No doubt, Harley’s Sportster is one of the coolest bikes the company has produced for beginners and intermediate riders.
They are lighter and a lot more affordable than those traditional full-dressed models of Harley. All the Sportsters have been designed for an easy entry point into the Harley-Davidson family.
Here we will be having a look at the Sportster 883 Custom which is one of the well-recognized bikes among the rider community.
With a low seat height, drag bars, front-mount controls, and Harley’s classic boulevard styling, the Custom 883c never holds you back from grabbing attention while riding around the town.
Table of Content
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1. Harley-Davidson Custom XL883c At First Glance
The Custom 883C is not only a good choice for beginners to ride and secure their entry into the biker's community. The laid-back profile with forward controls and chrome handlebars makes this bike a fine choice for professional riders.
It comes with a larger petrol tank that not only allows you to tackle longer journeys without worrying that you will run out of petrol in the middle of nowhere. But, it also gives it a cooler fatty appearance.
Harley’s Custom bikes are also known as easy riders due to the forward controls that put the rider in a relaxed position. It's more common on touring motorcycles but is featured in the Sportster 883 Custom.
2. Harley Sportster XL883c Custom: Buyers Guide
If you are planning to buy a Sportster 883c then here is a complete guide that can help you in making an optimal decision.
2.1 How Comfortable Is Sportster 883c?
As the Custom 883 is not a Touring orCruiser motorcycle, you should not be expecting it to be very comfortable for long rides.
Depending on the distance you want to cover and what other bike you are comparing it with, the Sportster 883c can be a good choice for short-distance trips within the town.
If you are a beginner rider then you will find Sportster 883 Custom very comfortable as you have not experienced the ultimate comfort that Harley’s top models offer.
The Custom 883 is somehow more comfortable than other 883cc Sportsters. The reason is that it comes with forward controls that put the rider in a laid-back position.
Mid-controls in other Sportsters was a problem as the rider's knee remained continuously in an uncomfortable position on long tours.
2.2 Is The Sportster 883 Custom a Fine Choice For Daily Use?
If you want to show up at your workplace in style and impress your co-workers or are looking to buy a bike to cruise around the town with other bikers then 883 Custom won’t let you down.
The sleek looks of 883 custom are specially designed to attract youngsters who want to show off their ride. This bike doesn’t only offer aesthetics but also delivers great performance.
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2.3 Is The XL883c a Good Bike For Beginners?
Definitely, all the bikes in the Sportster 883 lineup are an efficient entry point to join the Harley family. The first thing that makes it a good purchase for beginner riders is that the price is low as compared to Harley’s other models.
Next is that the 883cc engine is easy to control but still delivers that torque and speed you are looking for.
Beginners are more interested in customizing their bikes and making a style statement when riding them around the town. Customizing the Sportster Custom is easy. It already has the right aesthetics to make it stand out in a crowd adding a bit of detailing can make this bike go a long way.
2.4 Can Sportster 883 Custom Be Used For Long-Tours?
If you want to have a perfect touring experience then Harley’s touring line of bikes step in. So, if you are looking to buy a motorcycle specifically to go on long tours then Sportster Custom 883 is not a good choice.
The first reason is that it has a small 883cc engine as compared to other Harleys. If you take this bike on a tour then you will also find the lack of technological equipment which are essential during a long tour.
883 is a bike specifically designed for daily use and riding around the town. It doesn't come with a factory-installed windshield or saddlebags, unlike the touring bikes.
However, one thing that makes the Custom XL 883c a better choice for touring than other Sportsters is the forward controls. They put the rider in a laid-back position which is more comfortable on long routes.
If you own a Sportster Custom and want to try it out for a tour then you can add some best-in-class saddlebags to carry everything you will be needing for a tour.
2.5 What Is The Estimated Trade Price of Harley Sportster 883 Custom?
Depending on the engine performance, body condition, mileage, and other such factors the estimated price for models above 2007 is around $7,000. In this price range, you can get the 883 Custom in exceptionally good condition.
3. Detailed Specs Harley Sportster Custom XL883c
Engine and Transmission | |
---|---|
Engine Type | Air-cooled Evolution |
Capacity | 883cc |
Cooling System | Air-cooled |
Compression Ratio | 8:9:1 |
Induction System | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection |
Torque | 75 Nm at 3500rpm |
Transmission | 5-speed |
Average | 45 mpg |
Starter | Electric |
Chassis and Suspension | |
---|---|
Fork Angle | 30° |
Rake | 30° |
Trail | 4.7 inch |
Front Brakes | Dual-piston |
Rear Brakes | Single disc piston |
ABS | Optional |
Wheels | Chrome/Laced steel |
Dimensions | |
---|---|
LxHxW | 90x32.7x45.7 inches |
Wheelbase | 60.4 inches |
Seat Height | 26.5 inches |
Ground Clearance | 4.4 inches |
Dry Weight | 256 kg |
4. Aftermarket Modification and Luggage Options For Sportster 883 Custom Xl883c
The aesthetics of 883 Custom are not only attractive for youngsters who have just adopted the craze of motorcycle riding. But, also the professional riders can’t help praising the classic looks of this bike.
You can always try out some customization options on your Sportster 883 to satisfy your inner artist. Adding some high-quality saddlebags can go a long way not only for tours but, you can also put any necessary items you could need while riding in the town.
If you want to carry some extra luggage with yourself then you can also install sissy bars for carrying backpacks.
Some people also complain that the seat of Sportster Custom 883 is not padded enough and can get hard after some time. Don’t worry because you can always upgrade to some high–quality super comfortable seats for your Sportster Custom 883.
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