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  • Harley-Davidson Sportster 883

Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Review

Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 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.

Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 spec

Seat height711mm
Weight (Dry)222kg
EngineFour stroke, V-Twin, 2v
Capacity883cc
Average fuel consumption–
Top speed103mph
Insurance group–

Get a motorcycle insurance quote for your Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 now! 

Look at the Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 in action…

Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 gallery

Image submitted by Bob

Owner Reviews

Submitted by:AnitaReview 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
Alloy wheels
Overall
Pros CommentsLove the look and the sound, great seat height
Cons CommentsAlloy wheels
Submitted by:Bob DraperReview 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
Although the brakes are excellent, maybe twin disks on the front???
Overall
Pros CommentsWhen 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 CommentsAlthough the brakes are excellent, maybe twin disks on the front???
Submitted by:Rusty BeardReview Date: March 2017
Comfort
Ride Quality
Build Quality & Reliability
Engine Rating
Brake Rating
Running Cost
The rider on top is the only thing that needs improving to not be scared of the cold.
Overall
Pros CommentsIt'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 CommentsThe rider on top is the only thing that needs improving to not be scared of the cold.
Submitted by:Jim HumphriesReview 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
Suspension.
Overall
Pros CommentsMy 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 CommentsSuspension.
Submitted by:Nel NelsonReview 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
Engine could do with a bit of go
Overall
Pros CommentsThe good ride I get. Great all round bike, around town and friendly.
Cons CommentsEngine could do with a bit of go
Submitted by:Andrew SaulReview 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
My bike does not have the biggest fuel tank and am on the look out for the larger option to buy.
Overall
Pros CommentsHarley'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 CommentsMy bike does not have the biggest fuel tank and am on the look out for the larger option to buy.
Submitted by:Mr Smokey BearReview Date: October 2017
Comfort
Think I should look for new rear suspension, at least the engine is rubber mounted.
Ride Quality
Best not to take corners on it … driving in traffic is like wrestling a cow.
Build Quality & Reliability
Solid as a rock.
Engine Rating
Not very fast, but very very loud.
Brake Rating
Great stopping.
Running Cost
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.
Overall
Pros CommentsGives people sore necks. Probably my favourite ride.
Cons CommentsMaybe a bit louder.
Submitted by:VikashReview Date: October 2017
Comfort
Ride Quality
Build Quality & Reliability
Engine Rating
Brake Rating
Running Cost
Overall
Pros CommentsBeautiful looks and serves good purpose for short trips and day to day riding. A great bike overall with pretty looks and riding experience
Cons CommentsHandling could be better
Submitted by:TomReview Date: October
Comfort
Fairly comfortable for a Harley suspension is forgiving!
Ride Quality
Very smooth ride but feels like a bike at the same time. As with most Harley’s it is fairly heavy
Build Quality & Reliability
Very will engineered, reliable and everything left with a smooth perfect finish
Engine Rating
Bike has ample amounts of torque which gets you to speed comfortably and effortlessly
Brake Rating
Brakes are average enough to stop you, a lot of aftermarket bits for these machines meaning upgrading isn’t an issue!
Running Cost
Great on fuel and insurance
Overall
Pros CommentsStyling, 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 CommentsThis bike would benefit from altitude more power and abit more give in suspension
Submitted by:JimReview Date: October 2017
Comfort
Comfy ride position. Nice saddle.
Ride Quality
Nice solid ride.
Build Quality & Reliability
All good so far
Engine Rating
Sounds great
Brake Rating
Yep they work
Running Cost
about 50/60 mpg
Overall
Pros CommentsIt looks great in matt denim black and sounds great too.
Cons CommentsI need a sissy bar for pillion riders. I also upgraded to progressive shocks front and back as with two riders it was too bumpy
Submitted by:Jeremy DuszynskiReview Date: November 2017
Comfort
My longest journey since I bought this bike earlier this year has been 100 miles and it is certainly more comfortable than my other bike, a Honda CX500 Custom
Ride Quality
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
Build Quality & Reliability
Build quality looks to be good. Only time will tell if it will last.
Engine Rating
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.
Brake Rating
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.
Running Cost
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.
Overall
Pros CommentsThe 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 CommentsThe ground clearance when cornering.

Average Rating

Comfort
Ride Quality
Build Quality
Engine Quality
Brake Rating
Running Cost
Overall Rating

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