Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster vs Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster Custom (2008)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportsterstacks up against the Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster Custom. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XL883R SportsterHarley-Davidson XL883C Sportster Custom
Model year20082007
Price$7,795
Engine883 cc883 cc
Torque70 Nm75 Nm
Weight251 kg256 kg
Seat height28 mm
Fuel capacity3.3 L4.5 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesSingle discSingle disc. Dual-piston
Rear brakesSingle discSingle disc. Single-piston
Tires100/90-H19 / 100/90-H19 100/90-H19 / 150/80-B16

Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster vs Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster Custom — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster and the Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster Custom usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster brings its published horsepower in a 251 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster Custom counters with its own power figure at 256 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: