thePULSEBlacked Out Bike, Stripped Down Price
By Rick Garner
In these times of superimposed economic scaling back, Harley-Davidson has decided to make its spirit, quality, and legendary style attainable for a younger generation of riders. The new Iron 883TM motorcycle ~ with a ticket to ride of just $7,899 ~ is the company’s response to those who thought they would have to settle for a mediocre ride in order to keep costs down.
“It’s got old school style, a new school ride, and gives the owner a platform for custom creativity,” said Paul James, director of product communications for Harley-Davidson. “It’s every inch a Harley, and definitely one with its own, signature look.”
Dripping in black from fender to fender, the latest motorcycle in Harley-Davidson’s Dark Custom collection quickly sends a message that glimmer and shine are not necessary to make an impact. Neither are frills. The Iron 883 is stripped down and devoid of anything that isn’t necessary or would overshadow the bike’s bold, brash character. With no bells, no whistles, the Iron 883 is just pure motorcycle ~ that means more time for riding and creative customization, less time needed for polishing and fussing. Iron 883 has a back-to-basics look that pushes the style of motorcycling minimalism to the edge; it’s definitely a case of “less is more.”
The Iron 883’s dark side isn’t limited to its paint job either. The 883cc Evolution engine delivers plenty of power for the city scene, backed up by a combo of old school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar, chopped fenders, and straight cut shorty dual exhaust that roars the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound.
Where did the name of this new member of the HD family come from? The Iron 883’s name is a nod to Harley’s heritage: Harley-Davidson bikes have long been known as “Milwaukee Iron.” At a time when other motorcycles are turning up more plastic than metal, the Iron 883 is as pure and genuine as it gets.
“The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price,” said James. “You get the authentic Harley-Davidson experience without compromise.”
The heritage that runs through the Iron 883’s blood goes even deeper, too. The Iron 883 continues the rebellious tradition of Harley-Davidson Sportster® motorcycles that have gone against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s and were then pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s. That rebellious spirit is alive and well in Iron 883 and is something the company believes will allow the rebel culture to live on through new generations.
“This bike reflects the grit, boldness, and independence of all those who aren’t afraid to go after what they really desire,” said James.
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.
