friend's Night Rod I have realised that Harleys are just not for me. They just seem too heavy and " clunky" and after riding and racing sports bikes for years I have found that I just can't make the switch. I know everyone will disagree with me..but I have to be honest.
I have appreciated everyones interest and support in my search for a new bike. I don't want a Jap cruiser either..so it looks like back to the sports bikes again.
Knoffie

well said ...I will keep trying at this Harley thing. I too (if I am honest) am sick of the sore wrists and looking in my rear mirrors all the time.
Thanks for the input
Knoffie