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Sportster Hugger® XL883H - 2000 - now a 1200
This Bike is a Sportster Hugger® XL883H. 2000 Model.
The Hugger is lower than a regular Sportster.
My bike has been upgraded to a 1200 with Buell parts as of 2006!
The suspension has been enhanced with Koni® shocks, which give a softer ride. Then I changed the seat to a Saddlemen® - Low-Boy Seat. This seat hugs the frame, narrows to the front; very comfortable with a gel insert. For a total back-saving ride I use an Airhawk™ motorcycle cushion that rests on top of my regular seat. Take it inside when you're through riding. More on this cushion in question and tips.
The engine got some improvements too! Bikes usually arrive in the show room as a stock bike. Most bikers want to improve the performance of their new bike. I added a Screaming Eagle® air cleaner and a new carburetor to help the engine breathe better; that gets rid of the spit and sputter you will most likely encounter, and makes for a smoother running engine.
These pipes are for me! That's not thunder you hear when I accelerate, that is my THUNDERHEADER™ pipes! With these pipes you get high performance in your exhaust system and "rolling thunder" that any biker recognizes. Keep this in mind bikers - you want to be heard as well as seen on your bike!
More performance, more Power! Need a little more power when climbing a hill or passing? I need more horsepower! Never thought I would say that, this is from a newbie woman biker who thought 30 mph was fast and scary. My, how I have changed. More power will be an upgrade to 1200CC (accomplished in 2006). More performance, more power! It's a done deal as of 2006!
Changes to my Sportster! In September, 2002, I changed my handlebars from the "Buckhorn handlebars" that were standard on my Sportster. to drag-style handlebars (straight handlebars). This simple change has improved my control over leaning/cornering and setting the bike up 400%. It also removed the constant buffeting from the wind which really scared me. (Sportsters do not come with Buckhorn handlebars now - if you buy an older bike, it may have them).
A 6-inch pull-back riser brought the handlebars closer to me and better distance above the tank (the 3-inch riser left the handlebars too close to the tank). I did have to change the speedometer angle somewhat to view it better. Since most of the weight of a Sportster is up front and high, changing the handlebars gave me the control I needed.
I've heard bikers say, you either love the Buckhorn handlebars or you hate them, but they never said why. The Buckhorns force you to sit back away from the weight of the bike making it harder to get control - in my opinion. The XL 1200 Custom Sportster has drag-style handlebars. Sit on this bike and consider how comfortable you are in setting up the bike. If you are having a problem then consider changing the handlebars. It is not a very expensive operation and could change your riding tremendously.
Expect objections from people who think all this is too much bother - I've heard it all before. My hubby listens to me when I say something is wrong - this doesn't feel right. After I made these changes, he said, "Come to think of it, you didn't look like you had control of the bike before." He was right - I didn't and it took a while to figure out what was wrong and make the changes.
Also, people will say, "Don't make any changes to the bike since you'll be going to a bigger bike." Well, maybe you will and maybe you won't. You should ride that smaller bike for a couple of years. It will be much easier to become a good rider and then you can go to the bigger bike with confidence that you can handle it. Take your time - you have your whole life ahead of you to ride. Be smart, Be safe, and Happy Biking!
I have heard that some women who have traded up to a Low Rider, a little bigger than a Sportster are putting pull-back risers on their handlebars so they can reach them easier. Keep this in mind if you go to a bigger bike. Listen to what your body is telling you. And, if you decide that bigger bike is not for you - then get the one that suits you!
That is the great thing about bikes today - you can change just about anything for a more comfortable ride. I'm only 4' 10" and I'm riding my Sportster, which has a seat height of 25 inches. Ask a lot of questions in choosing your bike, don't accept any negative uninformed responses. If you have long legs you might need "forward controls" - foot pedals for shifters and brake. Hopefully you can find a friendly bike dealer to get you started in the right direction. And, the hand controls can be turned toward you a little making them easier to reach.
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