Harley-Davidson XL 53C Sportster Custom 53 vs Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 (2003)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XL 53C Sportster Custom 53stacks up against the Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XL 53C Sportster Custom 53Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883
Model year20032003
Price
Engine883 cc883 cc
Torque67 Nm67 Nm
Weight245 kg235 kg
Seat height28 mm
Fuel capacity3.3 L3.3 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Tires100/90-19 57H / 130/90-B16 73H

Harley-Davidson XL 53C Sportster Custom 53 vs Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL 53C Sportster Custom 53 and the Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL 53C Sportster Custom 53 brings its published horsepower in a 245 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 counters with its own power figure at 235 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: