Harley Davidson’s Sportster has been a mainstay of the lineup since its introduction in 1957. Always the smallest and simplest of Harley models, it nevertheless gained a huge following and is still available in some countries, including the U.S.A. However, it won’t be long until it is legislated out of existence by ever-stricter emissions regulations, not to mention the arrival of the new Sportster S. While you can still buy one, however, we’ll take you through the pros and cons of owning and riding an Iron 883, the baby of the Sportster range.

All Harleys have an air-cooled V-twin engine, thumping away between your legs and the Sportster is no different. The Iron 883’s Evolution motor pushes out 49 horsepower and 54 pound-feet of torque which are not huge figures for what is a relatively heavy motorcycle (565 pounds) but it does it all with typical Harley style and, more importantly, sound!

It has the typical low-end torque urge which is just as well as the engine doesn’t have a high rev limit. A five-speed gearbox and belt final drive are fitted. But, overall, this is 1005 a real Harley Davidson.

Despite the engine being flexibly mounted, the Iron 883 has some of the worst vibrations of any motorcycle on the market today. Let it sit at idle and the whole bike is alive with shaking vibrations.

Move off and the vibes calm down a little but there is still a lot of vibration through the ‘bars, seat, and foot pegs. It’s not too bad at town riding speeds and some would even say the vibes are part of the charm, but speed up and things become pretty unpleasant quickly.

It might be a cruiser, but, to be honest, the last thing you want to do on the Iron 883 is going cruising for any appreciable length of time or attempt to cruise at high speed.

Simply put, the Iron 883 can’t produce enough urge to get out of its own way at highway speeds and the ergonomics are terrible for spending long days in the saddle, which you will be doing if you want to get anywhere!

Harley claims a top speed of over 100mph but it doesn’t say how long it takes to get there, nor that at that speed, the vibrations and wind blast are enough to put you off motorcycling for life!

We’re afraid it’s not great news on the suspension front, either. Even though the engine might be the happiest around town, the suspension might give you second thoughts.

The suspension components are rudimentary and, as if that wasn’t bad enough, there is precious little travel, especially at the back, and even the merest road irregularities will have you heading for the nearest osteopath.

The front suspension isn’t much better, the forks looking far too weedy to control all that weight, while the springing is over-stiff.

Many owners consider a Harley to be a blank canvas upon which to paint their own vision and the Sportster Iron 883 is no different. In fact, it would probably be difficult to find a stock-standard Iron 883 anywhere in the world.

Not only is the Harley Davidson accessories catalog groaning under the weight of official Harley after-market parts, but the independent accessories market also has a profusion of bolt-on cosmetic and performance upgrades.

Also, so many Sportsters have had the basic ingredients such as the frame extensively modified to further create something unique.

That large lump of an air-cooled engine produces a fair amount of heat, especially from the rear cylinder that sits right next to the rider’s thighs. At low speeds, such as in town and in hot weather, the heat can quickly become unbearable.

On the open road, it’s not as much of a problem, unless you are riding in particularly hot weather. It’s not a problem that’s unique to the Sportster Iron 883 but it is something to be aware of.

There really is no excuse for bad brakes on a motorcycle anymore but Harley Davidson seems to be making a good case for them on the Iron 883. A single front disc is not unusual on less-expensive models and, in general, they work well enough.

However, the 300mm disc on the front of the Iron 883 is clamped by a too-small two-piston caliper and simply doesn’t have the initial bite or strength to haul the weight down from any speed. It might as well be made of oak, so wooden does it feel.

Often, cruisers make up for poor front brake performance with a back brake that is very powerful but, sadly, the Iron 883 doesn’t even have that.

ABS doesn’t even come as standard but has to be fitted as an option.

No, absolutely not. If you take time to remember that this is an entry-level cruiser, then it starts to make a lot more sense.

Yes, the Iron 883 is expensive (over $11,000), underpowered and overweight but it’s also great in its own way. Yes, it has a heavy clutch, poor brakes, slow steering, a clunky gearbox, and the engine heat problem but it looks and feels like a genuine Harley.

And that’s all that many riders want: the true old-school Harley Davidson experience, combining looks, a V-twin engine, and that sound. The rest of the bike might be basic but no one can deny that it isn’t honest.

Harley has had a hard time of it, shaking off bad a reputation for build quality and reliability. But it really does seem like they have a handle on the problems and there is no reason to steer away from the brand anymore.

The Sportster Iron 883 is solid and rattle-free. The paintwork looks great whether on the tank, frame, engine, exhaust, or wheels. Materials seem to be chosen with care and the overall fit and finish are excellent.

So what if it’s the smallest model in the H-D line-up? There is simply no riding experience quite like riding a Harley Davidson. Other manufacturers have tried to copy that indefinable something that a Harley has but all have failed, leaving one clear leader in the true American motorcycle experience.

The Iron 883 is a proper Harley Davidson in the traditional sense: flawed, yes, but at its heart an honest motorcycle that just wants to please and be loved. Luckily, it’s very easy to look past the flaws and love it for what it is: something completely unique in motorcycling: an American legend.

Yes. The seat is good and low, the bike is well balanced and it’s not too powerful to be intimidating

At over $11,000, it is expensive, but what is price for an American original icon?

Top speed is quoted as 105mph but you’ll get tired before you reach it!