Cruisers

2011Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster 883R

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The 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster is a lightweight custom cruiser ideal for riders seeking an accessible entry point into the Harley brand. Powered by an air-cooled 883cc Evolution V-twin engine delivering smooth mid-range torque, it combines classic styling with modern fuel injection technology. Known for its nimble handling and approachable seat height, the 883R appeals to new riders and experienced enthusiasts alike.

Capacity: 883.0 ccm
Engine: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 243.1 kg
Seat height: 760 mm
Power: 53.0 HP

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster 883R

vs the 2010

Spec	2010	2011
Engine capacity	883.00 ccm (53.88 cubic inches)	883.0 ccm (53.88 cubic inches)
Torque	70.00 Nm (7.1 kgf-m or 51.6 ft.lbs) @ 3750	66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.7 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM
Weight	251.0 kg (553.4 pounds)	243.1 kg (535.9 pounds)
Fuel capacity	12.50 litres (3.30 gallons)	12.50 litres (3.30 US gallons)
Gearbox	5-speed	6-speed
Front suspension	Fork 39mm	Fork, 39 mm
Rear suspension	Coil-over shocks, preload dual adjustments	Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable
Front brakes	Single disc. Dual piston	Single disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Dual-piston.
Rear brakes	Single disc. Single piston	Single disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Single-piston.
Wheelbase	1,520 mm (59.8 inches)	1542 mm (60.7 inches)
Compression	9.0:1	8.9:1

Other years 2009 2010 2011

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering40%

City riding60%

Daily riding55%

Touring40%

Two-up35%

Track15%

Best for: Built for relaxed street cruising and short rides where style and V-twin character matter more than outright speed.
Built for: A classic, low-revving American V-twin cruiser with laid-back attitude, punchy low-end torque, and minimal frills.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders wanting sharp cornering performance, long-distance touring comfort, 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.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 760mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster 883R, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 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 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 883.0 ccm
Power: 53.0 HP
CO2 Emissions: 121 CO2 g/km
Torque: 66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m) @ 3500 RPM
Engine type: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.20 litres/100 km (19.2 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2180 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 76.2 x 96.8 mm
Compression: 8.9:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2
Lubrication system: Dry-sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate, wet

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1542 mm
Overall length: 2245 mm
Seat height: 760 mm
Dry weight: 243.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 12.50 litres
Ground clearance: 141 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Mild steel, tubular frame; circular
Front suspension: Fork, 39 mm
Rear suspension: Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable
Front wheel travel: 108 mm
Rake (fork angle): 29.7°
Trail: 112 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Dual-piston.
Rear brakes: Single disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Single-piston.
Front tyre: 100/90-19
Rear tyre: 100/90-19

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	2009	2010	2011
Capacity	883.00 ccm (53.88 cubic inches)	883.00 ccm (53.88 cubic inches)	883.00 ccm (53.88 cubic inches)
Dry weight	251.0 kg (553.4 pounds)	251.0 kg (553.4 pounds)	243.1 kg (536.0 pounds)
Seat height	714 mm (28.1 inches)	760 mm (29.9 inches)	760 mm (29.9 inches)
Fuel capacity	12.50 litres (3.30 gallons)	12.50 litres (3.30 gallons)	12.50 litres (3.30 gallons)
Color options	Vivid Black, Dark Blue Pearl, Mirage Orange Pearl	Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver Pearl, Mirage Orange Pearl	—