Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Bike Overview
The Sportster 883 is the perfect entry level bike for those who want to buy into the Harley-Davidson brand but can’t afford the price tag of some of the higher spec bikes. It is a good all-rounder offering enough power and torque when needed despite the smaller engine size. This cruiser is ideal for shorter journeys; although it can handle the long, open road this isn’t where the Sportster 883 performs best. To get the most from your Sportster 883 then you need to stick to riding around town and as the 883 immediately attracts all eyes to it, it is probably where you will get the highest level of enjoyment as well. Riders report that it is a comfortable and solid ride, with little complaint about the riding position.
As with all Harley-Davidson bikes, the build quality is exceptional with everything from the finishes to the alarm system being well constructed and thought through. Ultimately, however, the Sportster 883 is about as low-tech as you can get and it is worth bearing in mind that you are buying into a brand more than buying a bike with all the latest bells and whistles. You can’t necessarily get away from highlighting the issues the bike has; the engine is small, the ride can be clunky and it doesn’t offer the opportunity for pillion although add-on kits can be purchased. There are certainly better bikes you could buy for the same money, but they wouldn’t be a Harley-Davidson and, ultimately owning one is about making a statement rather than outperforming the other bikes on the road.
Look at the Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 in action…
Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Bike Spec
- Top speed103mph
- Weight (Dry)222kg
- Seat height711mm
- Capacity883cc
- EngineFour stroke, V-Twin, 2v
Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Bike Insurance
Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
The comfortable position to ride, like sitting in an arm chair.
Cons
The rear shocks could be a little softer the help with pot holes.
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Really comfortable to ride short or long distances.
Never had issues with the quality of a Harley Davidson
Really good reliable brakes.
New mounts make a smooth ride.
Not built for speed but, smooth to ride.
Small tank, really cheap to run
Pros
Looks cool.
Cons
Suspension.
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Lovely bike for short rides on good roads . Avoid the potholes if you hit one You certainly will know about it, and all even worse with two up .
As long as you garage the bike and keep it sprayed up with duck oil or similar it will stay fresh . Only thing gone wrong with my 2014 model is one of the indicator warning lights on the on the dash does not illuminate.
Brakes are good, but it is a heavy bike has abs. Which I suppose would be good in the wet if you have to anchor on. But the fat tyres are great as you do not get caught up in any ruts etc The bike feels very planted on the road.
I like the ride, as I’m quite short, don’t lean into them corners to much as you will see sparks from the bottom of your foot pegs.
It’s a bike to chill and chug around on, but has plenty of power for that.
I don’t think you buy this type of bike for fuel economy. I can’t really comment as I don’t do the mileage .
Pros
When i had my hip replaced, I had to also replace my ZZR. I'd never taken to Harleys in general, so I looked at all the bikes available that would suit my "new" requirements. The moment I saw the H/D, I knew that it was right, and that was proven by riding it. Was then; is now.
Cons
Although the brakes are excellent, maybe twin disks on the front???
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Takes ALL that UK roads can throw at it
May only be 883, but it will cruise at (above) the UK limit all day long, and has enough grunt for the overtakes and other times when 'more' is needed.
Although the brakes are excellent, maybe twin disks on the front???
Solid
It hasn't stopped stopping
Pros
It's my bike there are many like it but it's mine and it's part of me and I wouldn't be without it. It's a wonderful Machine that turns heads and gives you freedom. It's a lifestyle choice and amazing one at that.
Cons
The rider on top is the only thing that needs improving to not be scared of the cold.
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The rider on top is the only thing that needs improving to not be scared of the cold.
Pros
My 883 Iron in Denim black has retro styling and the Matt finish with chrome touches makes it a real head turner. The stock suspension is average, so upgrading to Progressive shocks is advised for a great improvement. Its not particularly fast, but if you go slower, everyone can see the bike. The rider position is just right and overall it is a solid and comfortable ride.
Cons
Suspension.
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Solid ride, good rider comfort after upgrading to Progressive shocks front and back, needed (especially with pillion passanger). Different cornering to non cruiser style bikes but still good.
Good Quality torque, not as fast as Honda CB500 at top end. Who needs speed when you've got these looks.
Suspension.
Good build quality. Only changed battery and key fob batteries.
They work well.
Pros
The good ride I get. Great all round bike, around town and friendly.
Cons
Engine could do with a bit of go
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Custom bars bringing comfort
ok
Engine could do with a bit of go
Striped and rebuilt
ok
Pros
Harley's have an ubundance of add on,s or upgrades and come in so many versions sizes cruising the limit is your own imagination and how you want it to look. When riding it you feel good. You can park it amongst other bikes without feeling embarrassed. On UK roads its capable of keeping up with its big brothers
Cons
My bike does not have the biggest fuel tank and am on the look out for the larger option to buy.
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Although the engine is rubber mounted I think the ride is still a little hard
When I got this bike I had intended to convert it to a 1200 but after riding it for a while it has proven to be quite a competitive machine
My bike does not have the biggest fuel tank and am on the look out for the larger option to buy.
There is nearly nothing I can say is wrong but I find the transmission a bit clunky when you put it in gear from neutral
For the size and weight of this bike the brakes are ample
Pros
Gives people sore necks. Probably my favourite ride.
Cons
Maybe a bit louder.
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Best not to take corners on it … driving in traffic is like wrestling a cow.
Not very fast, but very very loud.
Spends about half it's life in London's west end, so slightly cheaper than the tube as there is two of us on it.
Solid as a rock.
Great stopping.
Pros
Beautiful looks and serves good purpose for short trips and day to day riding. A great bike overall with pretty looks and riding experience
Cons
Handling could be better
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Pros
Styling, rough but rifined Giving you a classic but mean Harley look. Comfortable and cheap to run. Great bike for showing off to your mates and those wondering the streets. Great torque nice cruising speed and comfortable what more could you want!
Cons
This bike would benefit from altitude more power and abit more give in suspension
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Very smooth ride but feels like a bike at the same time. As with most Harley’s it is fairly heavy
Bike has ample amounts of torque which gets you to speed comfortably and effortlessly
Great on fuel and insurance
Very will engineered, reliable and everything left with a smooth perfect finish
Brakes are average enough to stop you, a lot of aftermarket bits for these machines meaning upgrading isn’t an issue!
Pros
It looks great in matt denim black and sounds great too.
Cons
I need a sissy bar for pillion riders. I also upgraded to progressive shocks front and back as with two riders it was too bumpy
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Nice solid ride.
Sounds great
about 50/60 mpg
All good so far
Yep they work
Pros
The low saddle height, although this compromises the ground clearance. I am looking at raising the suspension to improve clearance but still have a low enough saddle height.
Cons
The ground clearance when cornering.
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The bike rides smoother than the CX500 Custom but it is heavier and it does not lean over as far particularly on right hand corners as the exhaust contacts the surface quite easily
This is an air cooled V-twin. There is plenty of low down torque even if it is easy to hit the Rev limiter in the lower gears when overtaking. Just need to remember to use the torque and listen to the sound.
Fuel consumption is in the 50 to 55 mpg bracket so quite good. Given it has a 17l tank the range is good. Fuel consumption is about the same as my CX500 Custom, but is ride quicker. The CX only has a small tank and goes onto reserve after 80 miles, so a range which is double that will be useful when I eventually get the necessary permission to go for a long weekend ride.
Build quality looks to be good. Only time will tell if it will last.
I have not ride a bike with "modern" brakes. All I can say is that they perform K OK for me but then I am not a sport bike rider.
Pros
The overall look of the bike, looks different from most bikes and even most of the sportster line
Cons
Brakes and sound
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Can handle the country roads in Scotland no problem
Pulls no problem in all gears, standard exhaust is a little quiet
Around town you get around 60 miles per tank due to the small tank longer rides are better but for the looks you sacrifice distance
Not had any issues in the year I have owned it so far
Brakes aren’t amazing but they do stop you and abs helps
Pros
It's fun to ride.
Cons
Paint quality.
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Handling is okay. Because of the type of engine it gets a bit viby at higher speeds, but it's not a bike you buy to go fast on. A bit on the heavy side.
Not powerful at all but really great feel to the engine. You don't ride them fast & tend to short shift more than on other bikes because it feels good doing it.
5000 miles between services, which can easily be done by the owner if they have a little mechanical knowledge. Fuel consumption is good. Regularly get 50 - 60 mpg.
Poor paint. Never broken down. Ridden all year round & have done 40,000 miles on it.
Adequate, just.
Pros
Love the look and the sound, great seat height
Cons
Alloy wheels
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Alloy wheels
Neutral switch issues