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

LOL What's wrong with the black Hal? It does not look ugly to me on the pic - but heck tastes differ of course :)

LOL Who needs Harley (or Honda for that matter) in a countryside hideaway? Some kind of armored truck preferably working on wood is much better ;)

You got me interested, gonna look it up :)

Yeah, I just did. It's a one sick bike I would say. Much nicer than any enduro or even motocross model, due to all-wheel drive and wide tires. Definitely something to ponder about having IF there is a need to go to a hideout.

Yet, it's color schema is boring :P

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 remember 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?

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.

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 doesn't need to be priced with a Jap bike, why would it.

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.

"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.

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

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.

I like (No, Love!) this bike!

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.

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 audience.

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!

"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.

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.

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 accessories 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.

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 accessories 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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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 surprised if this bike doesn't 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

this bike is awsome!

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:(

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.

I love my Iron

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.

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.

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 have 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.

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..

I've went to several Harley dealers over the summer looking for an Iron and every one told me that they couldn't keep them in the showroom they were selling so fast. So you think that they should get rid of the bobber styling, which happens to be very popular now, get rid of the EFI so it can't pass emissions and put buckhorns on it to make it really uncomfortable. Sounds good.

Hal,

You are obviously too old to realize what is in and what is not. This hideous Iron 883 is exactly what the young motorcyclists (the one's paying $8K for a bike right now) are turning their used Sportsters into. Harley has taken the "street cool" custom of people 19 - 25 year old and created a bike they would buy brand new puttoing that money right into Harley's pocket rather than the pockjet of the BBQ pit spray paint manufacturers. I can understand how an old dog who thinks the Electraglide (or worse a BMW Sport cruiser) may be cool would not like the new Iron 883 or Nightster (the 1200CC version) but for the people in the market for this price range and size bike the designers at Harley hit the nail on the head. Sorry you don't know cool anymore but this bike is it.

you need to do more research comparing the iron to the honda fury. the honda fury starts out at $13k, not much of an entry level bike, you can get a more powerfull chromed out 1200 sportster with your spoked wheels for roughly $11k. and if there isn't a market for blacked out bikes why does the high end honda fury offer flat paint and black rims. i love my iron, the only people who have made neggative comments about its appearance are chrome queens. another fact about your precious fury... its mostly plastic. and sportster would be a better buy even the $7k 883 low...

I like your 600cc sporty idea. I doubt it'd ever happen though... but I could see a 750 working really well if they just tried. I think going down to a 600 would lower the brand in the eyes of its diehard fans. H.D. clout is about being the "big boys", even if the bikes are underperformers. Having a "small" 600 sized bike that actually performs, handles, and gets good MPG... the HOGS would never have that.

I've had the Iron 883 for about 3 months now and I couldn't tell you how many times I've gotten comments from total strangers loving my bike.

If somebody gave me a brand new Honda Fury for free, I would sell that thing in a heart beat and buy some other bike(such as the Iron 883) with the money.

I've never liked Harleys until I saw the Iron 883 and would have never bought a Harley in my life if it wasn't for the Iron.

So I think that in conclusion, your opinion of the Iron looking so ugly and the Fury looking so great isn't really shared with the comsumer mass. Your judgement of H-D utterly failing at what they sought to do with the Iron is "mistaken" at best. All is still well but the fact that you seem to think your sole opinion is the direct representation of the better chunk of the mass market, which comes across to me as a text-book case of the word "arrogance".

I respect your experience and knowledge of the motorcycle world and history. But honestly, I would have much more respect for you if you didn't mention things like how long ago you were the editor of whatever magazine and buddies with someone like Willie G(whether in jest or not). To me, they portray potential arrogance more than they incite respect.

Lol at this article. Every HD dealer is sold out for 6 months solid in NSW. You want one get in line. The bike may not save HD but it's selling like hotcakes cause it's just what the younger generation wants. Not some chromed up oversized piece of jewelery, we want aggressive mean looks. If that means it's little ugly, a little rough around the edges so be it. We're channeling old school brit bikes and garage tuned metal not the steeds retired saggy funsters are riding around.

I equate those chrometastic customs with the cast of "Jersey Shore"...a bunch of greasy, flashy, shallow, D-bags...but to each their own. Those types of bikes just make me feel dirty for some reason. The Iron and some of the dark customs are a different story, though. This style theme has really made an impact with my peer group (late 20's-early 30 somethings). The price point with the Iron is right on at sub-$8k as this is where people in my peer group can actually see themselves affording a Harley. Just as you've mentioned, so much of their line is way out of our reach price wise. And as for the "cheaper" Harley idea, I think all that would do is dilute the Harley brand. Its like Hummer rebadging a Chevy Aveo for sale as the Hummer H-1...just doesn't fit the brand image. Instead, create a new brand to address the low end as well as fill the spot left by Buell.

-Go Sabres!

-H4, not h1- oops

Hal, what do you think about the new Harley 48? I think the Iron and the 48 are what make me even consider looking at Harley. I'm not saying either style is for everyone but you have to admit that when my generation gets excited about it that maybe something is right with these bikes. I have to admit, this is coming from a guy who is on the outside looking in on the riding world. This summer I'm siging up for a riders safety course to get my license (yeah tax return!), and borrowing my buddy's old bike to get some miles under my belt. I plan to head to the dealers to find a nice bike for the following summer, so you have until then to sway me away from the Iron...which I'll be honest is the reason I want to get my license in the first place, but I am open to suggestions.

grudge much. it looks quite nice in my opinion, but lets be honest, have you said how it goes? thats kind of important ...no?

Hal, you are whack cuz the Sportster 48 is old skool kool.

clearly you are biased and misinformed people such as myself who like and ride sportys like the blacked out look .i have a nightster and its basically the same but larger displacement.the new 48 is even better looking and sure to sell like hotcakes as did the iron and the nightster .dealers couldn't and cant keep them on the floor.

Your sadly out of touch. I’m from the Toronto area and Harley can not keep these in stock they were on a waiting list last year. I own the bike and it’s my first Harley I wouldn’t have touched anything they made in the past this is the model that made me a Harley owner and as for it just ugly it converted two of my friends into Harley owners also after I purchased mine. Every one is entitled to their opinion just don’t be so sure of your self like I said it’s sad and strikes me to be the opinion of and old man out of touch.

Wow Hal....I didn't read every comment, but it seems that the large majority are really positive for the Iron. I myself love the new lines of bikes especially the 48. You seem to be out of touch with reality. Hope you can join us sometime back here on earth.

I am not sure....where and what you are seeing, but to every guy I know I showed the picture of 883 Iron they loved it.

This is probabaly your wakeup call where there are a lot of people who are getting out of too much chrome

The new Iron and 48's are great looking bikes for everyone trying to pick up a cool bobber-style bike at an entry level price. Get over yourself Hal, the Fury is hideous and that old elongated chopper-style has come and gone... just like the Rocker, too little too late.

My local dealer says they can't keep the iron 883 in stock.

The youngsters like me love them. You know the youngsters, the ones who will be buying bikes in the coming decades.

HAVE A SOFTAIL DELUXE, AND AFTER I SAW THE PIC OF THE IRON 883 I WENT DOWN TO THE DEALER FOR A TEST RIDE 1 1/2 HOUR LATER I NOW OWN AN IRON ASWELL. IM ONLY 24 BUT HARLEY HIT MY AGE GROUP PERFECT AFTER MY BRO LAID EYES ON IT HE WENT AND BOUT ONE AND ANOTHER BUDDY BOUGHT A NIGHSTER HARLEY HIT IT RIGHT WHEN THEY FIRED YOU

i agree, i fell in love with the Darkness of the Iron 883, after wanting one since they came out i finally took one for a test ride... i owned a Honda CBR for a couple years but this bike is a different animal and it just felt right for me, its not about speed its about the sound and looks and general feeling of the bike. well long story short i now own a 2010 Iron. this author was dead wrong when he said it wouldn't save Harley, because all the dealers around my house cant keep them in stock!!!! the Dark Customs line is a work of art... just look at the Forty Eight! another beautiful master piece!!!!

