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Cruisers

2004Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom

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The 2004 Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom is an entry-level cruiser designed for riders seeking classic style and manageable performance. Its 883cc V-twin engine delivers accessible torque and straightforward handling, making it ideal for newer riders transitioning to heavyweight motorcycles. Known for its authentic cruiser styling and reliable air-cooled powerplant, this model defines the accessible custom cruiser category.

Capacity
883.0 ccm
Engine
V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
255.0 kg
Seat height
668 mm
Power
53.0 HP (39.0 kW)

What’s new for the 2004 Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom

vs the 2003
Spec20032004
Power 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) 53.0 HP (39.0 kW)
Torque 66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.7 ft.lbs) @ 4100 RPM 69.0 Nm (7.0 kgf-m or 50.9 ft.lbs) @ 4200 RPM
Top speed 150.0 km/h (93.2 mph) not listed
Dry weight 228.0 kg (502.7 pounds) 255.0 kg (562.2 pounds)
Seat height 688 mm (27.1 inches) 668 mm (26.3 inches)
Other years 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 29Agility 39Comfort 55Off-road 5Touring 35Road manners 60
Off-road & trail5%
Cornering30%
City riding55%
Daily riding55%
Touring35%
Two-up35%
Track5%
Best for
Built for relaxed boulevard cruising and short weekend rides rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
Built for
A classic air-cooled V-twin cruiser that delivers strong low-end torque and a laid-back, thumping character over outright performance.
Not ideal for
Not a good fit for riders seeking aggressive cornering ability, high-speed 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
At 668mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2004 Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 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
53.0 HP (39.0 kW)
Torque
69.0 Nm (7.0 kgf-m) @ 4200 RPM
Engine type
V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2078 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
76.2 x 96.8 mm
Compression
9.0:1
Cooling system
Air
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
2
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Belt
Clutch
Multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath.
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1520 mm
Overall length
2275 mm
Seat height
668 mm
Dry weight
255.0 kg
Fuel capacity
17.40 litres
Ground clearance
112 mm
Reserve fuel capacity
17.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
Rake (fork angle)
30.1°
Trail
119 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Front brakes diameter
292 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes diameter
292 mm
Front tyre
90/90-21
Rear tyre
150/80-16
Other
Color options
Vivid black, brilliant silver, sierra red, luxury teal, real red, luxury blue, glacier white pearl, two-tone luxury blue and impact blue, two-tone impact blue and vivid black, two-tone sierra red and brilliant silver

Specs last verified against published sources: .

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 199820002002200320042005
Capacity 883 cc 883 cc 883 cc 883 cc 883 cc 883 cc
Dry weight 228 kg 228 kg 228 kg 228 kg 255 kg 255 kg
Seat height 688 mm 688 mm 688 mm 688 mm 668 mm 673 mm
Fuel capacity 17.4 L 17.4 L 17.4 L 17.4 L 17.4 L 17.4 L

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

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom?

The 2004 Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom has a Capacity of 883.0 ccm (53.88 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom have?

The 2004 Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom has a Power of 53.0 HP (39.0 kW).

How many gears does the Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom have?

The 2004 Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom?

The 2004 Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom has a Torque of 69.0 Nm (7.0 kgf-m or 50.9 ft.lbs) @ 4200 RPM.

How much does the Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom weigh?

The 2004 Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom has a Dry weight of 255.0 kg (562.2 pounds).

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