basically the same sportster that I have. I actually just said no to R40k for it, wanting R45k.
But this is not me complaining that I will still have it.
Mine has a new engine, previous one changed at 80k km. Some oil starvation issue. I would rate it pretty solid wrt reliability
They are also some of the first ones with rubber engine mountings, so infamous vibrations addressed.
Mine has a proper setup carb, starts first time even if it was sitting for a month. Gets 22kmpl at 140kmph, better than any big adventure bike.
And no one will believe you that you paid only R40k for it.
But yes, breaks and suspension is shit. I guess everything is relative though. I see it as an old muscle car, they are average fast, crap handling and braking, but great raw fun. Same with this bike. Every ride is an event.
This reminds me of when my wife decided to buy an old custom Sportster because apparently girls, especially tiny girls weighing 45kg, cannot ride motorcycles.
The first time I rode it, with her on the back, we went for a short breakfast run. All calm and cruiser like, enjoying the sound of the engine and a beautiful sunny Sunday morning.
On the way back I decided to see what the old girl will do on a straight and pushed a little. Keep in mind that I had just completed a fun Saturday ride on the GS with linked ABS brakes.
I got up to about 145km/h when the light ahead changed to amber. Still completely relaxed I eased off the throttle and applied a little front brake. Nothing happened and with a little more urgency I added the back brake and more front. At this stage I could not discern if the brakes had any impact over the engine compression and realized we may reach a standstill about 200m beyond the light.
With a busy crossing nearing rapidly, I applied everything in me to both brakes, geared down a few times and with a little more panic than before, asked the motorcycle gods to intervene.
We finally stopped with my heart in my throat and a little tremor reaching my fingertips while my wife, used to me hitting the ABS hard on the GS, was none the wiser.
We had many great Sunday rides on EVA but I learnt quickly that the 883 is not about speed, any uneven surface should be avoided with pillion and slow and steady with an open face helmet makes for a most enjoyable ride.