Harley-Davidson Iron 883 2009 2010 Review

Harley-Davidson recently unveiled the Iron 883 as the latest addition to its phantom Dark Custom line. The Darks aren’t a separate model line, but more like a sinister club or collection of single models culled from Harley’s prolific arsenal of existing V-Twins: the Dynas, Sportsters and Softails.Harley’s blacked-out and matte-finished “Dark Custom” line has proven to be attractive to younger buyers, appealing in both style and price. H-D sold 29,000 bikes to people under the age of 35 in 2008, and the Dark Custom line holds particular interest for the younger demographic. Sales of DCs were up 24% in ’08, aided by the addition of the bobber-like Cross Bones.
With just one operating unit and 10 journalists at the gallery opening, Motorcycle.com didn’t get a crack at looking cool that night. So Kevin Duke and myself hopped on a jet and met up with H-D Press manager Paul James in Daytona Beach earlier this month to get us a few miles in the saddle.

Here’s a quick rundown of goods on the Iron 883:
• Rubber-mounted Evolution 883 cc V-Twin black powder-coated engine
• Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
• Black fuel tank with unique graphics
• Black front forks with gaiters
• Black belt guard and front fender supports
• Black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels, 19-inch front/16-inch rear
• Black low-rise drag-style handlebar
• Black mid-mount foot controls
• Black low profile front fender
• Black chopped rear fender with combination rear stop/tail/turn lights
• Chrome staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
• Side-mounted license plate holder
• One-piece, solo Sportster classic seat
• 26.3-inch seat height
• Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System
• Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank