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 gallery
Image submitted by Bob
Owner Reviews
Submitted by:
Anita
Review Date: November 2016
Comfort
Seats a bit hard for long journeys
Ride Quality
Build Quality & Reliability
Neutral switch issues
Engine Rating
Brake Rating
Running Cost
Overall
Pros Comments
Love the look and the sound, great seat height
Cons Comments
Alloy wheels
Submitted by:
Bob Draper
Review Date: March 2017
Comfort
Just right for a shorter rider with a hip replacement!
Ride Quality
Takes ALL that UK roads can throw at it
Build Quality & Reliability
Solid
Engine Rating
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.
Brake Rating
It hasn't stopped stopping
Running Cost
Overall
Pros Comments
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 Comments
Although the brakes are excellent, maybe twin disks on the front???
Submitted by:
Rusty Beard
Review Date: March 2017
Comfort
Ride Quality
Build Quality & Reliability
Engine Rating
Brake Rating
Running Cost
Overall
Pros Comments
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 Comments
The rider on top is the only thing that needs improving to not be scared of the cold.
Submitted by:
Jim Humphries
Review Date: March 2017
Comfort
Fitted pillion kit but now need a sissy bar as pillion seat slopes back on the rear fender. Very good rider comfort
Ride Quality
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.
Build Quality & Reliability
Good build quality. Only changed battery and key fob batteries.
Engine Rating
Good Quality torque, not as fast as Honda CB500 at top end. Who needs speed when you've got these looks.
Brake Rating
They work well.
Running Cost
Overall
Pros Comments
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 Comments
Suspension.
Submitted by:
Nel Nelson
Review Date: May 2017
Comfort
Single custom seat
Ride Quality
Custom bars bringing comfort
Build Quality & Reliability
Striped and rebuilt
Engine Rating
ok
Brake Rating
ok
Running Cost
Overall
Pros Comments
The good ride I get. Great all round bike, around town and friendly.
Cons Comments
Engine could do with a bit of go
Submitted by:
Andrew Saul
Review Date: May 2017
Comfort
When i got this bike it had and still has high handle bars which are nice for normal riding but when at high speed they cause high wind resistance
Ride Quality
Although the engine is rubber mounted I think the ride is still a little hard
Build Quality & Reliability
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
Engine Rating
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
Brake Rating
For the size and weight of this bike the brakes are ample
Running Cost
Overall
Pros Comments
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 Comments
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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