Sportster 883?

sportsters through to 2003 are rigid mount, 2004 and later are rubber mount.

i've had a 2005 rubber mount 1200 and currently have a 2001 rigid mount 1200 with a modified engine that makes it even lumpier..... i don't think that there is much to worry about off idle or cruising, but at idle, the rigid mount sporty's will shake your fillings loose, but once you're moving it smoothens right out. as a guess, your friend notices it more in the bars than anywhere. going with short (like 2") risers and flat track type drag bars will help that. mine has 10" hangers on it, so i definitely notice it at idle, but i didn't buy it to idle it.

anyways, i can't answer you if you can add in rubber engine mounts or not because i've never looked for a setup, but i do know guys who have installed 2004+ drivetrain in an older bike with rubber mounts, so i would guess if he has a head on his shoulders and can hold a wrench, he can figure something out. but it may be that the new style engine is what accommodates the mounts and not the frame.... never thought to pay much attention to the differences and i didn't have both bikes at the same time. try asking it a www.xlforum.com lots of great stuff comes out of there

I have a 1979 Shovelhead chopper and nothing is rubber mounted and it's a rigid (no shocks) Yea, it vibrates but that's part of my bike that I would never change..

I have to perform a C&T (check and tighten) on it from time to time because all that vibration loosens stuff but I love it

I also have my Harley Ultra Classic that the motor is rubber mounted and at stops it vibrates too but on the road is very smooth.. they each have their place

I think it was in 03 or 04 the vibration isolation was added to the Sportster line.

They do make an after market kit for the older ones but I hear they don't work so well, and I am sure they are not cheap. Best way to deal with the vibration is to putt a Hottie on the back of the bike it wont stop it. but then no one will care.

Never heard of one. Likely if the vibration is very bad his bike is not properly tuned. You can do a lot to a sporty to calm down the vibes, the local shop would be a great start.

If it's fuel injectred, search for ECM Spy, the Buell is fully adjustable with similar motors.

Sell it. The 883 is the worst riding bike I have ever ridden in my life.

Edit: What is with all the thumbs down? Have any of you ever ridden an 883? They just plain suck. Harley made a mistake in my opinion trying to make an affordable bike in the form of the 883.