Hal, have you ever heard the phrase "beauty is in the eye of the beholder. All I gotta say, the marketing team at HD did a splendid job, they new exactly what the masses are looking for, and hit it right on the dot! You should learn more about fashion and what's in, they go hand in hand!

Hal,

I am going to completely disagree with you. As a first time (new) bike buyer, the iron 883 is the thing that got me interested in bikes again after 15 years. I love how this bike looks! If I could afford it, Of course I would get a fat boy low as it has the same dark styling, but I like the tank shape better than the sportser. I just wouldn't use it enough to justify having it. This I can justify. I think the iron looks awesome with the matte black paint; it got harley a new customer- never had even ridden one before, so it works in my case.

At least Hal could admit he was wrong. He can not like the bike personally, fine, but admit that you HAVE NO understanding of the youth market. Furry...yeah that has been selling well.

Well it looks like the market is proving Hal mostly wrong. He is correct that the bike wont save HD (not that it needs savings per se or that any one product could do that) but he is wrong in that it is a robust seller for HD. Hal thinks because HE is out of touch with what younger buyers want that in some way can best gauge what is good for HD. Clearly his fashion clairvoyance is way off when it comes to the Iron, Nightster, and 48 as these are wo of the best sellers in the HD lineup and the 48 is gaining popularity.

By the way, the Honda Abortion er...Fury has been a sales nightmare, as has the Rocker C. That market has passed, along with the relevance of your generation's excessive taste for chrome. Go have fun in your Yellow Hummer while trailering a Blinged out Honda Fury. We will be ridding our Iron's with matching Chucks.

I'm 22 and was shopping for a bike for months until i found the iron. I would have never considered a harley coming from a big bmw background, but now I own a harley. No offense, but the Honda fury looks like a 3rd grader designed it on the back of a spelling test while the teacher was collecting it. It has plastic fenders for Hank's sake!! I wanted a motorcycle that looked and felt like one. Not a two wheeled pressure washer that really really wants to look like something built by OCC (which is lame enough..) but doesn't even live up to THAT!!

Did I mention the Fury has PLASTIC fenders??? How over-the-top LAME is that?!?!

Hal , I went from a Honda Shadow to an Iron 883. You got it all wrong. This is one of the best bikes on the market. It has received raved reviews from everyone but you. It is the greatest bike I have ever owned. I am a new Harley owner and in the short time I have owned this bike I have come to 1 conclusion. I will never own any bike other than a Harley Davidson. Sorry Hal, you were wrong.

I am in my mid 30's and got my license winter of 2008. I did not even consider a harley until I saw the Nightster. I wanted one, but it was just out of reach. Then they brought out the Iron 883. I bought one. Most everyone who sees it says they like it. In my OPINION, chrome is lame and garrish. Seems that the sales numbers on the Iron would indicate that a lot of people like it.

I think Harley would ruin their image if they put out a sporty for 6K with drum brakes in the rear. I sure would not have wanted one.

What's attractive is subjective, and it would seem that you are in the minority, at least compared to the folks to which this bike is marketed. It made a harley fan out of me and several others my age and younger. Seems like if the bike is selling (it is) and the younger demographic likes it (they do) then the bike is a success.

Where are your links showing that the iron 883 is not selling? I don't know where to get stats on the number of bikes sold this year or last year by model. I would like to see them though. I suspect, based on what I have seen on dealer's floors (and quickly disappear from dealer's floors) and what my friends and I buy and want to buy, that sales of the Iron are strong.

Hal Lucino, you started this blog with a bevy of sales figures, then claimed that the iron would not sell. I think the burden of proof to show poor iron 883 sales is on you.

I'm sorry, I don't take your word that the iron is not selling well. My observations at the dealerships from buffalo to syracuse say different. My friends and I are also living proof that the model has accomplished what it was designed for: to attract my demographic to harley davidson.

I'm sorry you don't like it. Actually, I'm not sorry you don't like it. If you did like it, it would likely be lame in my opinion, based on your descriptions of what you find aesthetically pleasing.

