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← Harley-Davidson
Custom - Cruiser · 2012

XL883L Sportster SuperLow

US$ 7999. Euro 8295. UK £ 6599. MSRP depends on country, taxes, accessories, etc.
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MotoLibrary Score
55 /100 Balanced
Torque
75 Nm
Engine
883 ccm

2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Sportster SuperLow Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Harley-Davidson's custom - cruiser motorcycle platform, the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Sportster SuperLow 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 XL883L Sportster SuperLow measures 255.4 kg (563 lbs) wet (curb). 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 1,506 mm (59.3 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 4.61 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 369 km (229 miles) between fill-ups.

Theoretical Range
~369 km (229 mi)
Engine
Displacement 883.3 ccm (53.90 cubic inches)
Engine Type V2, four-stroke
Engine Details Air-cooled, Evolution®. Silver, powder-coated engine with polished covers.
Torque 74.6 Nm (7.6 kgf-m or 55.0 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM
Compression 8.9:1
Bore x Stroke 76.2 x 96.8 mm (3.0 x 3.8 inches)
Fuel System Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Lubrication Dry-sump
Cooling Air
Transmission
Gearbox 5-speed
Final Drive Belt (final drive)
Clutch Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Driveline Chain primary drive, 57/34 ratio
Performance
Fuel Consumption 4.61 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l or 51.02 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases 107.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Exhaust Chrome, staggered, shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Chassis
Frame Type Mild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions
Rake 31.1°
Trail 145 mm (5.7 inches)
Front Suspension 39 mm Showa®
Rear Suspension Mild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped junctions, MIG welded swing-arm. Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable shocks.
Wheelbase 1506 mm (59.3 inches)
Ground Clearance 97 mm (3.8 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre 120/70-ZR18
Rear Tyre 150/60-ZR17
Front Brakes Single disc. Dual-piston
Front Brake Ø 292 mm (11.5 inches)
Rear Brakes Single disc. Single-piston
Rear Brake Ø 260 mm (10.2 inches)
Wheels Black, Split 5-Spoke with Machined Rim
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 243.1 kg (536.0 pounds)
Weight incl. 255.4 kg (563.0 pounds)
Seat Height 648 mm (25.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Length 2187 mm (86.1 inches)
Fuel Capacity 17.03 litres (4.50 US gallons)
Oil Capacity 2.60 litres (2.75 US quarts)
Other
Starter Electric
Color Options Vivid Black, Ember Red Sunglo, Midnight Pearl/Cool Blue Pearl, Birch White/Sunburst Red
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
Electrical Sealed lead acid battery, maintenance-free, 12V, 12 amp/hour, 200 cca.
Light High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Warranty 24 months, unlimited mileage.
More from Harley-Davidson
Buying Checklist

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.

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?

✌️
Best For
Cruising & Touring
📏
Seat Height
64.8 cm / 25.5 in
⚖️
Handling
Heavy bike — requires confident handling
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