1990Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 De Luxe

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The 1990 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 De Luxe is an air-cooled V-twin cruiser ideal for riders seeking classic American styling with practical everyday usability. Known for its manageable 883cc displacement, lightweight 222kg frame, and accessible 48 horsepower, this bike excels as an entry-level Harley offering accessible performance without sacrificing the brand's iconic character and presence.

Capacity: 883.0 ccm
Engine: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 4-speed
Wet weight: 222.0 kg
Seat height: Not on record
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Power: 48.0 HP

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1990 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 De Luxe

vs the 1989

Spec	1989	1990
Engine capacity	883.00 ccm (53.88 cubic inches)	883.0 ccm (53.88 cubic inches)
Power	48.00 HP	48.0 HP
Fuel capacity	8.50 litres (2.25 gallons)	8.50 litres (2.25 US gallons)

Other years 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding55%

Daily riding50%

Touring35%

Two-up35%

Track5%

Best for: Built for relaxed cruising and boulevard riding rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
Built for: A classic air-cooled V-twin with the traditional Harley thump, favoring laid-back torque over high-rev performance.
Not ideal for: Not suited for riders wanting high-speed touring, aggressive cornering, or any off-road capability.

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

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 883.0 ccm
Power: 48.0 HP
Engine type: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2162 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 76.2 x 96.8 mm
Compression: 9.0:1
Cooling system: Air
Valves per cylinder: 2
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 4-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Performance

Top speed: 149.0 km/h (92.6 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wet weight: 222.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 8.50 litres
Seat height: Not on record - add it
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes: Single disc
Front tyre: MJ 90-19
Rear tyre: MT 90-16

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	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992
Capacity	883.00 ccm (53.88 cubic inches)	883.00 ccm (53.88 cubic inches)	883.00 ccm (53.88 cubic inches)	883.00 ccm (53.88 cubic inches)	883.00 ccm (53.88 cubic inches)
Fuel capacity	8.50 litres (2.25 gallons)	8.50 litres (2.25 gallons)	8.50 litres (2.25 gallons)	8.50 litres (2.25 gallons)	8.50 litres (2.25 gallons)