I say you can like or not like, buy or not buy, whatever you want.

But the fact is that people my age and younger generally don't want shiny paint and chrome. And we like this bike. I like mine an aweful lot and it has made me take note of the other dark customs, like the street bob.

So while one bike won't save harley (I don't think they need saving... yet) the bike has clearly gotten the attention of a new crowd of riders.

Ok, take your ball and go home then. If your point was that you don't like how the bike looks, then that's fine for you.

If your point was that it is not selling, you are wrong

If your point was that it is harley's least expensive bike, you are wrong again

If your point was that the bike is not aesthetically pleasing to a new generation of riders, you are, again.... wrong.

Now, you claim that the bike is not selling as well as"outperforming" other bikes in "the range." I am not sure what you mean by that. What is "the range" and what do you mean by "outperforming?"

Prove it. But you can't. We are supposed to ignore everything we see around us because you claim that you are pals with Harley Davidson execs? And they gave you this information?

Sorry, fail.

You can go ahead and insult my hometown, and keep making all the other snide and childish comments you've been making when nice folks counter your opinion, but you've not shown anything to back up anything you have said, except that you don't like how the bike looks.

This Hub, while certainly entertaining reading, fails to set forth anything but your opinion.

I laughed when I saw Hal admit his real reason for blasting this bike: Willie wouldn't hire him!

Hal,

True, Harley sales are down, but the decline is improving. The ENTIRE motorcycle industry is doing poorly with a few exceptions (Triumph, Ducati). Japan is struggling and have been for some time:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-news/statis...

There are some good signs coming out of Milwaukee.

“Despite the decline in second-quarter retail motorcycle sales, we believe interest in the Harley-Davidson brand remains strong among riders of all generations. In fact, Harley-Davidson is the U.S. market share leader of on-road motorcycles among young adults. We will continue to focus our resources on expanding the global reach of the brand and developing new products that will reach even more riders going forward,” Wandell said. “I would like to thank our employees for their continued hard work and support of our strategy.” - 2nd QTR Report

From the for 10-K that H-D filed with the SEC, more interesting news:

H-D accounted for OVER HALF of all new “heavyweight” motorcycles in the U.S. in 2009- 53.3%. This is up from 45.5% in 2008. Before Hal says something ill informed and reactionary about the term “heavyweight”, the term is defined as an engine displacement exceeding 651ccs- we are not talking about Gold Wings and the like only. Chassis type is not part of the definition, only engine size. We are talking about the same classification as Bonnevilles (great bikes), CBR1000RRs, GSX-R 1000s (and 750s), Concours 14s, Triumph triples, etc., etc., etc.

This means of all U.S. new registration in 2009 of ALL motorcycles over 651ccs, H-D outsold all others COMBINED.

I don’t know how that can be bad news for them.

Over 651ccs, Hal. If you hate H-D for some reason, buy what you like and ignore this news. However, don’t use a bias to make unsupported assumptions about the numbers.

Perhaps more interesting is that H-D had 12% of the heavyweight market in Europe in 2009, up from 10.6%.

Granted, the same report shows an overall drop of new “heavyweight” motorcycle registrations in 2009 of 36.6% in the u>S. from 2008 to 2009, but this means that H-D is maintaining its position better than other manufacturers in a horrible market (the drop in Europe was 19.5%).

In sum- bad times for all motorcycle manufacturers, but less bad for H-D. It seems to be positioned well for these difficult times. The fact that it is still profitable when so many businesses of all types are just hoping for the smallest loss possible and trying to survive until there is an economic turnaround, is a very good sign for it.

Sorry - the above statistics are from R.L. Polk and were covered on the HD earnings call.

· . . . in the U.S., no one is reaching new customers better than Harley-Davidson.

· Based on recently provided Polk data, we have been the heavyweight motorcycle category market leader in new motorcycle sales to young adult men and women ages 18 to 34 since at least 2006.

· We have also been the heavyweight market leader since at least 2006 in new motorcycle sales to women riders, Hispanic riders and African American riders ages 35 and older.

Of course, we are also the market leader among Caucasian men ages 35 and older.

· And when it comes to new motorcycle sales to young adults in ALL sizes of on-road motorcycles, Harley-Davidson has been the U.S. market share leader since 2008.

Bob Klein from HD attributable the gain to sales of the Iron 883 and the Forty Eight.

So...go take a hike.

Wow, this is still raging on?

Hal - it looks like HD released an entry level product you can get behind - the 2011 SuperLow. Same price as the Iron but its not black.

...You guys were still trying to paint on the sides of your crib with the filling from your diapers. :)

_____

Hal is that not the point of the Iron, get a younger demographic?

The SuperLow is nice. I agree the price should be lower. Not $2K (unless all Sportsters get $2k less expensive), but $7K even would make it the lowest priced bike in the class.

Vstar Midnight Custom: $6790

2010 HD Sportster Low: $6999

Triumph Bonneville: $7,699

Boulevard M50: $7,799

HD Iron 833: $7999

HD SuperLow: $7999

Honda Shadow Phantom: $7999

Honda Shadow RS: $7999

Vulcan 900 Custom: $8349

Moto Guzzi V7: $8,490

So I think "overpriced" is the wrong term. It is competitively priced with the market and segment. Arguably it is a much better bike than the Shadow RS (drum brakes, plastic, less power) and Vstar Midnight Custom (650, Drum brakes)

Harley should not be in a race the bottom pricing war, it is a dangerous game that the metrics are better positioned to win (cheap third world labor).

"HD branded Suzuki Savage"

I agree 100%. It CAN NOT be a mini cruiser. Mini cruisers are uber lame.

The only way a thumper would work is if it was a mini XR. A little street tracker with a plastic tank and tail and rubber mirrors and lights (like the Blast). Cheap, cool looking, distinctly HD, and forgiving for new riders when dropped (just like the Blast but not lame looking)

@ Hal: Wait, where is my post? You make a snide comment about it, but it is not visible here. Have you deleted it because it isn't genuflecting to your opinion?

there was nothing offensive in the language of that deleted post. And it wasn't even mine. That's pathetic, hal. You delete posts from people who call you out now? Shame. Noticed you deleted some of mine too. Weak.

I've never... ever thought about purchasing a Harley. The moment I saw the Iron my jaw dropped. It's almost the exact bike I had in my mind. Now I'm also finding myself looking at other HD's like the V-Rod and old ironheads. I may not be a majority here, but if it weren't for the Iron HD wouldn't see one dollar from me.

Kevin i have to agree with you. I have never considered buying a harley before, and as a 26 year old, this bike has really turned my head that way. my friends all seem to agree. Hal can have his opinions, but that doesn't change what is really happening out there to the Iron's target customers.

Hal Licino, I'm sorry but the 883 Iron is awesome!!! the color scheme is perfect for the look and feel of the bike... a true entry level without all that fancy ugly chrome stuff ... completely disagree with your assumptions that it's an ugly bike ... and I'll certainly help HD to get out of their financial problem buying one for me...

Actually I don't care about their financial problem ... the only thing I know by now is that they did a great job with this bike!!! have a good one!

Hey Hal,

I agree 100% with Bruno. I didn't even look at Harley as a possible option until the iron 883 came out.. I ain't a big fan of the flashy chrome, I want my bike blacked out and nasty.

I also like the fact that it's a small, maneuverable bike... Not a heavy monster bike.

If I were to make any changes to this bike, the only thing I'd like to see is a 6th gear (for highway), but other than that this bike is exactly what I'm looking for... lol and don't tell me to go buy a Nightster 'cause I don't wanna!

I've always wanted a Harley, but they have always been out of my price range for what i consider a Harley that i like, The Iron 883 is almost spot on with what i like in a bike, im saving my dollars and should have one soon. Hal in your OP i think you really sound bias, is it becuase you didn't get employed by them?

If the 883 Iron is such a huge mistake, why is there so few available. I have never heard anybody compare a HD with any other bike, but there are loads of wannabees on the road. Shame on them. I want and 883 Iron. Keep cruising.