Sportster Iron 883: The Bike That Won't Save Harley

Hal Licino  says:
10 months ago

There were a series of Sportsters in the early '80s that had the same color scheme and were generally received with snoozing apathy by Harley buyers. In my humble opinion, this is a direct xerox copy of those failures from 25 years ago, and is not the direction that an entry level Hog should be going in, especially when Harley is in such dire straits. By far the most exciting motorcycle to be launched lately is the Honda Fury, and Harley could learn valuable lessons from their Japanese competitor in this respect.

Hal Licino  says:
10 months ago

If you really want to keep on two-wheelin' when you're in your backwoods hideout trying to keep a low profile so that the rampaging, starving, depression-crazed urban mobs don't find you and turn you into a rotisserie dinner, try a Rokon! Two big fat wheels that are both powered! In this single tracked version of a Humvee, you can go anywhere a mountain goat can! :)

Hal Licino  says:
10 months ago

Just google Rokon. It's been around for several decades. They are funky looking but completely bulletproof two wheel drivers! :)

Herb  says:
9 months ago

Your interpretation of the 883 iron is subjective. I've had 6 Harleys. Bought a new XLCH 1000 sporty in 1976, an 80's police special, a panhead, a 63' sporty, a superglide, a 92 sporty. I'm buying a 883 iron next month. It looks great. Not everyone likes Honda style, or even a lot of chrome and ghetto paint. If you look at some of the stats, the dark HD's are selling good and have a wide appeal. The economy's diving, and everyone's experiencing problems.

I remeber Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki bad mouthing HD's for years, stupid V'twins, ugly fenders, gas tanks, etc. These are the same foreign manufacturers that are making twins now, copying the HD design, even the logos 80%. Harleysare a different bike, for certain peole, just like some peope get jeeps, or GTO's. A true HD fan would never commpare one to a Honda. You can't. Marketing and sales are another issue. Personally, I would never buy any bike but HD. I've got 5 guys at work here that 4 bought foreign bikes, and they all say it looks like an HD, almost sounds like an HD. Guess what they're comparing them to? Harley's doing somethging right besides spitting out trendy bikes. Why do you think they hold there resale value. Can you say the same for rice?

herb  says:
9 months ago

I understand. Im just looking at it from a different point of view. Harley has several other models available, and each of those have several sub models to include styling and displacement. So when I look at the "dark custom" series, specifically the sporty iron model, it's the black sheep choice kinda' thing. There are other models available, but this one stands out and has appeal to a certain group. I love it. I think HD threw it on the table and made something that didn't appeal to everyone, but realized a a need for a percentage of their potential buyers and still produced an option for those of us that differ from the mainstream bikes. I grew up around drag racing, chopped 3 of HD's from the ground up, have raced bikes and cars at the drag strip, and this bike is like it was made for me. I don't like a lot of chrome, or accessories, and the first thing I did when I bought my police special was remove the windshield, crash bars, fariring, and luggage, and paint the white bike black. I'm one of the old school guys I guess. Like the clip, if it doesn't make it go or stop, then it doesn't belong. It disheartens me to look out my window at work and see 4 bikes that the owners claim are just like Harleys. I'm glad aHD had the b@lls to get this out there. I don't think the imports would as it doesn't meet their target demographic sales. But you can be assured if it succeeds which the other "dark customs" seem to be, it will be duplicated like everything else HD stood alone on.

Haji Killer  says:
9 months ago

I effing hate those chromed out abominations with Technicolor vomit paint schemes like OCC and their ilk defecate onto the market. The only thing this Sporty needs is a lower stance, and Black pipes. This is a great bike for a child of the 1980's. There are plenty of other 330 tired penile implants available for geezers to pose with. As far as the price point, It dosen't need to be priced with a Jap bike, why would it.

dino head  says:
8 months ago

So many motorcyclists putting each other down and their bike choices! What difference does it make that some folks like a different style? All the variety is great! Some people in the motorcycle community are sounding closer to the hicks who blew-away the heroes in "Easy-Rider." Shame on you. You are not thinking clearly about the sport of motorcycling and what it means to most of us.

dino head  says:
8 months ago

"I will not judge other bikers on their choice of machine, their appearance, or their profession. I will judge them only on their conduct as bikers. I am proud of my accomplishments as a biker, though I will not flaunt them to others. If they ask, I will share them." excerpt from "The Biker's Creed"

You're entitled to your opinion, but there's plenty of excitement and buzz about this retro-aesthetic available to the mass public. Everyone I talk to flips over it! And sure, candy color and chrome is nice too. Sorry Willie didn't hire you. You would have certainly shaken things up there.

Peace, Love and Tolerance for Differences.

Blizaine  says:
6 months ago

wow, I love the Iron 883. Everyone I've shown, thinks it looks bad ass.

904cafe  says:
6 months ago

I completely disagree, though Harley sales may not be where they would like them, by any means, this is the ONE and ONLY Harley I would ever purchase! I have never and I mean NEVER liked the style of Harleys, even most Sportsters until I saw the IRON.

E. Porterfield  says:
6 months ago

I like (No, Love!) this bike!

stevenschenck  says:
6 months ago

The best day of my life was when a friend lent me his new harley for a 1,000 mile ride. It made me realize how perfect my BMW was. The only good part was that half way through my wife flew home because the harley was so dam uncomfortable, handled so badly and stopped faster dragging my feet than using the brakes.

The few sports I have ridden are great, but the kidney transplant hurts, they just convert fuel to vibration. We just converted a 1200 wing into a sport bike, talk about smooth, quiet, fast, corners like on rails and cost 2,000 total for the entire project.

I would love to buy a good harley - when they start building one that is worth buying.

Epyx  says:
6 months ago

I love the Iron Hal, and I am soon to buy one (If I can find one near me NOT over MSRP). I think you are wrong in your understanding of the lineup. The Iron is not the entry level model, the 883L is the least expensive at $6999. The 883L is exactly the bike you have been asking for, lots of crome (more than the XL883C) and bright colors. The Honda Fury is hideous and I doubt it will sell very well, I have yet to speak with anyone that thinks differently. Hal, have you considered that maybe you are out of touch with the target market for the 883N? No offense, it happens to us all.

The 883L, 883N, and 883C are all available for less than $8K and each is pretty cool. The only thing I would suggest for both the 883N and 883L is a change to a spoked front wheel. The 883n is ok with the blacked out wheel but the 883N looks pretty bad with it. The 1200N looks much better with the blacked out spoke wheel.

Anyway, I repectfully disagree with your assertation that HD missed the mark with the 883N Sporty. If anything the 883L is the bike that needs the work to appeal to a younger audiance.

Epyx  says:
6 months ago

I have not tried haggeling yet but here in Pittsburgh the prices have been over MSRP - I suppose the dealer may have tacked on some extras but I thought they were stock. (I have only looked online at this point). I plan on purchsing in June so I did not want to be the irritating browser at the dealer for months (or get sales calls every day).

As for the Fury. I dont care for real "custom" choppers let alone the factory versions. I can respect the fact that you like it. I just have not spoken to anyone (my circle) that has anything complimentary to say about it. Maybe I am out of touch with that demographic!

I see your point and logic behind a sub-$7K HD model. Maybe it should be something other than a sporty? Possibly a thumper (not the Blast) (or smaller V-Twin)with a HD twist on the Triumph Bonneville or Royal Enfield style bikes. I could see that, but I am not sure how HD could delute the Sporty enough to hit the sub-7K price point without lowering the entire range price. That would work for new sales but kill the resale market and piss of the loyal customers.

Who knows, maybe 2010 will bring a new model. HD made scooters at one time so anything is possible!

Epyx  says:
6 months ago

"Carb replaces Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection" I dont think they would be able to sell it in Cali, NY, Pa, or Mass. Def not Europe. That could be cool but I think a even more low tech Sporty could just fuel the fire of the HD detractors. But sometimes I get the feeling that many of the young detractors are negative towards HD because they feel priced out of the market and alienated.

Maybe the fear of HD is deluting the market? A fear that could be warrented in a high flying economy - a luxury they may no longer have.

Roy B  says:
6 months ago

I don't have much to contribute to this coversation, other than another datapoint for the blacked out bikes.

I've been riding a CBR for the past few years and wanted to slow things down and enjoy the ride. I was looking at the Triumphs. But when I cruised over to the HD website and saw the Iron, I knew that was the bike I wanted.

I went from being a guy that never understood why anybody would want a HD, to the proud owner of an Iron. I haven't met any body yet that hasn't loved the bike (or atleast said they did to be polite). In fact, I get dudes rolling up next to me at stoplights wanting to talk about it.

Now, if I can only get people to stop trying to big d*#k me about how the 883cc is too slow/small. Sure the 883 isn't going to win any races, but since when is a 900cc engine small? If all I wanted to do was go fast, I sure wouldn't be riding a HD.

The Iron got me in the dealership. I've never been this excited about a bike before. My decision of the Iron had nothing to do with money, I would gladly have paid more for this bike. This is just the only HD that I like (maybe the Night Train, but still too much chrome.) I was pleased that this bike was still less expensive than a 600cc sportbike.

Epyx  says:
6 months ago

Hal,

I visited my local HD dealer this weekend to look at the Iron in the "metal" and I was disapointed. I hate to say it but I now agree with you. It looks much better online than in person.

Not a total loss for HD though as I am now looking to purchase (this week) an XL833C in Pewter Pearl or Red/Gold. Have not deceided on color yet but that is a good problem to have! Turns out my wife hated the Iron so keeping her on board with the purchase is the most important thing. I still appreciate the Iron but realized I am still a sucker for the Chrome and look of the custom.

Any advice on negotiating with the dealer? I have about 400 in accesories I want and ~$1000 in motorclothes (two helmets and two jackets). The bike is at MSRP and so far so is everything else. I figure the markup on the clothes has to be HUGE so maybe I can work the deal on that end...what do you think?

I found a dealer I am comortable with but I dont want limit my savings with that fact. I just dont want to pay more than others are paying and figure with the HD economic condition there has to be savings potential.

Epyx  says:
6 months ago

Hal,

I had planned on following through with your advice, and did to some extent, but then fell into a great deal on a gently used 2007 833c. Local owner, 2100 miles, mint condition, and a color I like. The color is a minor compromise to my first choice but everything else is perfect. V&H pipes, lace front and back profile wheels, HD security sysem. Its an 07 so it has EFI which I wanted as well. I love it and could not be happier. I was surprised that the dealers were not more aggressive with pricing.

I have been able to get some discounts on the accesories and gear we needed. One dealer gave us 15% off our 2 jackets, 2 helmets, sissy bar set up, and windscreen.

Ill tell you though, we did have a bad expereince at one local dealer. My wife is new to all of this and wanted to have some explaination from the dealer about her gear and what she would need to be safe. The first dealer knew next to nothing and provided no help, not to mention it seemed like there were 10 people "working" in the dealership and none were interested in helping, just talking to each other. Little did they know we were about to spend over $1K with a little help. We left and went to a different dealer that provided excellent advice, service, and made the process fun - I do think some dealers are still better than others.

carazoo india  says:
5 months ago

wow, I love it :-)

PR: wait... I: wait... L: wait... LD: wait... I: wait...wait... Rank: wait... Traffic: wait... Price: wait... C: wait...

Alan Myrvik  says:
4 months ago

I like the look. It's good to have a retro style available. BTW, you remind me of the good ole English management before Triumph went belly up. Put a little motor in it, chrome it up and spray it candy apple red and boy here we go! Yeah right. Also, there was no Bobcat made in 1966. That was the Mercury siibling to the Ford Pinto.

nic  says:
4 months ago

After seeing the Iron 883 it made me want to go out and learn how to ride and I think I will. Its a beautiful machine. I like the minimal approach and the black is killer. Well done HD.

Aaron  says:
4 months ago

I think your crazy haha I love the way this bike looks, I like the silver paint job it has better than the black, but the flat black is all right by me. plus I think they're trying to make a bad ass bike to get young people off the croch rockets and onto a HD. I know im gonna get this bike when I get the chance, i looks alot more fun then my Ford ranger haha. Im gonna go out on a limb and say you probably are a fan of the older bikes huh?

Lee Geurts  says:
3 months ago

I hate chrome, I love flat handle bars. This bike is nice. I guess opinions vary.

Austin   says:
3 months ago

I actually like the bike a lot. Ive been looking for a mid size bike and in between the iron and m50. I really like the old school style on the iron, the flat black reminding me of a lot of old roadsters painted flat black. I love the disc brake on the back, never been a fan of the drum brakes on the back of most jap cruisers. As far as marketing, everyone I show the bike to loves it. Its a hot bike in my opinion and size wise the sportsters are running cheaper then the jap bikes. M50 starting at 7899, honda shadow starting at 7699. Sportsters are well priced, little skinner then others though. I do admit Ive never ridden a harley before but I do plan to rent one from a local dealer so I know how they ride before I buy. I would be suprised if this bike doesnt sell well, considering the recession. O and the fury Does not look very good and Ive heard from a lot of local dealers; honda, suzuki, and such, that its not a good riding bike. Not worth the buy.

Austin  says:
3 months ago

Yea sorry. There was a lot to read and a lot to comment on. Over all though it seems that a lot of people disagree on the looks with you, a lot of sites Ive gone to to read about the bike 90% of people seem to like it. So I think the bike was well designed and you might need to rethink your opinions on how harley made a fundamentally butt ugly bike. I do agree they need to design some cheaper bikes to compete with a larger demograph, though I think that might defeat the purpose of a harley.

Austin  says:
3 months ago

LOL. I do agree with that, but I have to say the sportsters are priced relatively cheap compared to other mid size models. 883L at 6999, M50 at 7999, C50 at 7799, Shadow at 7699. It priced pretty low. I think they should change it up a little though like you were talking about earlier, definetely include the back pilion and pegs. Id keep the engine size, fuel injection, and if it would be possible a lower price is nice but comparetively speaking I think the sportster is competetive. Many of their other bikes are the ones you need deep pockets for. I think most people dont think harley because of that.

Alex  says:
3 months ago

I LIKE that bike. Fork gaiters make sense, good for fork seals. I've owned a million metrics and test ridden several bikes recently, loved the 1200 Sportster hated the 750 Shadow Spirit I expected to fall in love with.

I'm off to go to the Harley place up the street and crawl around UNDER some bikes, just changed the oil on my "nice simple" Honda and it's always a nightmare, I miss the easy to work on bikes of the 70s and 80s, actually they started getting bad in the 80s, I have a sneaking suspicion the Sporty is the best "survivalist" bike out there due to probably half the parts count of my present little Honda, and the lack of a centerstand more than made up for by a sensible frame/pipe design and all the nice aftermarket stands and stuff out there.

PS - I may start a Hub Page, this looks like a nice site.

Jmac  says:
3 months ago

I really believe HD is trying to market to a younger demographic here with the Iron 883. And as a 26 year old who works closely with youth, I can honestly say they are right on target. I mean just watch MTV for crying out loud. Everything is getting what they call "blacked out" now... cars, rims, bikes, you name it. The culture is changing. The younger generation likes a simple, clean, and yet a tasteful look. We see a blacked out bike like that and think it looks hardcore not ugly. A sparkly gloss finished, chromed-out bike looks like something our parents should ride... not us. Our generation loves vintage! I've spoke with several young riders who love the look of this ride. Simplicity and quality always win when they go hand in hand.

mike  says:
3 months ago

this bike is awsome!

Jmac  says:
3 months ago

The only thing I can say is... recessions suck! I'm not sure what HD's marketing strategy is but they need to get this thing more visible on the network and cable channels that the younger gen is watching. Get it in a movie or something... I'm sure it would blow up. The internet is a good start but they need to do more in the realm of strategic marketing aimed at our demographic, or maybe they can't. Who knows? That is big bucks we're talking and like you said, they're like everyone else, hurting in that department. Unfortunately I do not work for there marketing division:(

Phlip  says:
3 months ago

I bought an Iron 883 almost 2 months ago now. I love this bike. I definitely understand that people have different tastes in bikes, so I don't expect everyone to like. I will say that most of the people I know who have seen it do like it. Also, I'm not sure how anyone can say that this is HD's only entry level bike. I would say that just about any Sportster can be considered an entry level bike. The Iron 883 may be there least expensive bike, but adding chrome and different paint schemes raises the price of any bike.

Zach  says:
2 months ago

I love my Iron

custom motorcycle  says:
2 months ago

Ok Hal, you're right about one thing. This bike will not save HD. But you're wrong about the reason. This is the best looking sportster availble today since they've already de-chromed all the other sportster options. If you're going to buy a Sportster you might as well buy one that looks complete rather than these stripped down cast aluminum loaded pieces of crap they're trying push off on new riders.

But that's not the reason this bike won't save Harley. The reason is that they've loaded up their dealerships with Sportsters and Dyna glides when everyone currently wants touring models. I've never seen a company so out of touch with what their customers want. The Rocker was a good idea done badly, The Crossbones failed to truly look nostalgic and now they've screwed up again by over producing bikes that no body wants. Let's all hope Waddell gets them back on track.

one zero five  says:
2 weeks ago

I think JMAC has had the best thread so far (first comment)... tho I believe it will tread well with both the young & old.... There is a HUGE market for this bike. I do think it will market better with the youth & I do believe sales will ramp up as more marketing is delivered. This is a recession.. so obviously sales is not only effected now, but will be for the next year or so as we climb our way out.

