Cruisers

2005Harley-Davidson XL 883 Sportster

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The 2005 Harley-Davidson XL 883 Sportster is an entry-level cruiser ideal for new and experienced riders seeking authentic American motorcycle character. Its nimble 883cc V-twin engine delivers responsive torque with classic styling and easy handling. Best known for accessibility and customization potential, the 883 remains a gateway to Harley ownership.

Capacity: 883.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 251.0 kg
Seat height: 693 mm
Power: 53.0 HP (39.0 kW)

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

Other years 2004 2005

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering35%

City riding60%

Daily riding60%

Touring45%

Two-up40%

Track10%

Best for: Best for relaxed cruising, boulevard riding, and short-to-medium trips rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
Built for: A classic air-cooled Sportster with easygoing V-twin torque delivery, laid-back ergonomics, and traditional Harley cruiser sound and feel.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, high-speed performance, or 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 693mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2005 Harley-Davidson XL 883 Sportster, 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: 0.2112 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 with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1520 mm
Overall length: 2260 mm
Seat height: 693 mm
Dry weight: 251.0 kg
Wet weight: 264.4 kg
Fuel capacity: 12.90 litres
Ground clearance: 141 mm

Chassis & suspension

Rake (fork angle): 29.6°
Trail: 117 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm
Front tyre: 100/90-19
Rear tyre: 150/80-16

Other

Color options: Vivid black, brilliant silver pearl, sierra red pearl, chopper blue pearl

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	2004	2005
Capacity	883 cc	883 cc
Dry weight	251 kg	251 kg
Seat height	693 mm	693 mm
Fuel capacity	12.9 L	12.9 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 →