Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HOT IRON FORGES ANOTHER WINNER
THE Iron 883 has been the entry level Harleydavidson for many riders for some time now, and a damn fine one in my opinion.
As one of the iconic marque’s Sportster series, the 883 is well-priced, has a great motor, is easy to ride and pretty manageable, and relatively lightweight.
No wonder, then, that it was the manufacturer’s best seller for some time. The only thing the 883 lacked was a bit of extra oomph.
Hence the introduction of the Iron 1200 – employing the tried-and-tested 1202cc air-cooled Evolution motor. That provides a massive 30% increase in power over its smaller sibling, producing 66bhp and 70lb ft of torque.
Looks-wise, the 1200 is all dark and moody – that is to say, it’s completely blacked out, with the only colour options being those on the 1970s-style tank and mudguards.
There’s a well-padded cafe racer-style solo seat, blacked-out mini ape handlebars, black nine-spoke cast aluminium wheels and a fixed West Coast style speed screen.
The low seat height meant I could easily get both boots flat on the tarmac and the mid-mounted pegs and those upswept bars give a comfortable, relaxed riding position.
This is a back-to-basics machine, with no traction control or electronic ride modes.
There’s ABS and the front and rear brakes are linked, although the single two-piston caliper on the front requires quite a hefty tug if you need to haul it up sharpish.
But this is not the sort of bike for haring around on at break-neck speeds and screaming revs.
It’s much more about relaxing, sticking it in third, powering out of a bend using all that low-down torque and enjoying the throb and sound of that big V-twin.
Don’t expect silky smooth gear changes and a finger-light clutch, either. Shifting is a much more mechanical affair on the Iron and all the better for it, with a reassuring clunk as you apply some pressure to the lever.
Years ago, Harleys had something of a reputation for vibration.
The 1200 still has a bit of that, but now it’s actually an enjoyable part of the whole experience.
Riding the Iron is like that – you’re somehow more aware of and connected to the bike, to the machinery of it – there’s a real sense of feeling it.
And I loved it. H-D Iron 1200
Engine: 1202cc air-cooled V-twin
Power: 66bhp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 70lb ft @ 3,500rpm
Colours: Black; red; white
Price: £9,395 (black); £9,645 for other colours