Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster 883 R Roadster vs Harley-Davidson XL 883L Sportster 883 SuperLow (2012)

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

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XL883R Sportster 883 R RoadsterHarley-Davidson XL 883L Sportster 883 SuperLow
Model year20122011
Price$7,999
Engine883 cc883 cc
Torque70 Nm75 Nm
Weight251 kg243 kg
Seat height30 mm27 mm
Fuel capacity3.3 L4.5 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. Dual-pistonSingle disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Dual-piston.
Rear brakesSingle disc. Single-pistonSingle disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Single-piston.
Tires100/90-19 / 150/80-16 120/70-ZR18 / 150/60-ZR17

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

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster 883 R Roadster and the Harley-Davidson XL 883L Sportster 883 SuperLow usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster 883 R Roadster brings its published horsepower in a 251 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XL 883L Sportster 883 SuperLow counters with its own power figure at 243 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: