Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster vs Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 (2008)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportsterstacks up against the Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XL883R SportsterHarley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883
Model year20082003
Price
Engine883 cc883 cc
Torque70 Nm67 Nm
Weight251 kg235 kg
Fuel capacity3.3 L3.3 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed
Front brakesSingle disc
Rear brakesSingle disc
Tires100/90-H19 / 100/90-H19 100/90-19 57H / 130/90-B16 73H

Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster vs Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster and the Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster brings its published horsepower in a 251 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 counters with its own power figure at 235 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: