Similar Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH 883 reviews

2002
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Sportster XLH 883

Love it

47 words
2001
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Sportster XLH 883

It used to be fun to ride, but now I'd sell it in a heart beat

307 words
2000
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Sportster XLH 883

Classic V Twin perfection!

86 words
1999
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Sportster XLH 883

Horrible piece of junk

127 words
1991
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Sportster XLH 883

For a Sportster, this is a very good bike

272 words
1988

Sportster XLH 883

A 50's sport bike you can still buy new

300 words
All Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH 883 reviews

1991 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH 883 review from United States of America

"For a Sportster, this is a very good bike"

What things have gone wrong with the motorcycle?

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!

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Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Model Year1991
First year of ownership2004
Most recent year of ownership2008
Acceleration marks 8/10
Roll-on Performance marks 8/10
Handling marks 8/10
Braking marks 8/10
Reliability marks 7/10
Comfort marks 6/10
Dealer Service marks  
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 9/10
Distance when acquired9000 miles
Most recent distance24000 miles
Previous motorcycleHarley-Davidson Sportster XLHC 1000
Date of Entry 15th February, 2008

All Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH 883 reviews