At the heart of the 2008 Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster custom - cruiser motorcycle, Harley-Davidson relies on a 883.3 cc (53.9 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, maximum torque reaches 74.6 Nm (55 lb-ft) at 3,500 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 8.9:1 compression ratio.
On the scales, the XL883C Sportster measures 268.1 kg (591 lbs) wet (curb). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 711 mm (28 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,534 mm (60.4 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 17.03-liter (4.5 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 3.92 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 434 km (270 miles) between fill-ups.
Theoretical Range
~434 km (270 mi)
Engine
Displacement883.3 ccm (53.90 cubic inches)
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailsV2, four-stroke
Torque74.6 Nm (7.6 kgf-m or 55.0 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM
Compression8.9:1
Bore x Stroke76.2 x 96.8 mm (3.0 x 3.8 inches)
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
CoolingAir
Transmission
Gearbox5-speed
Final DriveBelt (final drive)
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Performance
Fuel Consumption3.92 litres/100 km (25.5 km/l or 60.01 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases90.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
ExhaustChrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Chassis
Rake30.1°
Trail119 mm (4.7 inches)
Wheelbase1534 mm (60.4 inches)
Ground Clearance112 mm (4.4 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre100/90-H19
Rear Tyre150/80-B16
Front BrakesSingle disc
Rear BrakesSingle disc
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight256.3 kg (565.0 pounds)
Weight incl.268.1 kg (591.0 pounds)
Seat Height711 mm (28.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Length2294 mm (90.3 inches)
Fuel Capacity17.03 litres (4.50 US gallons)
Other
StarterElectric
Color OptionsVivid Black, Pacific Blue Pearl, Pewter Pearl, White Gold Pearl, Candy Red Sunglo (New), Two-Tone Suede Blue Pearl/Vivid Black, Two-Tone Pacific Blue Pearl/Vivid Black (New), Two-Tone Crimson Red Sunglo/Candy Red Sunglo,Purple Haze (Custom), Copperhead Pe
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.
