Harley-Davidson XL 883L Sportster 883 Low vs Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster R (2010)

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

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XL 883L Sportster 883 LowHarley-Davidson XL883R Sportster R
Model year20102007
Price$7,795
Engine883 cc883 cc
Torque70 Nm75 Nm
Weight251 kg258 kg
Seat height26 mm30 mm
Fuel capacity3.3 L3.3 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. Dual PistonSingle disc. Dual-piston
Rear brakesSingle disc. Single pistonSingle disc. Single-piston
Tires100/90-19 / 150/80-16 100/90-H19 / 150/80-B16

Harley-Davidson XL 883L Sportster 883 Low vs Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster R — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL 883L Sportster 883 Low and the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster R usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL 883L Sportster 883 Low brings its published horsepower in a 251 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster R counters with its own power figure at 258 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: