Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 vs Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster 883 R Roadster (2019)

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

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster 883 R Roadster
Model year20192012
Price$8,999
Engine883 cc883 cc
Horsepower51 hp
Torque73 Nm70 Nm
Weight247 kg251 kg
Seat height26 mm30 mm
Fuel capacity3.3 L3.3 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission6-speed5-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. Optional ABS, dual pistonSingle disc. Dual-piston
Rear brakesSingle disc. Optional ABS, dual pistonSingle disc. Single-piston
Tires100/90-B19 / 150/80-B16 100/90-19 / 150/80-16

Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 vs Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster 883 R Roadster — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 and the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster 883 R Roadster usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 brings 51 hp in a 247 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster 883 R Roadster counters with its own power figure at 251 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: