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May 17, 2012


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READER MOTORCYCLE REVIEW: 2010 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883

A customizable bike for a first-time owner

By Rebecca A. Cruz, Lansing, Michigan
9/26/2011

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This is my first motorcycle ever—and I love it! I can’t imagine getting a better one (for now). It’s a 2010 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883.         

Rebecca on her denim-black Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883.
Rebecca on her denim-black Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883.

What I love most about this bike is that it fits my 5-foot-3 height perfectly. I did have to change out the stock seat to a narrower one, but the Harley-Davidson Reach Solo Seat I chose works for me. As you can see from the photo, the motorcycle is all blacked out, even the pipes. The paint is called denim black, which in time will wear like a great pair of jeans—an indication that I’m the only one riding it. To continue the blacked out look, I added Harley-Davidson Street Performance Mufflers in black along with a Buckshot Exhaust Shield Kit.
   
The Harley-Davidson Reach Solo Seat pushes Rebecca closer to the handlebars.
The Harley-Davidson Reach Solo Seat pushes Rebecca closer to the handlebars.

Other features I added included a windshield and windshield bag. I chose the Harley-Davidson Quick Release Compact Windshield and the Embossed Bar & Shield Logo Leather Bag. In order for those to fit, I had the speedometer moved to the side of the gas tank (you can see it under the left blinker). I had this modification done right away so I wouldn’t get used to the speedometer being mounted on the handlebars. This way, I knew where to look as soon as I started riding the bike. Nothing is in its way, and it makes the bike look extra sporty.        
   
Another of Rebecca's modifications: this Harley-Davidson Quick Release Compact Windshield.
Another of Rebecca's modifications: this Harley-Davidson Quick Release Compact Windshield.

Here you can see how the speedometer's been relocated to accommodate the windshield bag.
Here you can see how the speedometer's been relocated to accommodate the windshield bag.

I also added Arlen Ness chrome Diamond Twister Billit Grips, which were given to me by my friend Steve Hollon, owner of Golgotha Performance Cycles in Grand Ledge, Mich. The handgrips give my bike a little bling and make it look more like a girl’s bike. The only thing I was a little disappointed about was that I couldn’t add saddlebags—they just don’t fit with the rear lights, which are welded to the back frame. So I added a Sportster Detachable Solo Rack instead, which is a small luggage rack mounted just behind the seat.  

Rebecca also added chrome Arlen Ness handgrips.
Rebecca also added chrome Arlen Ness handgrips.

I receive a lot of great comments on the look of the whole motorcycle. All in all, it’s just a really fun bike to ride. I can go for miles comfortably. For years, I rode as a passenger on bigger Harley-Davidsons, Big Dogs and American IronHorses, but nothing compares to the thrill I get from riding my own!      
 
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Reader Comments


Good for you Rebecca! You have inspired me. Love your bike! I bought my first bike last year, a 2011 Sportster Nightster 1200. I love it but I'm off to a very slow start in my first year. Sad to say that to date I only have 50 miles on it. At this time, I have no one to ride with and I'm still getting to know my bike so I've only gone around my neighborhood. I've dropped it twice while at a stop. I'm a bit gun shy and nervous about getting around by myself. But I will be getting out there so I can be ready for summer! Like I told my brother, in my mind I'm every where! Now I just need to get out there!
Thank you!

Pal
Hesperia, CA
Monday, February 20, 2012
Nice look with the blacked-out bars. My first Harley was a Black 883 with lace wheels. She was sweet. Enjoy riding and be safe.


Joyce
Troutville, VA
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Good for you on getting your first Harley. Go girl!

Maree
Springfield, Australia
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Interesting, way-cool placement of speedometer. A true custom!

Potlikker
Covington, GA
Monday, October 10, 2011
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