Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster Custom vs Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster (2008)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster Customstacks up against the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster Custom | Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2007 | 2008 |
| Price | $7,795 | — |
| Engine | 883 cc | 883 cc |
| Torque | 75 Nm | 70 Nm |
| Weight | 256 kg | 251 kg |
| Seat height | 28 mm | — |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 L | 3.3 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Single disc. Dual-piston | Single disc |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Single-piston | Single disc |
| Tires | 100/90-H19 / 150/80-B16 | 100/90-H19 / 100/90-H19 |
Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster Custom vs Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster — which should you buy?
Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster Custom and the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster Custom brings its published horsepower in a 256 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster 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: