Faults:

My first issue with the 883 was the ignition module. When the bike got hot it would not restart. When I rode it up for service, it died a few miles from the dealership and they had to come pick it up on the side of the road. At first they could not find the problem, so the owner took it out for a few errands and it did it to him. That's when they figured out it was the ignition module.

My most recent issue is that on the way home from getting it inspected last week; the right foot peg cracked going over a railroad track when I stood up on the pegs. The crack is in the side plate, just above the brake peg. Though it did not come completely off, it should definitely be a recall item and replaced at no charge, as it should be able to withhold someone stand up on the pegs well over my 185 lbs.

I should have traded it in when I bought my 2005 Deuce instead of passing it on to my wife. She doesn't like the warm up waiting period, and the lack of throttle response unless the engine temp is just right. I offered to increase it for her to a 1200, but she now wants a 3 wheel Spyder or MP3. She's not taken in by the Harley mystique.

General Comments:

This was my first brand new Harley since giving up my 750LTD in 1988 when I moved and had kids. Since I've had my Deuce, it's hard to imagine that I put so many mile on it both by myself and with my wife on back. The last time we rode on it two up it really felt cramped.

I would hope the new rubber mounts with EFI are more responsive and built stronger.

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

Changed air cleaner and exhaust. Added tach. and fork brace.

Bike runs so good and true; you have to experience it yourself.

Faults:

Ignition module wiring broke at 16000 after 5 hours at 75 mph on a 95 degree day in eastern Tennessee.

General Comments:

The Sportster is agile and quick. For commutes at under 60 mph it is a maneuverable and responsive little rocket.

I consistently get 60 miles a gallon mileage.

After 16000 miles, with new tires on it, it's like it was new, only better.

Faults:

I've had off-and-on electrical problems with this Sportster, as well as a vexing problem with the carb that causes it to randomly buck and quit. When that happens, all you can do is wait it out and try to start it every few minutes until it fires up again.

Have had to replace the chain due to the original stretching in two places.

The choke cable binds and must be held in the "out" position or the engine will not start when cold. This requires you to run your arm in front of the clutch lever, and push that lever in to engage the clutch and safety-switch, while holding out on the choke with your left hand while you push the starter-button with your right hand.

I would also mention comfort issues, but, after all, this is a Sportster, and Sportsters weren't built for comfort.

General Comments:

All in all, this has been a great bike.

I've owned many motorcycles, but the one I had before this Sportster was an old 1977 Sportster 1000 "iron head" that sold within two days of me putting a for-sale sign on it.

I am planning on buying a Street Glide this year, but meantime I have installed new handlebars, windscreen, leather saddlebags, and a custom "Stretch-Bob" fuel tank on the Sportster (replacing the stock "peanut" tank) to make it much more enjoyable to ride.

For a Harley, this one has been very good on fuel and has been a fairly economical mode of transportation, along with being fun transportation during summer months.

This bike is also black and chrome, which makes its appearance very nice as well!