2007 Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster 883R

Since 1957 Harley Davidson have been produced a motorcycle titled the Sporster, yet it was not until 1986 that the first Harley 883 rolled off of their production line. For many people who would like to own a Harley Davidson then the 883 is the ideal choice as it is the most inexpensive of all the models that this motorcycle now produce.

Currently there are 8 different types of Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycles available and in this article we will be taking a close look at the 4 that come into the 883 category. As well as these four motorcycles there are 3 1200 Sportster Harley Davidson's and the XL50. This particular bike was introduced to the market this year as a celebration of the Sportster being in production for 50 years now.

Certainly the 883 Sportster is one of the most well recognized of all the custom motorcycles that people can purchase around the world today and below we take a look at the 4 models that Harley Davidson have to offer.

1. Sportster 883 XL - Of all these types of motorcycle that Harley Davidson produce this is the cheapest of the lot and will cost anything from $6,595 up to as much as $7,990. 2. Sportster 883 XL Low - Although this bike is actually slightly more expensive than the first model we have mentioned above you will still find it is reasonable in cost at the moment. You should expect to pay between $6,995 and $8,390 for one of these. 3. Sportster 883 XL Custom - Yet another great looking motorcycle which is part of the Harley 883 family and will set you back anywhere from $7,795 up to as much as $9,555. 4. Sportster 883R XL - The most recent model to be included into the Harley Davidson 883 family and although not the most expensive you can still expect to pay $7,795 up to $9,090 for this one.

However as well as Harley Davidson bringing out a number of different 883 models they have also spent time improving the way it feels when you ride it. Along with an enlarged rear axle which has improved these bikes stability, this motorcycle company has made improvements to the frame. Now all the engines are mounted on to rubber rather than directly on to the frame and this has helped to reduce the amount of vibration that the engine causes.

Along with the changes previously mentioned there are other changes which have been made to this particular custom motorcycle. Gone is the chain drive to be replaced with a belt drive on all models and it also comes with a helical cut transmission unit. This results in reduction in the amount of gear whine that all Harley Davidson motorcycles use to make. Then in 2007 they changed their bikes engines from being carburetted to them being fuel injected.

Ducati Monster 696

Whether you’re new to motorcycling or to the Ducati brand, there is no better way to get into either than with its Monster 696. From the look, feel, and sound of its air-cooled 696cc L-Twin engine cradled in the company’s legendary steel-trellis frame to its bold, curvaceous shape bathed in Ferrari Red paint, there’s no mistaking this bike for anything else other than a Ducati.

Although the Ducati Monster lacks some of the top-shelf technology as used on the Shiver, the basics are all here. A fixed 43mm Showa inverted fork along with Sachs hydraulic shock absorber cushioning the load out back. Equivalent-sized radial-mount front brakes, a friendly hydraulically-actuated clutch and a sharp looking Digitek digital display.

Climbing aboard the Monster 696 isn’t much of a climb at all, as it features a short 30.3-inch seat height. Its low seating position combined with its narrow width make it feel like you’re riding a minibike—that is if you’re six-foot-plus inches tall. Yet even for a tall rider the cockpit isn’t as crowed as you’d expect. The reach to the steel handlebars is equally as diminutive, which in turn creates a sportier riding position than the Shiver’s.

Reach out and grab both the brake and clutch lever and you’ll notice just how ridiculously light clutch lever pull is. Conversely the reach to the brake lever is slightly stretched and it cannot be adjusted like the Shiver’s. Thumb the starter button and the Monster’s air-cooled engine fires right up settling into a lumpy idle. However, sometimes when cold, the engine would stall and require a bit of warm-up before it could idle on its own. Pump the throttle a couple times and the engine roars with that unmistakable Ducati “vroom”. Press down on the gear shift lever, and slip the clutch and you’re off and running.

Whereas the Aprilia’s liquid-cooled engine makes power literally everywhere, the Ducati’s air-cooled mill puts out a subdued spread of power. For a novice rider this translates into absolute confidence, but for an experienced rider it feels downright slow. As rpms slowly increase a decently snappy mid-range is exposed, but it’s cut-short almost as soon as it starts, necessitating an upshift.

Ducati Diavel Custom

If the summer heat is driving you up the wall, the new Diavel from Ducati can cool you off. The latest model is a high performance bike. Changes have made the machine a more efficient one. The better design provides for reduced effort while driving. The design of the new bike is alluring too.

If you are seriously considering buying a cruiser bikes for yourself, you must consider a few factors before your purchase. The first is your own level of expertise. Bikes are mean machines even if they are not really meant for racing. Since there is a very thin line between top notch bikes and racing bikes, a biker must always ascertain that he or she can handle the power and weight of the machine they choose. While expert riders can go in for superior models, newbies should stick to beginner level models only.