Harley-Davidson introduces Sportster Iron 883
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Harley-Davidson Iron 883
Sales of Harley-Davidson's line of Big Twin motorcycles have taken an unfortunate nosedive as of late, a fact directly attributable to the current recession here in the United States. Most new motorcycles, especially those costing as much as some small cars, are discretionary purchases, so HD is understandably working hard on new models with a lower price point, the latest of which is the Iron 883. This new bike enters HD's Dark Custom series and is therefore completely blacked-out. Available colors are Black Denim and Brilliant Silver Denim, both of which feature a distinctive matte finish that's perfect for their design ethos.
This new steed is based on the entry-level Sportster platform and starts at $7,899, which is a full $2,000 cheaper than its larger sibling, the Nightster 1200. The two Sportsers share the same basic design, including a slammed suspension complete with front fork gaiters, solo saddle and foldaway side-mounted license plate holder. The main difference between the two machines lies in the displacement of the fuel-injected V-twin engine, with the new Iron making use of the smaller 883cc jugs, and in the use of 13-spoke wheels on the Iron 883 in lieu of laced rims. It's definitely an attractive machine and we think it should do pretty well with its relatively low base price and guaranteed trade-in value.
Gallery: 2009 Harley-Davidson Iron 883
[Source: Harley-Davidson]
PRESS RELEASE:
HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 883™ IS DRESSED FOR A DARK RIDE
New Sportster® Motorcycle Takes the Stage with Aggressive Attitude
MILWAUKEE (January 26, 2009) – MILWAUKEE (January 26, 2009) - With a defiant attitude embracing the pure essence of riding, the new Iron 883 model is the latest Harley-Davidson® Dark Custom™ motorcycle.
Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles like the Iron 883 have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s, while also getting pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s.
The Iron 883 model continues that rebellious tradition with responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt while pushing the styling of motorcycling minimalism to the edge. Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a combo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization.
"The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price," said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. "It's got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization."
The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound.
The black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls.
A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories.
As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down and ripe for custom creativity. Dark Custom motorcycle riders have the youngest average age for Harley-Davidson buyers. Soul mates of the Iron 883 include the Nightster®, Night Train®, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom.
The Iron 883 is available in Black Denim and Brilliant Silver Denim colors.
Iron 883 features and highlights:
* Rubber-mounted Evolution 883 cc V-Twin black powder-coated engine
* Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
* Black fuel tank with unique graphics
* Black front forks with gaiters
* Black belt guard and front fender supports
* Black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear
* Black low rise drag style handlebar
* Black mid-mount foot controls
* Black low profile front fender
* Black chopped rear fender with combination rear stop/tail/turn lights
* Chrome staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
* Side-mounted license plate holder
* One-piece, solo Sportster classic seat
* 25.3-inch seat height
* Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System
* Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
BigMcLargeHuge 1:07PM (1/27/2009)
I love the non-gloss blacks on Harleys.
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Epyx 1:16PM (1/27/2009)
Yes, I want this! Not as much as the larger models but this I could actually get my wife to allow me to purchase at $8K!
Best thing is the trade up guarantee so I could trade up in a few years for a bigger model with the full purchase price. Not a bad deal.
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Jesse 1:40PM (1/27/2009)
You have to buy it a year later under this deal. Basically you're renting a Sportster for like $130 or whatever it ends up costing per month based on your interest rate and which model you get... which is still a fantastic deal. But you have to trade up to a Big Twin or V-Rod.
V-Rods are awesome I just wish I could fit on the bastards.
ambientFLIER 9:04PM (1/27/2009)
It always cracks me up when people say "my wife allows me". Be a man.
Davin Black 12:07PM (1/28/2009)
@Epyx: I doubt your wife's problems with you getting a motorcycle will end simply because a cheap H-D is released into the market.
@ambient: that being said, no truly dedicated family person will make a purchase as significant as a motorcycle without getting the okay from their significant other. There's nothing "un-manly" about considering your spouse's opinion/concerns.
@Jesse: Would one have to trade up after this? Yes - but not to a V-Rod. After getting this, I'd only have eyes for the Nightster, or (even better) their super-sweet XR1200. If they made a road-going XR750 flattracker, H-D would have a waiting list worth of customers.
DJFriar 11:25PM (1/29/2009)
@Davin: He's not saying you "should" upgrade to the Dyna or something. H-D's program stipulates you have to upgrade to that range. You can't do the trade up offer to the Nightster, as its part of the Sportster line. And really there wouldn't be a point as its only $2k difference at purchase, and you can swap the 883cc internals to the 1200cc ones for around $1k.
largents 1:18PM (1/27/2009)
I would enjoy seeing more motorcycle news in the blog...maybe you need a motoblog site....yes I am available.
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MajorGeek 1:22PM (1/27/2009)
+! largents, I agree, I love motorcycles. Own a Harley. Love em all, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, Ducatti, BMW and the list goes on and on. Its a industry that should only grow with the gas\green movement, its a great way to get to work cheaply and park close to anywhere you go.
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Eek 1:29PM (1/27/2009)
Oooh, pretty. I've wanted a Nightster since they debuted but being fresh out of college I haven't been able to justify the price. This, however, I could probably swing.
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jamaicajoe 1:46PM (1/27/2009)
Harley's are WAY overpriced and WAY under-engineered. Who want's to ride on a girls bike. The sportster looks exactly the same as it always did. Go look at a Honda VTX 1800 for the same price. IT has much better components, looks better, runs better and lets not forget...........it has 900 more CC's that this puny little kids bike.
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Ken Stamper 7:28PM (1/27/2009)
No offense, but you sound like a dude trying to compensate for something.
Alex 2:24PM (1/27/2009)
That there is a Harley that i would ride.
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October Hush 2:28PM (1/27/2009)
Looks like a good base for a street tracker or cafe racer conversion =)
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Kaveh 2:29PM (1/27/2009)
I like it, looks good all blacked out.
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kfj 2:33PM (1/27/2009)
I want some of the parts off this bike for my nightster
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EU_reader 2:32PM (1/27/2009)
Too bad they're much too small for me to fit on. :'( Style is important on this kind of bike, and the combination just doens't look good. (i'm 6'4", knees to high, cramped up position)
The bike looks good though, i very much like the blacked-out style on HD's. (whereas i don't like the 8-ball versions in victory's line up, so go figure)
Too bad they're not trying to lower to price on their other bikes with cheaper versions, specifically the dyna's. Dyna's still have some youth appeal (i'm 25) The softails really start to look old and dated next to the competition
So no 'cheap' (low budget) harley for me. :'(
This is specially the case back in Europe
Rocker C: .......US: 19499 dollar, EU: 21295 euro = 27616 dollar
Fat Boy............US: 15999 dollar, EU: 20195 euro = 26190 dollar
X-Bones..........US: 16995 dollar, EU: 19195 euro = 24893 dollar
V-Rod..............US: 14999 dollar, EU: 18295 euro = 23726 dollar
V-Rod Muscle..US: 17199 dollar, EU: 18695 euro = 24245 dollar
Fat Bob............US: 14999 dollar, EU: 15495 euro = 20095 dollar
I suspect this sportster will sell for about 9000 euro's, more or less 12.000 US Dollars. For that price i can buy full size cruisers, with floorboards, lots of space, nice seats and a 1300cc (v-star 1300)
For 12.000 euros i can import a 100ci 95HP victory vegas, guess what i'll do.
Too bad HD is folding back on their home market. If they would just focus a little on Europe, they could sell really well here, maybe they wouldn't have had to fire 1100 employees.
Besides, HD's last forever (they just keep going) All the middle-aged baby-boomers who want one, already have one. They do really well second hand. No wonder the numbers of newly sold HD-bikes are dropping fast.
The V-Rod is the nicest surprise from HD in 50 years. It's young, modern, while maintaining the heritage and american cruiser style. Perfect blend and kudos to HD for bringing HD back to the 21st century. That's the future!!
Victory is miles ahead on design appeal for me (but i'm european, so what do i know, right? ;) )
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EU_reader 2:42PM (1/27/2009)
damn, my english knowlegde really sucks too hard to be replying in these blogs, i'm sorry. I'll try to keep out and restrain myself from replying :) . But really, auto blogs in my language don't even come close to the level of quality and professionality achieved here.
Nice articles, well written blogs! Interresting news... Funny articles, informational blogs, it's all here!! That's why i keep returing to autoblog.com.
Even the user-comments here are mostly smart and on a totally different level of discussion and respect.
Besides, other blogs just keep copying articles that appear here, it's so lame.., so i prefer to be at the source of the news, where it's actually happening
IOMTT 2:45PM (1/27/2009)
Not at all bad, at that price it would be competitive with the Triumph Bonnie and Ducati 620 Monster. If it were my money and did not plan to trade up, I might opt for a Suzuki 1250 Bandit though. But all in all, the Sporty is an enjoyable ride. By the way, keep the bike content coming AB!!!
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Iridium 4:04PM (1/27/2009)
The bike looks great but there is probably 50% more Chinese made junk on it to get the price down. Harley is in trouble because thier bikes are made like crap with cheap inferior parts. The majority of parts for a Harley are sourced from China. Signals, switches, electronics, and quite a bit of metal.
I love how they say they are the only major US based motorcycle company that makes bikes, parts, and merchandise. A Harley dealer has about as much US made stuff as Walmart.
Even though I like the look of Harleys, I'd rather pay half as much for a better built bike.
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4Cammer 10:45PM (1/27/2009)
Can you specify what parts are made in China with any kind of certainty? What metal? The majority of parts on a HD are from China? You sure about that?
HD bikes are made like crap? Have you seen one in the last 10 years? The AMF days are long gone....