Cruisers

1996Harley-Davidson Sportster 883

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The 1996 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 is an entry-level cruiser designed for riders seeking authentic Harley character without extreme size or weight. Its compact 883cc V-twin engine delivers accessible performance while the nimble handling and low seat height make it ideal for new riders and those preferring manageable proportions. Best known as the gateway Harley, it balances classic styling with everyday ridability.

Capacity: 883.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 222.0 kg
Seat height: 723 mm
Power: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (2)

Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering35%

City riding55%

Daily riding55%

Touring45%

Two-up40%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed cruising and classic American V-twin style rather than outright speed or performance riding.
Built for: A laid-back, torquey cruiser with classic Harley thump, simple mechanicals, and an emphasis on style and sound over outright speed.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders wanting sharp cornering ability, high top speed, or any serious off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 723mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1996 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 883.0 ccm
Power: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW)
Torque: 61.0 Nm (6.2 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin
Power/weight ratio: 0.2252 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 76.2 x 96.8 mm
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1524 mm
Seat height: 723 mm
Dry weight: 222.0 kg
Wet weight: 235.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 12.50 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 175 mm
Rear wheel travel: 92 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1996	1997	1999	2000	2001
Capacity	883 cc	883 cc	883 cc	883 cc	883 cc
Dry weight	222 kg	222 kg	222 kg	222 kg	230 kg
Seat height	723 mm	723 mm	723 mm	723 mm	711 mm
Fuel capacity	12.5 L	12.5 L	12.5 L	12.5 L	12.5 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 2 recalls may apply

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJun 1996 · 96V103000

THE SEAL ON THE REAR MASTER CYLINDER PISTON CAN MOVE OUT OF POSITION.

Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF REAR BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLOct 1995 · 95E037000

THE AIR CLEANER BAFFLE PLATE CAN DETACH AND LODGE IN THE THROAT OF THE CARBURETOR.

Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN IMPEDE THE ABILITY OF THE THROTTLEPLATE TO RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLEACCIDENT OR LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR CLEANER FILTER ON THE AFFECTED MOTORCYCLES. IF OWNERS HAVE PURCHASED A FILTER AND HAVE NOT INSTALLED IT ON THEIR MOTORCYCLES, THEY CAN RETURN THE FILTER FOR A REPLACEMENT OR A REFUND OF THEIR MONEY.

These recalls cover some 1996 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →