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← Harley-Davidson
Custom - Cruiser · 2012

XL883N Sportster Iron 883

US$ 7999. Euro 8120. UK £ 6699. 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 XL883N Sportster Iron 883 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by Harley-Davidson for the custom - cruiser motorcycle segment, the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL883N Sportster Iron 883 features a 883.3 cc (53.9 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke configuration. 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 XL883N Sportster Iron 883 measures 256.3 kg (565 lbs) wet (curb). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 653 mm (25.7 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,519 mm (59.8 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 12.49-liter (3.3 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 4.61 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 271 km (168 miles) between fill-ups.

Theoretical Range
~271 km (168 mi)
Engine
Displacement 883.3 ccm (53.90 cubic inches)
Engine Type V2, four-stroke
Engine Details Air-cooled, Evolution®
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 30.5°
Trail 117 mm (4.6 inches)
Front Suspension 39 mm
Front Travel 92 mm (3.6 inches)
Rear Suspension Mild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped junctions, MIG welded swing-arm. Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable shocks.
Rear Travel 54 mm (2.1 inches)
Wheelbase 1519 mm (59.8 inches)
Ground Clearance 99 mm (3.9 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre 100/90-B19
Rear Tyre 150/80-B16
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, 13-Spoke Cast Aluminum
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 248.6 kg (548.0 pounds)
Weight incl. 256.3 kg (565.0 pounds)
Seat Height 653 mm (25.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Length 2179 mm (85.8 inches)
Fuel Capacity 12.49 litres (3.30 US gallons)
Oil Capacity 2.60 litres (2.75 US quarts)
Other
Starter Electric
Color Options Big Blue Pearl, Ember Red Sunglo, Black Denim
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.
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
65.3 cm / 25.7 in
⚖️
Handling
Heavy bike — requires confident handling
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