2010 Harley Davidson Sportster 883
Review of the 2010 Harley Davidson 883
This Sportster motorcycle is Harley Davidson's top selling model. The main reason the Sporty is so popular is that it's a nice bike but not high dollar. Here I will be discussing the 883 because many women riders seem to gravitate towards the 883. Though I can hear a few of my male friends say this is a sissy bike but most wouldn’t know a good bike if it came up and bit them. It is okay not to be riding some big behemoth down the road. The 883 does a great job of moving down the highway. Among the most-affordable Harley-Davidson models, Sportster motorcycles offer a low, comfortable seat and smooth clutch effort. The Harley Davidson Sportster features six models for 2010, including the $7,999 Iron 883 introduced mid-year 2009 and four others priced less than $10,000.
The 2010 Harley 883 has two versions, the Iron and the Low. Today's Sportster combines expressive styling with smooth great delivery and the distinctive sound of a V-Twin engine.
Further Reading
Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Iron
The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Iron has styling reminisce of old with its old school look. This V-Twin’s dark custom style is an impressive look for this bike.
Model Highlights
• Black powder-coated engine and covers
• Chrome exhaust with dual straight-cut mufflers
• Low front and rear suspension
• Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
• Black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels
• Chopped rear fender with black supports
• Black belt guard
• Black fork sliders and black fork gaiters
• Classic solo seat
• Black hand and foot controls
• Side-mounted license plate
• Combination stop/turn/tail lights
• Black headlamp bucket with black visor and satin trim ring
• Black drag-style handlebar and black riser
Key Features
• V-Twin powertrain with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
• Rubber-mounted powertrain to reduce vibration
• 5-speed transmission
• Dual staggered exhaust
• Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer
• Disc brakes
• Mid-mounted foot controls
• Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System with hands-free security fob
Engine
Displacement 53.90 cu. in. (883 cc)
Compression Ratio 8.9:1
Drivetrain
Transmission 5-speed
Wheels:
Black, 13-spoke Cast Aluminum
Fuel Economy
(EPA urban/highway test) 45/60 mpg
Dimensions
Overall Width 32.32 in
Overall Height 43.60 in.
Seat Height:
-Laden2 25.30 in.
-Unladen 26.30 in.
Ground Clearance 3.90 in.
Dunlop tires Harley-Davidson Series, blackwall:
• Front – D401F 100/90-19 57H
• Rear – D401 150/80B16 71H
Fuel Capacity 3.30 gal.
Weight
• In Running Order 565 lbs.
Color Options
Solids
• Black Denim
• Brilliant Silver Denim
MSRP
Solids $7,999
Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Low
The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Low offers all the style and character of a much more expensive bike. This unintimidating motorcycle is a great choice for anyone who wants to jump in the saddle and go for a ride.
Highlights
• Silver powder-coated engine with polished covers
• Chrome exhaust with dual staggered shorty mufflers
• Low front and rear suspension
• Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
• Silver, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels
• Full-coverage rear fender with chrome supports
• Classic solo seat
• Black headlamp bucket with polished visor and chrome trim ring
• Stainless steel, pull-back handlebar and black riser
Features
• V-Twin powertrain with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
• Rubber-mounted powertrain to reduce vibration
• 5-speed transmission
• Dual staggered exhaust
• Disc brakes
• Mid-mounted foot controls
• Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer
• Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System with hands-free security fob
• Optional Chrome, Laced Steel wheels
Engine
Displacement3 53.90 cu. in. (883 cc)
Compression Ratio 8.9:1
Drivetrain
Transmission 5-speed
Wheels
Chrome, Laced Steel option: Silver, 13-spoke Cast Aluminum
Suspension Travel
Front Wheel 3.62 in.
Rear Wheel 1.63 in.
Fuel Economy
(EPA urban/highway test) 45/60 mpg
Dimensions
Overall Width 35.20 in
Overall Height 45.70 in
Seat Height:
- Laden2 25.30 in.
- Unladen 26.30 in.
Ground Clearance 3.90 in.
Dunlop tires Harley-Davidson Series, blackwall):
Front - D401F 100/90-19 57H
Rear - D401 150/80B16 71H
Fuel Capacity 3.30 gal.
Weight
In Running Order 583 lbs.
Color Options
Solids
• Vivid Black
• Scarlet Red
• Brilliant Silver Pearl
• Flame Blue Pearl
U.S. MSRP
Vivid Black $6,999
Solids $7,289
Final thoughts
When it comes down to it there isn't much of a difference between the two. The big difference is really just cosmetic. The 883 is an all round good motorcycle for any rider out there. It is a good bike for the beginner/intermediate rider and will keep an experienced rider happy for many years. It all comes down to preference and what style we like. When it comes to motorcycles I like many types, styles and makes. I currently ride a Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 but have a passion for Ducati's. I have been riding for 40 years and started on a Yamaha 90 Enduro out in the California desert at Red Rock Canyon. I have grown up in a family of riders and we all have gone through countless bikes over the years. Some I have liked and some I did not. I know that many Harley riders would not be caught dead riding anything else. For me I kind of feel sorry for them because they have limited themselves and are missing many bikes out there that are fun to ride. I do enjoy riding my Sporty but then I like variety.
So my final thoughts on the 883 is you can't go wrong. I always say riding is about having fun. If you find a motorcycle that makes you happy, more power too ya.
Happy riding and keep the rubber side down.
Check out the 2011 Harley Davidson XR1200X or head in a completely different direction and check out the 2010 Royal Enfield Bullet - a blast from the past without the worries of owning a vintage bike.
