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← Harley-Davidson
Custom - Cruiser · 2016

Sportster Superlow

US$ 8499. MSRP depends on country, taxes, accessories, etc.
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MotoLibrary Score
46 /100 Balanced
Power/Weight
0.21 hp/kg
Torque
73 Nm
Engine
883 ccm

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Superlow Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Harley-Davidson's custom - cruiser motorcycle platform, the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Superlow pairs a 883.3 cc (53.9 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 52.3 HP (38.2 kW) at 5,750 rpm while maximum torque reaches 73 Nm (53.8 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and belt final drive. With a specific output of 59.2 HP per liter and a 1,750 rpm working window between peak torque (4,000 rpm) and peak power (5,750 rpm), the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the Sportster Superlow measures 256 kg (564 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.2 HP/kg (4.89 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 648 mm (25.5 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,501 mm (59.1 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 17.03-liter (4.5 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 4.6 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 370 km (230 miles) between fill-ups.

Within MotoLibrary's Harley-Davidson archive, this model family spans 7 indexed model years from 2013 to 2019, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.

Specific Output
59.2 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.2 HP/kg (4.89 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
4,000–5,750 rpm
Theoretical Range
~370 km (230 mi)
Engine
Displacement 883.3 ccm (53.90 cubic inches)
Engine Type V2, four-stroke
Engine Details Air-cooled, Evolution®
Power 52.3 HP (38.2 kW)) @ 5750 RPM
Torque 73.0 Nm (7.4 kgf-m or 53.8 ft.lbs) @ 4000 RPM
Compression 9.0:1
Bore x Stroke 76.2 x 96.8 mm (3.0 x 3.8 inches)
Fuel System Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Cooling Air
Transmission
Gearbox 6-speed
Final Drive Belt (final drive)
Clutch Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Driveline Chain, 34/57 ratio primary drive
Performance
Fuel Consumption 4.60 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l or 51.13 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases 106.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Exhaust Chrome, staggered, shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Chassis
Rake 31.1°
Trail 145 mm (5.7 inches)
Front Suspension Telescopic fork.
Rear Suspension Twin shocks.
Wheelbase 1501 mm (59.1 inches)
Ground Clearance 100 mm (3.9 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre 120/70-ZR18
Rear Tyre 150/60-ZR17
Front Brakes Single disc. Optional ABS. Two-piston calliper.
Rear Brakes Single disc. Optional ABS. Two-piston calliper.
Wheels Black, Split 5-Spoke with Machined Rim
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 245.0 kg (540.1 pounds)
Weight incl. 256.0 kg (564.4 pounds)
Power/Weight 0.2135 HP/kg
Seat Height 648 mm (25.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Length 2215 mm (87.2 inches)
Fuel Capacity 17.03 litres (4.50 US gallons)
Oil Capacity 2.60 litres (2.75 US quarts)
Other
Starter Electric
Color Options Crushed Ice Pearl/Frosted Teal Pearl, Superior Blue, Velocity Red Sunglo, Vivid Black
Instruments Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock, dual tripmeter, low fuel warning light, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights
Light High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Notes

Standard and optional wheels may vary by country and region.

More from Harley-Davidson
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Before You Compare This Bike

Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.

Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
Rider Profile

Who Is This Bike For?

🟡
Intermediate
Requires some riding experience.
✌️
Best For
Cruising & Touring
📏
Seat Height
64.8 cm / 25.5 in
⚖️
Handling
Heavy bike — requires confident handling
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