Sportster Super Low XL883L

[Strong Eagle]

I'd definitely stay away from the Harley. Besides maintenance costs they are simply not as reliable.

I am shocked with this one. I always thought HD and reliability is like a synonymous thing. If this is true then with a bad local service it is definitely no go.

Please pardon me while I laugh my ass off. ANY Japanese bike is far more reliable than the Harley. The stats are out there. The Harley uses an antiquated 45 degree V with single crank pin and rod. It shakes itself to death... it would be hard to design a worse engine.

Harley is first class when it comes to amenities and quality of build... but the engine will not last. Harley has refused to honor transmission warranties because people have large flags on their bikes... Harley says it places undue strain on the drive train.

You can't kill a Honda... or a KTM... or Suzuki or Kawasaki... technologically they are far superior to the 45 degree, obsolete in 1960, Harley engine.

[x9200]

So this is only about the image and the HD corporate ethos?

[Strong Eagle]

So this is only about the image and the HD corporate ethos?

+1

And your need to buy Harley clothing in order to properly ride your HD. If you psyche and ego require you to ride a HD, go for it... otherwise, innumerable bikes offer far better value propositions.

[x9200]

No, not at all. I simply though these are nice looking bikes,15k for 3-4yo class 2 is low and the said, apparently a myth of reliability. What I have read in this thread so far is enough to make me stay away from HD. I guess there is a reason why they are that "cheap".

[zzm9980]

No, not at all. I simply though these are nice looking bikes,15k for 3-4yo class 2 is low and the said, apparently a myth of reliability. What I have read in this thread so far is enough to make me stay away from HD. I guess there is a reason why they are that "cheap".

With Harley you're paying for the name and culture like SE mentioned. And in this part of the world, the culture part doesn't even really exist.

I just bought one of these:
http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/ ... /home.aspx

I actually came around to the Yamaha because my friends talked me out of either a Ducati Monster or Aprilia Shiver. Their case was the exact same as SE's with Harley: completely unreliable compared to Yamaha/Japanese bikes and it'll be a lot of frustration and a fortune.

[Strong Eagle]

^^^^

Nice scooter. I bet it's fast.

[zzm9980]

^^^^

Nice scooter. I bet it's fast.

:X
It's an 850cc inline 3. Pretty quick.

[taxico]

would you consider an mp3? it is probably as high as your x9. you can lean all you want, too.

it's great not having to put your legs down but you might miss the joys of shifting if that's the reason why you're going away from scooters.

it won't outrun a sport bike but 500cc is sufficient in local traffic for me. a 400cc might be easier to sell though but i like the way my 500 looks (compared to the 400).

[Strong Eagle]

^^^^

Nice scooter. I bet it's fast.

:X
It's an 850cc inline 3. Pretty quick.

Scooter is common terminology to refer to big bikes. What is it? Irony? I pulled into the petrol station on Market St (too bad it is long gone) on my Valkyrie one night... there was a dude with a Honda ST 1100... I said "nice scooter"... he became so incensed it was amazing.

[zzm9980]

^^^^

Nice scooter. I bet it's fast.

:X
It's an 850cc inline 3. Pretty quick.

Scooter is common terminology to refer to big bikes. What is it? Irony? I pulled into the petrol station on Market St (too bad it is long gone) on my Valkyrie one night... there was a dude with a Honda ST 1100... I said "nice scooter"... he became so incensed it was amazing.

haha ok, thanks then. I've never honestly heard that.

It should be quite fast, can't wait to try it. It's throttle-by-wire, and includes a button to switch fuel-maps on the fly. Normal, eco, sport mode. From the reviews, the sport mode is a bit dangerous as it's allegedly too torquey.

[x9200]

would you consider an mp3? it is probably as high as your x9. you can lean all you want, too.

I don't like the look. Also the idea of 3 wheels with still pretty small footprint is not particularly appealing to me. I just don't see any serious advantages of such design and I see some disadvantages (i.e. in a narrow plank like situation).

[PNGMK]

What are disadvantages of having such motorbike for a daily regular commuting? Is the maintenance/parts expensive?

Pretty soon I will have to buy a new bike and with the current crazy COE prices I may consider some used ones. The said XL883L can be bought for ca 14-18k (2010-2012 reg. year) what seems attractive.

I had this exact model for about a year. I sold it. Many reasons but in short;

Too heavy - almost 220KG
Too dangerous in the wet
Too wide for traffic
Too much petrol needed
Too small a tank.
Lousy brakes.
Lousy suspension.


Reliability was ok but I spent a shit load doing it up to the point of being a decent ride.

I've no regrets about buying a KTM Duke 390 and I see Hong Leong are now importing the SR400 (fuel injected classic bike) which is also tempting.

[x9200]

220KG sounds about right to me (my X9 is ~180kg). Why do you think it's too heavy?

[PNGMK]

220KG sounds about right to me (my X9 is ~180kg). Why do you think it's too heavy?

The weight is low but unmanageable or at least uncomfortable for me in tight situations... (for example reversing - which is inevitable with damn ERP car park barriers).

My Duke 390 is 120K and far easier on my legs and ankles.