At the heart of the 2004 Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom custom - cruiser motorcycle, Harley-Davidson relies on a 883 cc (53.9 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, maximum torque reaches 69 Nm (50.9 lb-ft) at 4,200 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and belt final drive. Internal engine geometry specifies a bore and stroke of 76.2 x 96.8 mm (3.0 x 3.8 inches) with a 9.0:1 compression ratio.
On the scales, the XL 883 C Sportster Custom measures 255 kg (562 lbs) dry. Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 668 mm (26.3 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,520 mm (59.8 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 17-liter (4.5 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints.
Within MotoLibrary's Harley-Davidson archive, this model family spans 3 indexed model years from 1998 to 2005, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Standover Height
668 mm (26.3 in)
Engine
Displacement883.0 ccm (53.88 cubic inches)
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailsV2, four-stroke
Torque69.0 Nm (7.0 kgf-m or 50.9 ft.lbs) @ 4200 RPM
Compression9.0:1
Bore x Stroke76.2 x 96.8 mm (3.0 x 3.8 inches)
Valves/Cylinder2
Fuel SystemCarburettor
CoolingAir
Transmission
Gearbox5-speed
Final DriveBelt (final drive)
Chassis
Rake30.1°
Trail119 mm (4.7 inches)
Wheelbase1520 mm (59.8 inches)
Ground Clearance112 mm (4.4 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre90/90-21
Rear Tyre150/80-16
Front BrakesSingle disc
Front Brake Ø292 mm (11.5 inches)
Rear BrakesSingle disc
Rear Brake Ø292 mm (11.5 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight255.0 kg (562.2 pounds)
Seat Height668 mm (26.3 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Length2275 mm (89.6 inches)
Fuel Capacity17.00 litres (4.49 US gallons)
Reserve Fuel17.00 litres (4.49 gallons)
Other
Color OptionsVivid black, brilliant silver, sierra red, luxury teal, real red, luxury blue, glacier white pearl, two-tone luxury blue and impact blue, two-tone impact blue and vivid black, two-tone sierra red and brilliant silver
Notes
Silver powder-coated engine with polished covers; significantly reduced clutch lever effort; 17-liter fuel tank; forward foot controls; laced front wheel, disc rear wheel; chrome pull-back riser; one-piece, two-up seat
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.
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.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