I love the look of this bike.. I would only change the pipes (slap some blacked out pipes gearing down at a 30 degree angle).... Every person I have spoken with (girl & guy) have said that this bike is disgustingly hot... it's pathetic really.. because I know there is probably better bikes to pay for (as far as bang for buck)but I just can't get over the look & feel of this one... it's a jaw dropper to everyone I've shown (all ages, but mainly mid twenties)... I will have one by the first of the year (HD dealers are out of stock in my area - Southern, CA).. Someone around my house drives one around a lot.. I stopped and bs'd with a guy who bought the silver & black version (also nice).. his buddy owns the all black one... he said they both get stopped 24/7 by people who just love the thing... I mean no offense to you bud... you undoubtedly know 1203948087% more about bikes than myself... but you've lost touch with the average joe on this one.. This bike looks sweet... it's going to start doing better.. i just recently saw a commercial for it like a month ago... it seems they are ramping up some marketing in my area.. and I think it will pay off in the end. I have never cared for Harley's until this bike.

one zero five  says:
10 days ago

Companies do not fail overnight, not over month or year (not without drastic measures impeding on top). Does the recession effect sales? Yes. Does it effect sales more when your in one of the largest recessions in a nations history? Double yes. Does it effect it even more when your product is a luxury item? Yes. Does it effect it even farther when your considered a top branded item of a luxury item? Yes. At this moment, there are still drastic-active lay offs around the country (especially in large cities). All luxury items are feeling the crunch really hard. Harley is not only a luxury item, but its a top branded luxury item (which ensures it feels the pain that much harder).

HD is doing bad because it's business model only works in the best of economies. When your only sales item is a luxury item, you absolutely need a good economy to thrive. When over half of your items are a luxury item of 20K... well lets face it... your going under unless you side step your business plan. It was poor planing that led them into this situation. A good leading CEO would have had a plethora of lower & higher end products to balance their sales amongst a vaster market. But even then, they're product is still a luxury item. This is the biggest failure within the luxury molding; people can't buy what they can't afford. This is compounded by the fact that the highest salaries (HD's market) are typically within City regions; which are taking the most hits on the job market. Even an 8k bike is relatively expensive to the average Joe trying to make ends meet. How many people can afford a luxury bike at 30k in this market? 25k? 20k? Even 8k? It's taking the average Californian 6 - 12 months to find a job after a lay off. That's a lot of time without a full paycheck. Which is why a lot of people with a decent cash flow are still watching their pocket books instead of purchasing luxury items. And for the people who use it as a primary vehicle.... lets face it, if a motorcycle is your main means of transportation (for all that are not in a NY type environment).. chances are that you probably don't make a huge deal of money. So a HD may be just out of your range by... I don't know... maybe 15k+..

The question you pose is whether HD made a smart decision going with the 883 IRON to pull them out of the slumps... which is the wrong question to ask. The Sportster should be what your referring to, not the IRON 883. The Sportster is their cheapest model. This was designed to hit a different market; a consumer that could bring in extra revenue (during a normal market) & still possibly keep them afloat in a receding market. It's offered in shiny, dark, colorful, powerless, and powerful models (varying prices, but all relatively low compared to their normal stock). The IRON 883 is just one model of the Sportster (not even their cheapest model). It was a brilliant idea as it appeals to a specific consumer, as well as the general younger crowd. Will the 883 pull them out of the slumps? No. It will help they're sales though (presuming they have them out on the floor and advertise correctly). Will the Sportster models pull them out of the slumps? No. But it will also help they're sales. My guess is that the Sportster models will do the best of all the sales within the corp. during this time. HD should of had at least two (if not three) different brands (like the Sporster), with varying models of each (like the IRON 883) or Nightster.

All things considered, they're still pushing luxury items.... High end/priced luxury items... in the worst possible market. They're sales are suffering because of the current market and they're poor business model. The IRON 883 will only help it.

one zero five  says:
6 days ago

Well I can't disagree with your pricing... They should be trying to go as low as feasibly possible during these economic times... Obviously providing less of a bike to hit the target price, but making it as close to the line as possible, as to still attract buyers.. Also, making it more appealing to the eye could make some buyers overlook the the subtractions they pull from the bike (such as engine size/tweaks). They need to find the right medium as the lower in price they go, the more sales but less profit per bike. I think this is what they attempted with the IRON 883 as it appeals to a cult of people & is considerably less than their main product line. I personally, do not really want anything less than an 1100 for my next bike.. But I've strongly considered (maybe even have chosen) this bike due to the look & feel. I was pretty firm on my 1100 stipulation, but the price & look of this bike may have just done enough to push me past my barricade. Is the price low enough? No, but it will help. I still think they should be hitting the 5 to 6k pricing with a new sharp looking bike. But then again, I believe the low end Sportster is around 6k (just doesn't look appealing to the average Joe). Will they hit the same profit margin per bike? No, but they make up in volume... They're is a large amount of consumers that only travel intercity who would be more than happy to look at an affordable HD, versus there current vespa..