Road test of Harley-DavidsonXL 883 R Sportster 2005 I was attacking so hard that I rubbed the footrests!

By Olivier Quinten - manufacturer's photos

that's the kind of comment you might hear in a biker chat, and it made me smile when I tested this Harley Davidson 883 R.
The first visual contact on delivery was, I must say, rather pleasing. Not being a Harley fan at heart and not knowing the model, I was seduced by the sobriety of the trim: the matte-black engine contrasts with the 2 chrome pots, and the dark handlebars with their flat handlebars are topped only by a counter housing the various functions: 2 trip-masters and the odometer.At least you won't be distracted by a profusion of warning lights!
After deactivating the alarm (original!), I start the V-twin, and surprise! The engine vibrates, but the bike doesn't: yes, it's mounted on silent blocks, so bye-bye, sleepy buttocks and wrists after 10 km, hello progress!
Take-off is smooth, even if the bike is equipped with Harley's little mill (developing 48 real horsepower), the torque is present from the lowest revs and the first gear rising to 70km/h (very practical in traffic jams!), despite the original mufflers, delivers the famous Harley "broooar".
The fuel tank (12.5 l), stamped HD 883 R with its sporty chequered decoration, gives a range of 200 km, thanks to fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100 km.However, the rear suspension is rather dry on heavy shocks, so you'll have to shorten the stage if only to contemplate the beast in the sun...
And here we come to the connection with the title of this article: ground clearance...

The 2 292mm front discs, pinched by 2-piston calipers, are perfectly matched by the rear disc.The engine is willing and eager to be pushed, the frame is rigid and well-sprung, and the belt drive is smooth and precise, all factors that quickly get you into a fast rhythm,
bUT that's when the R on the 883 really comes into its own: it's Racle, Racle and Racle!
After filing down the rubber footrests, we move straight on to the pot clamps on the right (making some nice sparks!!) and the side stand on the left.
To own a Harley is to decide to ride in a different way: this motorcycle demands supple handling and well thought-out trajectories. But the quest for perfect curves soon becomes a pleasurable game, and a satisfying one when you can anticipate the "feel" of the kickstand.
Returning to a more serene pace, it's easy to wind up the milestones on small roads, and even to maintain a good average on the freeway. The sunken position in the machine gives quite astonishing protection, well above the standard of Japanese roadsters.

conclusions:
After a few days in its company, several things come to mind:
1. The Harley myth is not about to die out: during various stops, I was able to verify that the aura of this machine is undeniable, whatever the brand of its neighbors, it's always the 883 that attracts
2. The build quality and sturdiness of the parts can cope with all types of riding (even wild ones), and the assembly exudes seriousness, apart from the key, which looks a bit cheap, and the brand name can be seen everywhere on the bike, even on the tires!
3. The little folding seat behind the rider's saddle is reserved for short trips: in addition to being hard, it leans backwards, which makes for a very uncomfortable position (the plate holder can always stop your passenger during hard acceleration!)

despite all this, I think the Harley magic still works and, at the end of the test ride, I had a twinge of sadness at the parting ...
Crazy, isn't it?