Cruisers

2005Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom

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The 2005 Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom is an air-cooled cruiser designed for riders seeking authentic American motorcycle styling with accessible performance. Its 883cc V-twin engine delivers solid torque for relaxed riding, while the custom aesthetic appeals to those prioritizing classic looks over raw power. Best known for being an ideal entry point to the Harley-Davidson Sportster legacy.

Capacity: 883.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 255.0 kg
Seat height: 673 mm
Power: 53.0 HP (39.0 kW)

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

What’s new for the 2005 Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom

vs the 2004

Spec	2004	2005
Torque	69.0 Nm (7.0 kgf-m or 50.9 ft.lbs) @ 4200 RPM	69.0 Nm (7.0 kgf-m or 50.9 ft.lbs)

Other years 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

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

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 673mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2005 Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 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)
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: 673 mm
Dry weight: 255.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.40 litres
Ground clearance: 112 mm

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: MH90-21
Rear tyre: 150/80-16

Other

Color options: Vivid black, brilliant silver pearl, sierra red pearl, black cherry pearl, glacier white pearl, rich sunglo blue, yellow pearl, two-tone rich sunglo blue and chopper blue pearl, two-tone chopper blue pearl and brilliant silver pearl, two-tone sierra red p

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	1998	2000	2002	2003	2005
Capacity	883 cc	883 cc	883 cc	883 cc	883 cc
Dry weight	228 kg	228 kg	228 kg	228 kg	255 kg
Seat height	688 mm	688 mm	688 mm	688 mm	673 mm
Fuel capacity	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.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 2 recalls may apply

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEMDec 2004 · 04V607000

CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVES. THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE 'ON' POSITION AND THE 'RESERVE' POSITION OF THE VALVE MAY HAVE BEEN REVERSED.

Risk: IF THE BIKE WERE OPERATING WITH THE VALVE IN THE 'ON' POSITION, THE BIKE COULD RUN OUT OF FUEL, THE EXPECTED FUEL RESERVE WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE DRIVER RUNNING OUT OF GAS WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL VALVE AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN FEBRUARY 7, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4080.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEMDec 2004 · 04E094000

CERTAIN FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVES USED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT, P/NOS 61338-02, 62169-02A, 61338-94D, AND 62169-95C FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2005 CARBURETED SPORTSTERS, DYNA, SOFTAIL, AND TOURING MODEL MOTORCYCLES. THESE VALVES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE 'ON' POSITION AND THE 'RESERVE' POSITION OF THE VALVE MAY HAVE BEEN REVERSED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL VALVE AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN JANUARY 27, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4080. IF YOU HAVE HAD OR INSTALLED A REPLACEMENT FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE IN YOUR MOTORCYCLE, PLEASE TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO YOUR DEALER TO HAVE THE VALVE INSPECTED FOR PROPER OPERATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

These recalls cover some 2005 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 →