EVER found yourself breaking into a sweat halfway through a good, hot curry?
You're as clammy as a runner fresh off the track and yet all you've done is tuck into a plate of vindaloo.
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To burn fat, you need to speed up your metabolism - forcing your body to get through more caloriesCredit: Getty - Contributor
It's not unreasonable to suggest then that hot foods should help you to burn body fat.
Over the years, loads of supplement companies have tried to flog "fat burners" to dieters desperate to slim down. But can you achieve better - and safer - results by eating certain hot foods, or are fat-burning spices simply an old wives tale?
How do we burn fat?
The rate at which you burn calories is called your resting metabolic rate - and the higher that is, the easier it is to lose weight/eat without piling on the pounds.
To do that, you need to put your body into a state of "thermogenesis" - the metabolic process during which your body burns calories to produce heat.
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"Thermogenic" foods are known to speed up your resting metabolic rate - the rate at which the body uses energyCredit: Getty - Contributor
Thermogenesis increases your body's overall calorie burn, meaning that when paired with a generally lower calorie diet and regular exercise regime, it can help you to lose weight body fat.
Of course, if you're consuming a stack of calories every day then speeding up your metabolism is probably just going to help you to maintain weight, rather than lose it.
Think of fat burners a bit like the extra 10 per cent in your weight loss arsenal, along with your diet (70 per cent) and exercise routine (20 per cent).
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Chillis contain something called capsaicin - a chemical which increases body temperatureCredit: Getty - Contributor
A number of things can make you go into thermogenesis, like exercise and temperature.
But certain foods can also induce it...like chillis.
Yep, the humble chilli is said to contain an active chemical which directly induces thermogenesis.
Capsaicin is what gives peppers their spiciness - and what makes us start to turn into red, sweaty messes when we bite into them.
BYE BYE BELLY The best ways to burn belly fat – from getting more sleep to eating the right sugar
Scientists from the Universtiy of Aarhus, Denmark, found that capsaicin can increase metabolism and body temperature by altering the activity of a muscle protein called SERCA, which was forced to burn energy rather than storing it.
In fact, their findings went so far as to say that this chemical might be used in the future for treating conditions such as hyperthermia, such is its powerful heating effect.
Can spicy foods help us to burn fat?
The short answer is yes...but it comes with conditions.
Registered dietician Helen Bond explained that the hotter chillies are, the more capsaicin they contain. So you could interpret that as the hotter your curry, the more fat-burning potential.
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The hotter the curry, the bigger the fat burning potentialCredit: Getty - Contributor
"In a review of twenty studies, when capsaicin was included in the diet, an extra 50 calories were burned each day – which over time may help to induce weight loss and prevent weight gain as part of a calorie controlled diet," she told us.
"Other small studies show other spices such as mustard and ginger, may help burn calories or improve satiety (feelings of fullness) so we eat less. All good news for adding spices to our foods, ditching the salt pot and encouraging all-round healthier eating habits."
And nutritionist Sarah Flower confirmed that you can tap into thermogenesis naturally by "eating foods with chilli added which continues to have a thermogenic effect for several hours after you have eaten".
She told The Sun: "This is due to the capsaicin found in chilli, which is responsible for the 'hot' effect.
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Chilis continue to have a thermogenic effect on the body hours after you've eaten themCredit: Getty - Contributor
Capsaicin also has an appetite suppressant quality, making it a perfect addition to your weight loss journey either in food or supplement form."
Don't like eating spicy foods? Don't worry - Helen told us that you don't actually have to eat chillis to reap their fat-burning benefits.
"You can also use this miracle ingredient directly on your skin in the form of a good quality chilli oil, this can help increase circulation and reduce cellulite and increase fat burning."
What about other spices, like cinnamon?
"Cinnamon works differently to chilli," Helen explained.
"Though it has a slight metabolism/thermogenic effect, it is more about balancing blood sugar and insulin resistance, which in turn aids weight loss and can lessen food cravings.
"Again, this does not replace the need for dietary changes. A far better way of balancing blood sugar and insulin resistance is to follow a sugar-free, low-carbohydrate diet."
Dr Sally Norton told The Sun that cinnamon can be added to desserts or hot drinks as a healthy alternative to sugar, as it can have a subtle sweetness.
Sadly, that means your morning cinnamon rolls aren't on the agenda.
Does caffeine have a similar effect?
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Loads of fat burning supplements are high in caffeine - but you're better off drinking it in its natural sourceCredit: Getty - Contributor
Drink a load of coffee and your heart might start beating like you've just finished a 200m sprint.
Most synthetic fat burner supplements contain a stack of caffeine, or caffeine-like stimulant.
But you really want to avoid using these kinds of things as much as possible. Fat loss is totally possible naturally - without taking tablets containing God knows what and to what effect.
Studies have shown that caffeine can accelerate fat burn by as much as 29 per cent in lean people and about 10 per cent in obese consumers.
In a more recent investigation, scientists looked at the dietary habits of more than 93,000 people and found that those who drank more coffee tended to have a lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The only thing is that people tend to become tolerant to the effects of caffeine over time - so while you might be able to boost your metabolism and fat burning potential in the short-term, that stops over time.
So...does that mean you could live off coffee and curry and still stay slim?
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Chilli only burns around 100kcals a day - less than a biscuitCredit: Getty - Contributor
"The effects of eating spicier food may only lead to a drop in calories of 100 a day or less, according to some studies...easily wiped out by an extra biscuit at your tea break!" Dr Sally Norton told us.
"Adding spices to your foods may slow down your eating and make your food taste great, after you have got rid of the bad fats, salt and other additives that are doing you harm."
So, yes. Spices are great - but as part of a range of healthier changes.
And, of course, overdoing them isn't a good idea.
Dr Sally said: "Large quantities may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances. In fact, spicy food can lead to worsening acid reflux for some people. This can interfere with sleep and potentially lead to weight gain instead as they reach for sugary foods the next day to boost energy!"
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Overdo the spice and you could face a restless night - which in turn will have you reaching for sugary snacks the next dayCredit: Getty - Contributor
Most of the studies looking into thermogenesis are actually pretty small. The one which concluded that capsaicin can help keep hunger at bay only had 35 participants, for example - so way more research is needed on a much bigger sample (you can check out the NHS' stance on it here).
But there does seem to be a general consensus that spices and caffeine can help with fat loss.
Before you start to have a diet purely of chilli, a word of warning.
"Chilli has a limited effect, there is no shortcut to weight loss," Helen warned.
"Nothing beats a change in diet and lifestyle change for long-term, effective weight loss.
Helen said: "If you really want to boost your metabolism, there is no dietary substitute for exercise - muscle burns more calories than fat tissue, so increasing your muscle mass through aerobic activity and muscle strengthening exercise should help to burn calories and boost your metabolism."
In reality, there are no miracle "fat burning" foods
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There's no substitute for an active, healthy lifestyle - even if you do chow down on chillis every dayCredit: Getty - Contributor
You can certainly boost your metabolism but you can't out-spice a generally poor diet.
There are also other things at play when it comes to your fat-burning potential.
Leading Harley Street nutritionist, Rhiannon Lambert explained: "Body size, age, gender and genes all play key roles in the speed of your metabolism. Muscle cells require more energy to maintain than fat cells, so people with more muscle than fat tend to have a faster metabolism".
So if you really want to burn fat, your best bet is to try to build more lean muscle - and then try to make slim-line versions of your favourite spicy curries (with olive oil, lean proteins like chicken or tofu, and lots of fresh veg) to compliment your activity.
The takeaway
No, your Thursday Indian takeaway isn't helping you to burn calories.
And if you're a regular chilli-chewer, then you're probably already desensitised to any potential weight management effects.
MORE ON WEIGHT LOSS
But make it yourself using good, whole ingredients - upping the heat and significantly reducing the fat and salt content - and it might become a good metabolism-chasing addition to a healthy lifestyle.
To really start burning fat, you want to make sure you're active every day and that you're eating a healthy, balanced diet.
TL;DR there are no shortcuts in the fat loss game. Sorry.
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Harley Davidsons, legendary in the motorcycling world, have an iconic look and a rumbling sound that is often heard before the bike's seen. Since the company's humble beginnings in 1903, Harleys have been ridden by die-hard bikers and sought after by avid collectors as well. By 1993, Harley engines were in their fifth generation, all of which were named after their engine's appearance: Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead and Blockhead. The Blockhead engine is also called Evolution -- or Evo, for short.
The Harley Engine
All 1993 Harleys had four-stroke, air-cooled, V-twin engines. Four-stroke describes how the gasoline is converted into motion within the cylinders by the pistons, crankshaft and spark plugs. V-twin means that the two cylinders form the shape of a V, and in the case of Harley engines, they lie at 45 degrees from one another. Most V-twins are found in cruiser bikes, but Harley uses them on their Sportsters as well. V-Twin engines are light, fairly simple to work on and have high torque throughout the RPM range, meaning good access to the power. On the downside, they have less horsepower than bikes with more cylinders and they vibrate more, especially when arranged at 45 degrees, which gives Harleys their characteristic rumbling sound. Harley only used four different engines in all its 1993 bikes; an 883cc, a 1200cc and two 1340ccs.
883 Engine
The 883cc was only used in three bikes: the XL 883 Sportster, XL 883 Sportster Deluxe and the XL 883 Sportster Hugger. It had 42 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 43 pounds-feet of torque at 4,400 RPM. The cylinders had a 76.2 mm bore and a 98.82 stroke, with a 9:1 engine compression ratio. All three weighed about 470 lbs., had a power to weight ratio of .17 horsepower per kilogram and could do 0 to 60 in about eight seconds. All had single, front and rear disc brakes, twin shocks, swing arm suspension, a five-speed transmission, belt drive and an electric starter.
1200 Engine
The 1200 cc engine was only used on two bikes; the XL Sportster 1200 and the XL Sportster 1200 Anniversary edition. The engine had 50 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 55 pounds-feet of torque at 3,600 RPM. The cylinders had a bore of 88 mm and a stroke of 96 mm. They weighed about 475 pounds, had a high power to weight ratio of .21 horsepower per kilogram and could do 0 to 60 in about six seconds. They were chain-driven and had front and rear, single, disc brakes, a five-speed transmission and twin shock, swing arm suspension.
F-Series 1340cc Engine
All Harley models begin with one or two letters, which describes the type of engine. F and FL were used in 1993 for 1340cc engines. These engines were used in more 1993 Harleys than either of the other two. All Dyna-series and most Softails had F-series engines. These engines had 48 horsepower at 4,900 RPM and 63 pounds-feet of torque at 2,400 RPM. The cylinders had a bore of 88.8 mm and a stroke of 108 mm, with an 8.5:1 engine compression ratio. Most weighed between 600 and 650 lbs, with a power to weight ratio of about .15 horsepower per kilogram and could do 0 to 60 in about 9 seconds. All models had a five-speed transmission and twin shock, swing arm suspension, a belt drive with single rear disc brakes and single or dual front discs.
FL-Series 1340cc Engine
The second type of 1340cc engine was the FL-series. This was used in all touring bikes such as Electra and Ultra Glides. These engines had 60 horsepower at 5,000 RPM and 69 pounds-feet of torque at 3,600 RPM. The cylinders had a bore of 88.8 mm and a stroke of 108 mm, with an 8.5:1 engine compression ratio. The bikes weighed between 700 and 775 pounds and had a power to weight ratio of about .14 to .18 horsepower per kilogram and a top speed of about 95 MPH. All were belt-driven, with a five-speed transmission, single shock, swing arm suspension, single front disc brakes and dual rear discs.
The Chevy Silverado is one of the most popular pickup trucks out there and it's seen a huge number of sales over the last few years. With its impressive features and towing capabilities, it's no wonder people want to get a piece of the Silverado pie. However, with the growing number of sales, comes the complaints from those owners. The 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 is especially notable for negative feedback.
There are a large number of complaints lodged against its transmission, as reported on CarComplaints.com. Because of the feedback on the transmission issues, it was named the worst model year yet for the Silverado. Here are some of the more common complaints Silverado owners have against their expensive pickup trucks.
A 2017 Chevrolet Silverado on display at the Chicago Auto Show | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images
Transmission issues that plagued the 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500
The worst problem noted for the 2017 Chevy Silverado lies with the transmission. Many complaints showed up on CarComplaints.com concerning a faulty transmission that wasn't getting resolved.
Some owners struggled with gear shifting that either surged, jerked or hesitated while speeding up. Some reported a jerking issue when driving at lower speeds. There didn't seem to be any specific triggers for it, they would just happen in stop-and-go traffic or driving on the interstate. A few owners reported hearing a loud thud sound coming from the rear, making it seem as if they were getting hit from behind.
These Silverado owners took their pickups to their local dealers only to receive unsatisfying answers. Some dealerships claimed that the jerking and hesitation was just normal behavior.
There were some auto technician representatives that said it was just the truck getting to know their driving habits and a few thousand more miles of letting the computer get used to the driving behavior and it should straighten itself out. No pickup owners reported a positive change after that. All said the issue continued.
Engine and drivetrain problems
There were only a few reports for the engine and drivetrain compared to the transmission issues. The most common problems with the engine, reported on the site, were the stalling of the motor, engine hesitation, and excessive oil consumption.
Previous years' models also reported the same oil consumption issue where the engine lost anywhere from 1 to 3 quarts of oil between changes. Some Silverado drivers experienced a stalling motor, either when slowing down to make a turn, or when trying to speed up on the interstate.
Like the transmission problems, the engine and drivetrain issues didn't get resolved. Dealers didn't appear to know what the problem was, or they didn't really know how to fix them. They attempted repairs and sometimes it briefly helped, but would come back later on.
Is it just for the 2017 Silverado model year?
There were not near as many transmission issues in the 2016 model year. A few people reported some, but those resulted in a replacement at their cost. Also, there were very few engine and drivetrain problems. Some drivers experienced vibrations within the truck and there were a couple of excessive oil consumption complaints too.
It's interesting to note that the 2014 and 2015 versions saw a lot of problems with the poor shifting in the transmission. However, it still doesn't compare to the vast number of complaints received by the 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500.
With any popular truck in the automotive industry, you can expect there to be some type of issue with them. However, when they're reported on by hordes of truck owners, you need to take notice and do your homework before making the same purchase. The Chevy Silverado is still a great truck to own, you just may want to avoid the 2017 model year.
Embalmers prepare the bodies of dead people before their funeral. Embalming is carried out for three reasons:
To preserve the body from the time of death until the funeral.
To present the body in a natural, lifelike way that gives the appearance of sleep.
To prevent any infection spreading to relatives and funeral staff.
The role of an embalmer usually involves:
Injecting a disinfecting chemical (formaldehyde) under pressure into the arterial system of the deceased, to preserve the body.
Removing fluids from the deceased and washing the body with germicidal soap.
If the body has severe injuries, using wax and plaster of Paris to restore parts of the body, and using make-up to give the restored parts a lifelike colour.
Washing and drying the hair, sometimes using hairspray and applying light make-up to the face.
Embalmers use an embalming pump and pressure bottle. They also use surgical instruments.
Some embalmers are employed by firms of funeral directors and combine the work with other roles, such as funeral administrator or pallbearer. Others specialise in embalming.
Embalmers generally work 37 to 39 hours a week, Monday to Friday, but may need to work variable hours, including occasional weekends. Overtime and part-time work are possible.
They work in a clinically clean environment where the temperature is slightly lower than normal room temperature. They spend long periods standing and bending, and wear protective clothing, such as rubber boots, gloves and a theatre gown.
Many embalmers are self-employed and work for more than one funeral director, so they may have to travel between different workplaces. A driving licence is often required.
Trainee embalmers may start on around £12,500 a year. With some experience, they may earn around £17,000 a year.
When they have built up a reputation or offer specialist services, embalmers may earn £30,000 a year or more.
Getting Started with this Career Choice
There are embalmers throughout the UK. Many are employed by a firm of funeral directors. Others are self-employed and work for several funeral directors.
Around 1,300 qualified embalmers in the UK are members of The British Institute of Embalmers (BIE). Staff turnover is low and it can be a difficult area of work to enter. Vacancies for qualified embalmers are advertised in trade publications, such as The Funeral Director Monthly, Funeral Service Journal or Funeral Service Times. Vacancies for trainees are rarely advertised. Anyone interested in a career in embalming would be advised to approach a local funeral director.
Education and Training
No formal qualifications are required for entering embalming. Some employers may prefer applicants with GCSE's (A*-C), including English, or equivalent qualifications. Subjects such as maths, science and religious studies may also be useful.
Trainees do not need any formal qualifications to join a study course for the foundation module of the International Examinations Board of Embalmers (IEBE).
Embalmers must have vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, tetanus, polio, typhoid and tuberculosis (TB).
Previous experience in the funeral service or in mortuary work may be useful, although applicants often have experience from a variety of backgrounds. Candidates with knowledge of different religions and their corresponding views on death may be at an advantage.
A Few More Exams You Might Need
Training is mainly on the job, with part-time tuition from a registered tutor at weekends or evenings, or through distance learning.
Most embalmers work for qualifications awarded by the IEBE. Trainees must pass the foundation unit exam before they can register with the BIE. They then study five further modules to become members of the BIE. Study areas include anatomy, physiology, bacteriology and practical embalming.
Trainees have to sit tests at the end of each module under exam conditions and achieve at least 60 per cent in each module. As trainees become more proficient in each area of practical work, tutors complete skills achievement sheets, which are sent to the IEBE. For the final practical assessment, trainees embalm both an autopsied and non-autopsied body. (An autopsy is the dissection and examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.)
Most courses to prepare students for examinations are part time, but a small number are full time. The BIE website has a list of accredited tutors.
Foundation degrees are available in:
- Mortuary science at the University of Chester
- Funeral services at the University of Bath
These courses are aimed mainly at those already working in the sector. The programme's cover subjects such as biological chemistry, cell and tissue science, anatomy and physiology, and the biological markers of death and decomposition. In addition, they examine contemporary funeral practices, communication with the bereaved and those involved in working with the bereaved. The ethical, legal and cultural aspects of death and funeral practice, and health and safety are also covered. Both courses offer a top-up route to achieve a BSc (Hons) qualification.
Some embalmers train for work in specialist areas, such as restorative or reconstruction work. This may involve embalming damaged bodies, such as people killed in road vehicle or air traffic accidents or as a result of violent crimes. Some embalmers in the UK offer this training, but it is more common to train for this specialist work in America.
Featured Job Guide - Laboratory Technician
Laboratory technicians carry out routine laboratory tests and perform a variety of technical support functions to help scientists, technologists and others with their work. They can work in research and development, scientific analysis and testing, education and manufacturing.
They are employed in a wide range of scientific fields which affect almost every aspect of our lives.
Have good hand skills for using tools and surgical instruments.
Have a serious and dignified manner.
Pay attention to detail, as the smallest missed detail may be of major importance to the bereaved.
Have an understanding of, and respect for, different religious faiths and people with no religious faith.
Maintain strict confidentiality and refrain from discussing details of cases in public.
Be able to follow strict health and safety procedures.
Be clean and neat, and have a smart appearance.
Your Long Term Prospects
An embalmer may be able to progress to work as a funeral director. Some embalmers become self-employed and set up their own business, or become partners in an existing firm. It may be possible to work abroad.
Mortuary science graduates may be able to move to bioscience or biomedical careers.
Get Further Information
British Institute of Embalmers (BIE), Anubis House, 21c Station Road, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands B93 0HL Tel: 01564 778991 Website: www.bioe.co.uk
British Institute of Funeral Directors (BIFD), 1 Gleneagles House, Vernon Gate, South Street, Derby DE1 1UP Tel: 0800 032 2733 Website: www.bifd.org.uk
National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), 618 Warwick Road, Solihull, West Midlands B91 1AA Tel: 0845 230 1343 Website: www.nafd.org.uk
National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors, SAIF Business Centre, 3 Bullfields, Sawbridgeworth, Herts CM21 9DB Tel: 0845 230 6777 Website: www.saif.org.uk
Infiniti is a luxury car brand that's relatively new on the market when compared with some heritage luxury auto brands like Mercedes or Jaguar. Learn more about the history of Infiniti as a company and other facts to deepen your understanding of this modern brand. If you've ever wondered who makes Infiniti cars or when these cars came on the market in the USA, you'll find answers here.
It Has a Recognizable Parent Company
Infiniti isn't an independent car brand. Rather, it's a subsidiary of Nissan, which means you can expect a luxury look and feel with similar performance to the more budget-friendly parent company brand. Nissan's decision to spin off a luxury brand has also been embraced by Japanese automakers like Toyota and Honda, who own luxury brands Lexus and Acura, respectively.
CC BY 2.0/Brett Levin/Flickr
Four Years from Concept to Market
In 1985, Nissan executives tasked a group of employees with a specific mission: to create a new luxury car brand. The internal team worked to conceptualize, design and produce the first Infiniti models over the next four years, and the brand rolled out its first cars in 1989.
The 1989 USA Launch
Infiniti's 1989 launch in the USA wasn't very small. The company started out with 51 dealerships across the nation that year, focusing on customer satisfaction as part of its luxury image. The dealerships carried only two car models: the Q45 sedan and the M30 coupe.
CC0/marcusfalden/Pixabay
Early Branding
Thanks in part to the modern age during which it was launched, Infiniti execs pursued an early brand strategy focused on an image of fresh, modern luxury. The name Infiniti is purposefully misspelled to bring a modern edge to the name, and the logo purposefully evokes the image of a road disappearing into the horizon, signifying endless possibility.
CC0/marcusfalden/Pixabay
Embracing Technology
In addition to customer satisfaction, Infiniti is known for having a focus on technological advancement, embracing features like voice control in the first few years of the 21st century. The brand retains this focus on cutting-edge tech, sponsoring a number of educational initiatives to drive innovation.
CC0/Bromine/Pixabay
A Simple Naming Tradition
While many other carmakers use their vehicle's names to evoke a specific image, choosing names like Mustang or Civic to make the car recognizable, Infiniti has always chosen simple names. From the very beginning, a simple combination of numbers and letters has been the naming convention of choice for Infiniti.
Consistent Vehicle Styles
Infiniti seeks a specific type of customer with its luxury image, and it accordingly has a fairly predictable adherence to sedan and coupe styles. The brand has introduced some SUV models over the years, but these are typically small in size and aren't necessarily marketed as an option for rugged off-road activities.
CC0/Wikimediaimages/Pixabay
Good Reliability
Like Nissan, Infiniti tends to perform pretty well in reliability tests. Though this does tend to vary from model to model, the brand overall has a fairly good reputation for producing trustworthy cars and SUVs.
Lagging Sales
In spite of its reliability, Infiniti has traditionally been outperformed by competing brands like Acura and Lexus. In 2013, a Nissan executive even publicly said the company had considered doing away with the Infiniti brand entirely. However, luxury brands do tend to bring in a lot of money for car companies, so Nissan ultimately decided to stick with Infiniti.
CC0/javierg35/Pixabay
Formula 1 Racing
Though Infiniti primarily makes luxury cars for consumers, the company has paired with Renault to create race cars for Formula 1. The company says this collaboration allows for greater innovation for the cars they bring to the consumer market, though of course the final designs of a Formula 1 car is quite different from what you'll find on a dealer's lot.
Harley-Davison recently added another shortie to its lineup. No, Willie G didn't have another daughter, instead the Milwaukee motor company amended its Dark Custom line with a modified Sportster 883 Low. Following the Nightster as the second Sportster-based Dark Custom in Harley's catalog, the Iron 883 becomes the sixth addition to the dark-themed club.
Some riders want simplicity in their escape mounts, while others prefer to be surrounded by computer technology like that found on the space shuttle flight deck. If you're not into GPS, radar detectors and video cameras mounted to your handlebars, you might be into the short-pipe minimalism the Iron 883 delivers with its low-rise drag-style handlebar, bare-bones dashboard and overall lo-brow color scheme. Toss in the reliability of a warranted OEM motorcycle and you'll be pleased as rum-spiked-punch to get your hands on the latest in Harley-Davidson's Dark Custom line.
Our pal Pete Brissette reported from the artistically lo-brow model unveiling held at a Santa Monica California art gallery last month. Mingling with artwork from Shepard Fairey and Frank Kozik, suit-clad connoisseurs and tattoo-sleeved artists got a peek at the Iron 883 alongside the attending member of the press. Standing out like a black diamond in the crowd, the Iron 883 is a shining example of the power of a little paint.
Standing out like a black diamond in the crowd, the Iron 883 is a shining example of a Dark Custom.
When the wallet opens, Harley-Davidson is there to deliver just what the market wants. While Harley's CVO line appeals to a buyer that wants a bike that can blind every person within 50 feet of their exceptionally-chromed scoots, H-D now makes a bike that's ready to blend in with the authentic nitty-gritty world of biker-dom, perfectly camouflaging to the greasy underbelly of society where 'real bikers' come from – if you ask an outsider. That's what Harley calls the "raw side of the road."
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.
Spry and steeped in style, the newest member of the Dark Custom line hasn't changed too much from it's more commonly known iteration, the Sportster 883 Low. They share the same narrow steel frame and lowered dual-shock rear suspension setups. Up front, the Iron sports rubber fork boots to give it that retro-cool look.
Where the bike's geometry lacks in legroom for riders over 5'10", the Iron makes up with attitude. It's delivered with a menacing matte-black paint scheme, Sportster-standard dual exhaust pipes, a 26.3" high solo saddle (unladen; same as the Nightster and 883 Low) and a lighter overall weight. The three-inch shorter total length makes for a light turning machine, limited however by its lock-to-lock steering radius. I think the Victory choppers we also rode that week made a tighter circle. Luckily, Harley also shaved 18 pounds off the Low, which helps when pushing the Iron around parking lots.
The Iron's tighter and tougher design compromise is a riding position too cramped for large riders however. "Even at my modest five-foot-eight height," says EIC Kevin Duke, "the position of the footpegs caused my knees to ride oddly high. The Iron's reduced-travel rear shocks and thin seat are best suited for short riders."
And if you've never ridden a Sportster before, expect the air cleaner cover to feel "in the way" of your thigh. The otherwise very narrow feeling bike is asymmetrically unbalanced by the protrusion of the air cleaner. In an effort to provide adequate cornering clearance, the slammed Iron has mid-mount footpegs that felt unnaturally high to Kevin.
When we got the Iron into the sunny skies and straight roads of Florida's coastline, we can see the 883 really shine, despite Harley's best effort to keep the Iron dark and cool. Pete thought the staggered dual pipes should have been given the black treatment instead of shiny chrome, but I personally think a black pipe set would have ratted-out the bike too much. Pipes are the soul of a Harley; I favor them shining both day and night. In my opinion, Harley struck the perfect balance between blackened bits and chrome tips on the Iron 883. Dark enough to run with the sinister sister Dynas and Softtails in the DC line, yet still a machine with its own character.
"Stylistically, the Iron is a great success," remarks Mr. Duke. "The matte finishes give it some rat-bike cool, and subtle touches like the fork gaiters give in a nice tinge of nostalgia. I also love the integration of the brake light into the turnsignals and the side-mount license-plate holder I expect to see on other bikes in the future."
Every rider is unique. But when you're in Florida for Bike Week, it's hard as hell to stand out in the crowd. You can dress up like a leather-dipped Santa Claus, ride a four-wheeled "motorcycle" down Main Street or show up on the world's longest bike and you still get swallowed up by the magnitude of the event.
Make the event work for you alone and ride what fits your body and your wallet. Over-chromed beasts and minimalist mounts alike are welcome in Daytona, and Harley can deliver both of those experiences. For the economically minded buyer and newbie alike, the sub-$8K Iron 883 strikes black gold.
"The Iron 883 truly delivers an authentic Harley experience for less than $8,000," Duke concludes. "It provides a deep, soulful soundtrack so familiar to us all, and it looks like a much pricier item than it is."
The Perfect Bike For
Inseam-challenged riders and minimalist bikers alike will appreciate the 2009 Iron 883's lighter weight (compared to the 883 Low), it's low saddle height and comparably low price point.
Related Reading 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Preview 2007 Harley-Davidson XL1200N Everything Harley-Davidson on Motorcycle.com
