Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster R vs Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster (2008)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster Rstacks up against the Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XL883R Sportster RHarley-Davidson XL883 Sportster
Model year20072008
Price$7,795$6,695
Engine883 cc883 cc
Torque75 Nm75 Nm
Weight258 kg255 kg
Seat height30 mm29 mm
Fuel capacity3.3 L3.3 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. Dual-pistonSingle disc
Rear brakesSingle disc. Single-pistonSingle disc
Tires100/90-H19 / 150/80-B16 100/90-H19 / 150/80-B16

Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster R vs Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster R and the Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster R brings its published horsepower in a 258 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster counters with its own power figure at 255 kg. On price, the Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster has the lower MSRP.

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: