STEEL AND SPEED: RIDING DOUBLE ON A HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 883

When the open road calls, it’s not always the sound of silence. Often, it’s the howl of a Harley-Davidson Iron 883 cruiser roaring over the paved (or unpaved) road. Similar to many Harleys, the Iron 883’s defining feature is its ‘forward-control’ profile, where the rider mounts farther forward on the cycle and can sit lower between the wheels. Little else can match the sensation of riding with your ears pressed back and your balls hanging out. (I’m speaking figuratively here, of course). Depending on how one looks at it, the Iron 883 might suggest either that the machine is naked, stripped of superfluous fripperies, or that the rider is completely exposed and blacked out. A spiritual foreshadowing of the very first Harley-Davidson motorcycles, its moniker implies that the Iron 883 is the quintessential bike for those who aspire to conquer the open road — stripped, blacked-out and naked. But not so naked as to be fitting for two, many of us wonder. So can two riders share an Iron 883?

THE SINGLE-SEATER DESIGN OF THE IRON 883

At its essence, as a stripped-down, solo sport bike, it ought to be billed as such. It’s no good for tandem excursions. It has no seat in the back, no pegs for a pair of feet, to start. And the 86” length and its bow (too far forward) leaves you with the impression of unlikely tandem rides anyway.

THE POSSIBILITY OF PAIRING UP

But, hey, where there is a rider’s will, there is a way – and the aftermarket is always eager to open its doors wide to those Iron 883 owners intent on transforming this single-rider cruiser into a marriage-mobile. Oh, sure, it’s not a Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide, but seats and pegs are only a part of the story. It takes more than just two rear wheels to ruin the potential fun of a motorcycle – and while an 883cc Evolution is no bastard son of a Fireblade, it has more than enough kick to lug around a deadweight companion without sacrificing zest on the roll-on.

CUSTOMIZATIONS: A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD

Making the jump from the solo experience on an Iron 883 to the duo is nuanced. Reports from those who have asked the question, ‘If we’re not going to break the bank, say yes to two, but how can we ensure that it’s up to the challenge?’ are a blend of win and compromise. Will it roll better and be more comfortable once you’re now carrying more weight? Most people’s reports are a bit of a compromise. They describe the bike feeling rather different – squirmy at times; loaded down, never quite as smooth and steady at speed as before. The given recommendation: maybe you can get upgraded at the shocks but it probably won’t be quite the same experience, in terms of comfort or confidence (or assurance), as getting something bigger that was designed to accommodate two from day one.

UNDERNEATH THE MODIFICATIONS: IS IT WORTH IT?

While physically affixing a passenger seat and pegs turns the Iron 883 into a motorcycle that could accommodate a passenger on two wheels, the shift symbolises more than physical adjustments. It requires the rider and guest to change their expectations, possibly even ask them to level up to discomfort for some shared benefit. Is togetherness too much to ask when there’s a chance of rider and passenger, and the saddle and steel, all getting bent out of shape?

EXPLORING ALTERNATIVES: BIGGER MIGHT BE BETTER

For those who yearn to ride hell-for-leather on two-up under the banner of Harley-Davidson, a look to the bigger machines might be the wiser course. Motorcycles built for two riders aren’t just more stable and comfortable. They also make sure that whatever pleasure is had in the experience is shared and intact.

UNDERSTANDING STEEL: THE BACKBONE OF THE IRON 883

The Iron 883’s name does more than identify this H-D model; it also celebrates the irony – and the machismo, reliability, tenacity – of steel. This metal, of which the bike is at least partially composed, anchors everything else from the garage downtime modifications to the pedalling, stoplight drama, and the grease-rick Frankie-Avalon-wannabe booty calls of riding. Steel’s properties are what make the Iron 883 rugged enough to entertain ourselves wondering what it would take for it to become usable for two with a little doubling up of the saddle (it needs some serious protection for another rider), even if it’s designed only for the Lone Ranger. This fact highlights the bike’s appeal (you can ride it!) and its limitations (you can only ride it!), both a function of the art of motorcycle design and the science of materials engineering.

FAQs ABOUT SELLING STEEL WITH GIZMOGO

Can I sell steel items or motorcycles like the Iron 883 to Gizmogo?

And yes, even though Gizmogo is best-known for electronics, the company buys anything and everything else. Is it a bunch of steel items or a Harley-Davidson Iron 883 you want to sell? Head to Gizmogo’s website to find the company’s policies and offers on selling these items.

What condition does my steel item or motorcycle need to be in for sale?

The condition of the item or motorcycle for example, an Iron 883, will also likely have a bearing on its value, to he most market. An item in good condition is probably worth the most but the company Gizmogo, for example, assesses an item individually to price it.

How does the process of selling to Gizmogo work?

Selling to Gizmogo usually works like this: you describe the condition of your item, proceed to accept an offer, and, after you ship the item to Gizmogo for inspection, you close the sale.

Is it safe and secure to sell through Gizmogo?

Transactions through Gizmogo are safe and secure. The company works to keep sellers safe and secure during the sales process by providing secure transaction and communication.

How long does it take to sell an item and receive payment?

The epilogue of the transaction can differ depending on the item being sold, whether it is a steel item or a motorcycle such as an Iron 883. Very soon after an item is received at Gizmogo, and upon passing the initial quality inspection, money is remitted usually within a single business day or two.