Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster 883R vs Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster (2011)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster 883Rstacks up against the Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster 883RHarley-Davidson XL883 Sportster
Model year20112008
Price$6,695
Engine883 cc883 cc
Torque66 Nm75 Nm
Weight243 kg255 kg
Seat height30 mm29 mm
Fuel capacity3.3 L3.3 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission6-speed5-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Dual-piston.Single disc
Rear brakesSingle disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Single-piston.Single disc
Tires100/90-19 / 100/90-19 100/90-H19 / 150/80-B16

Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster 883R vs Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster 883R and the Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster 883R brings its published horsepower in a 243 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster counters with its own power figure at 255 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: