New Stablemate Debate – Sportster vs. Triumph!?

[mobyjohnson]

My '84 NH was and is the perfect beginner bike for me and because it needs some work, I soon want it to become my project bike for a semi-café refit. In the next six months or so, I want to pick up my next bike and most likely go new with it or at least a used recent model – here's the dilemma. Badass HD Iron 883 with white walls OOORRR classic Bonneville? All of the lit, I've read claim the Triumph is certainly better bang for the buck but I really thing the HD would compliment the more sporty NH sittin in the garage and would love to try some good ol' American Muscle.

I haven't sat on either yet but I've seen plenty. What do you guys think?

[OhCrap]

I think you should try out both bikes first, it may even eliminate the need for input here.

I like the looks of both bikes, but imo the Harley can't even begin to compete with the handling and comfort of the Bonnie. If you're leaning towards the Harley you should also consider the 1200 btw, the 883 really lacks power on the highway imo. I've considered the Bonnie as a stable mate as well but decided to go with something sportier and a bit more winter-proof myself, but my uncle had a 883 which he traded in for a 1200 within a few months so I had a chance to ride both bikes. Choosing a bike is such a personal thing though, you should really go ride 'm first.

[TDodge7]

The 883 is gutless and has nothing on the Triumph , go with the Triumph , easy choice . I should also mention that neither of the bikes you're looking at put out any more power than your NH650 , the triumph is putting out 68 and the harley can barely scrape together 50hp so there's no american muscle there  , the twins will have more torque down low but they come with lots more vibration , in all honesty the 883 and the Triumph are more suited to beginner status than your NH is . Just putting that out there before you start dropping cash .

[ak85lp]

The 883 is gutless and has nothing on the Triumph , go with the Triumph , easy choice . I should also mention that neither of the bikes you're looking at put out any more power than your NH650 , the triumph is putting out 68 and the harley can barely scrape together 50hp so there's no american muscle there  , the twins will have more torque down low but they come with lots more vibration , in all honesty the 883 and the Triumph are more suited to beginner status than your NH is . Just putting that out there before you start dropping cash .

+1 

[mobyjohnson]

Absolutely good point. Power isn't really much of my concern. I ride because I live where it doesn't make sense to own a car and for when I need to get out of reach of my bicycle, I'd love a good lookin', reliable, and fun toy that gives you tingles on the twisties and can keep up with traffic on the highway - don't think I'll ever need more power than the NH, just want a newish everyday bike so I can start strippin' down the NH and cleaning that baby out!

[TDodge7]

You aren't going to get any more reliable than that NH . But out of the two the Triumph is still the far far far better choice . Triumph is really on their game these days , there isn't a single bike in their line up that I wouldn't take.

[NightHawked]

Ride both and not just around the parking lot. The Iron does have a look to it. I would say a used 1200 over a new 883. I would consider resale value also. Ask yourself what do I want to do with it, how long of a ride. Is it worth $xxx. a month?

[hppants]

Neither of your choices is considered a twistie bike, but the H/D much less so.  The riding position of the Sportster is good for 10 mile runs to bike night only.  Good thing because it only holds about 3 mouthfuls of fuel.

[Wahrsuul]

True that, I just did a ride with some Harley people.  The lady on the Sportster (883) had to keep stopping for fuel long before the rest of us.  It doesn't get bad mileage, but the tank doesn't hole quite 3 gallons, I think.

If you're asking for opinions, I don't like the looks of the Sportster at all.  The gas tank looks like an afterthought and I couldn't stand the vibes.  The only Harley that even interests me is the XR1200, and after having sat on it, I know it's not for me.

[MattR]

Check out the Triumph Scrambler. I know it's not either of the bikes you're looking at but if you have a Triumph dealer near you I think it's actually the best classic (standard) style bike they make now.

[ariwhiteboy]

I had the (dis)pleasure of riding an 883 once...it handled like a brick and had all the get up and go of a lawn mower. If you want some good old "American Muscle" buy a Chevelle, if you want a good/fun bike pick up the 'rumph.

[Burgi]

I test rode both and bought the Bonnie. I liked the blacked out look of the Iron but IMHO the Bonneville is way more fun to ride. I don't have a huge need for power so bigger, faster doesn't really play into my equation.
If you look further into Bonneville's be aware there are 2 versions. The T100 with spoke wheels and the smaller cast wheel. They handle differently. I felt the T100 was a softer slightly more comfortable ride. The smaller wheels on the SE make it more nimble.

[geemann]

I think you should try out both bikes first, it may even eliminate the need for input here.

I like the looks of both bikes, but imo the Harley can't even begin to compete with the handling and comfort of the Bonnie. If you're leaning towards the Harley you should also consider the 1200 btw, the 883 really lacks power on the highway imo. I've considered the Bonnie as a stable mate as well but decided to go with something sportier and a bit more winter-proof myself, but my uncle had a 883 which he traded in for a 1200 within a few months so I had a chance to ride both bikes. Choosing a bike is such a personal thing though, you should really go ride 'm first.

def +1

cheers,
-g

[HandsomeSteve]

Check out the Triumph Scrambler. I know it's not either of the bikes you're looking at but if you have a Triumph dealer near you I think it's actually the best classic (standard) style bike they make now.

I'll second the Triumph Scrambler vote.  It's a better all around than the sporty IMHO.

[muttstang]

meh.... 1200 or 1250 Bandit or VFR

Now THAT will be fun to ride!

[detdrbuzzard]

i haven't ridden a new triumph but after riding my niece's sportster 1200 custom i would not recomend a sportster of any displacement to anyone

[fishball]

I like the allure of certain Harley models but if it were my pick between the two it would easily be the Bonneville.  I just rented the cast wheel bike in Hawaii and it is a sweet machine, smooth mild manners with some down low kick when you need to hustle.  Also it handles extremely well, a lot of fun through twisty roads.

However if I were to get a bike to supplement my Nighthawk 650 it would be the Thruxton.

[krotor]

Having owned an 06 Sportster 1200R I wouldn't recommend an 883. It weights the same as the 1200, but is short on the power end. The best part about Sporty's is parts are easy to come by, and you can make it fairly comfortable. The Iron is probably the least comfortable XL from the factory though, w/ a thin seat and very little suspension. If you don't want a 1200, get a Triumph.

[JordanA]

Why pay all of that money for 50 measely horsepower?

[Count de Monet]

I would also choose the Triumph.  The riding position and looks definitely do it for me over the Harley.  There are some Harley's I like, the sportster isn't one.  But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  That's why they make chocolate and vanilla.

+1 to getting a test ride.

Good luck whatever you choose.

[Hondo]

The worst handling motorcycle that I have ever ridden was a Sportster 1200.

[JB1290]

Having owned an 883 for a long time, I would steer clear of it. They are weak on power and like was said before, they handle like a brick. The 1200 is really no better. I'm not bashing them because in all reality, the bike was very reliable and I never had a mechanical problem with it. If I had to choose between the Sporty or the Bonnie, I would pick the Bonnie every day of the week.

Someday, I hope to have a Thruxton sitting in my stable.

[mobilebay750]

I submit this only as a service to all bikers.
I have owned 26 bikes various makes and models from around the globe....only one was a Harley, 883 Sportster waited years and years to own a "Harley" support America and be part of the Harley elite.........when you ride a Harley you "ARE SOMEBODY".....B.S.!  I was NEVER more glad to sell a bike than that one. Actually I traded it in for a Suzuki Marauder back in 2000 ( at a huge LOSS to get away from it) and was THRILLED I did. Loved the Marauder owned it for 5 years. Beat the livin tar outta the Sportster hands down....and it was only 805 cc. But faster lighter better handling, better stopping and WAAAAAAAAAY more reliable. In 5 years, battery (1) Tires (2 sets) and brake pads and oil changes where the ONLY repairs. Harley = ride it on Saturday FIX IT on Sunday IF it got you home on Saturday. Tainted...yep. Pissed yep, "The Motor Company" let me down. Harley makes crap PERIOD they sell because of the Marketing, and Marketing ONLY.  Some of the parts on my 92 (seriously) where PROUDLY marketed by the manufacturer as "almost unchanged since the 50's" really....WTF?????  GET SOME R&D and spend a few $ on ENGINEERING A SAFE MODERN BIKE!!   LOVED Harleys my whole life. Till I owned one. Now......not at all, couldn't GIVE me one.
I have also owned 3 Triumphs, presently own a 2005 Tiger. Harley doesn't even PRODUCE a bike that comes close to my Tiger...at all, period. V-rod sure in a straight line. But thats the only one that comes close....(and that was engineered by PORSCHE!!!) they had a good run with the Buell Ulysses (closed that dept.----cause it was better than the parent company) Reality is if Reagan hadn't imposed an embargo on the Big 4 from Japan years ago Harley would have ceased to exist in the 80's.  
I regret letting the other 2 Triumphs go(a speed triple and a Sprint) . I can't attest to the Bonneville all three of mine where the triple cylinder motor format not the twin.  But I assume the quality and reliability are the same, and I know a number of Bonnie and Bonnie America riders who are very very happy. My SPrint had 98,000 miles before the starter clutch went out.....starter clutch...only major repair in 98,000 miles. My Sportster would rattle loose bolts and pieces on the 20 min drive to work!  It will never make it to 98,000 miles. ANd the fellow I sold the Triumph Sprint to is still using it 2 years later as a daily rider.....with no issues.....
Sorry to ramble (and get on my soap box) but anyone considering between a Harley and ....well ANY OTHER MODERN BIKE should pick the OTHER BIKE.  I would ride a Hyosung 250 cc before any Harley.   ANd I didn't even mention the oil leaking through the air filter housing (its designed to do that....really I asked 2 dealers mechanics....designed to LEAK) or the rear caliper which locked up and caused a low speed tank slapper.....and after 4 years and numerous complaints Harley finally "admitted to a problem" and had a recall on the caliper......wonder how many others got tank slapped or worse because they put sub par crap on the road???? Remember the Pinto???? Fireball death traps......Harleys are the Pintos of motorcycling. But hey they sound cool.
Now RUN don't walk to the nearest Triumph dealer and just buy one, you will not regret it.
 If you have a death wish ride a Harley.