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!
More Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH 883 reviews
| Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1991 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| 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 acquired | 9000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 24000 miles |
| Previous motorcycle | Harley-Davidson Sportster XLHC 1000 |
| Date of Entry | 15th February, 2008 |
