Well, I finally bought my first Harley Davidson. This is the model that is supposed to be a tribute to the XR750 Flat Track bikes of old.

This is a 2003 100th anniversary 883r sportster. We bought it used with only 600 miles on it back in the beginning of ’04. This was still a low mileage unit with only around 4,000 miles on it when I decided to upgrade to a bigger bike. We talked about selling this unit because we wanted to get a bigger bike as this is just too small for longer trips with both Melissa and I on it.

Mods include:

1. Racing orange Fly-screen

2. Racing orange chin cowl

3. Hugger front springs

4. Back rest w/ pad & 100th anniversary emblem

5. Sundowner Touring Seat.

6. 6.Screaming Eagle air filter w/ oil drains diverted into carbs.
   

7. 7.Bobbed rear fender
   

            Read about the installation. Click here!

My Impressions:

After riding it for a few years, I noticed a few things. First, it vibrates a lot more than I expected at highway speeds. I should have bought the ’04 I considered with the rubber mounted engine in this respect. Then again, you know you are on a Harley. This model was be discontinued after 2003, but I was very disappointed when it was brought back in 2005.

The seat needed to be replaced. Any riding more than two hours or so and Melissa couldn't walk. I thought the back rest would help (it did some), but not enough. Our solution was to buy a "Sundowner" touring seat. Best money I spent on the bike. It doesn't even look that bad even though it is so much bigger.

I loved the single exhaust. All I did was pop a 1/2 inch hole through the block off plate to give it just that little bit more sound. I'll never change the pipe. Looks great, sounds just right. (Not loud, just a bit more growl.)

I like the look of Cafe Racers from the ‘70s and ‘80s, so I added the chin cowl and fly screen. Had some compliments as well as people who didn't care for it. I like it, that's what matters.

Overall, I liked owning the bike. It gets plenty of looks and feels tough. It's not a powerhouse being only an 883, but there is always "Screaming Eagle" engine kits!

Here are some pics of the bike, one recent, one from the sales brochure, and some at the dealer in Scranton where I picked it up. I purchased this bike from Electric City Harley Davidson.

Click here to return to my “car collection” pages or the links above to return to the main site.