Harley-Davidson XL883L Sportster SuperLow vs Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster (2012)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XL883L Sportster SuperLowstacks up against the Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XL883L Sportster SuperLowHarley-Davidson 883 Roadster
Model year20122011
Price$7,999
Engine883 cc883 cc
Torque75 Nm70 Nm
Weight243 kg249 kg
Seat height26 mm26 mm
Fuel capacity4.5 L3.3 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed6-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. Dual-pistonSingle disc. Dual-piston.
Rear brakesSingle disc. Single-pistonSingle disc
Tires120/70-ZR18 / 150/60-ZR17 100/90-19 / 150/80-B16

Harley-Davidson XL883L Sportster SuperLow vs Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL883L Sportster SuperLow and the Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL883L Sportster SuperLow brings its published horsepower in a 243 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster counters with its own power figure at 249 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: