Cruisers

2007Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster

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The 2007 Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster is an entry-level cruiser designed for riders seeking an accessible, nimble alternative to larger Harleys. Its compact 883cc V-twin engine delivers sufficient torque for relaxed cruising and city riding, while the lightweight chassis promotes easy handling. Known for affordability and classic Harley styling, it serves as an ideal platform for customization and a popular choice for new riders.

Capacity: 882.7 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 255.4 kg
Seat height: 744 mm
Power: 56.5 HP (41.6 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (3)

Other years 2007 2008

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding60%

Daily riding60%

Touring40%

Two-up35%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed cruising, urban posing, and short highway jaunts rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
Built for: A classic air-cooled V-twin cruiser that rewards laid-back throttle rolls with torque-driven grunt rather than high-rev thrills.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders chasing sharp cornering performance, off-road capability, or serious two-up long-distance touring comfort.

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 744mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2007 Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 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: 882.7 ccm
Power: 56.5 HP (41.6 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 91 CO2 g/km
Torque: 74.6 Nm (7.6 kgf-m) @ 3500 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 3.90 litres/100 km (25.6 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2212 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 76.2 x 96.8 mm
Compression: 8.9:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1524 mm
Overall length: 2289 mm
Seat height: 744 mm
Dry weight: 255.4 kg
Wet weight: 264.4 kg
Fuel capacity: 12.50 litres
Ground clearance: 142 mm

Chassis & suspension

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

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. Dual-piston
Rear brakes: Single disc. Single-piston
Front tyre: 100/90-H19
Rear tyre: 150/80-B16

Other

Color options: Vivid black, fire red pearl, Pacific blue pearl (new), pewter pearl (new)

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	2007	2008
Capacity	883 cc	883 cc
Dry weight	255 kg	255 kg
Seat height	744 mm	744 mm
Fuel capacity	12.5 L	12.5 L

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

Safety Recalls

⚠ 3 open recalls

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPEJul 2007 · 07V296000

CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A CONDITION WHEREBY THE PANT LEG OF SOME RIDERS CAN HAVE DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST PIPE.

Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE PANT LEG TO CHAR OR BURN, WHICH COULD LEAD TO THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY TO THE RIDER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A NEW EXHAUST SHIELD WHICH PROVIDES ADDITIONAL COVERAGE OFTHE EXHAUST PIPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.

TIRESFeb 2007 · 07V025000

CERTAIN SPORTSTER AND DYNA MODEL MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT FRONT TIRE.

Risk: THIS INCORRECT TIRE COULD CAUSE PERFORMANCE ISSUES, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT TIRE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 5, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATORDec 2006 · 06V476000

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AS A RESULT OF A GREATER BODY THICKNESS THAN USED IN PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS, THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR MAY CONTACT THE FRONT FENDER UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. IN SOME CASES THIS CONTACT MAY ALLOW THE FRONT FENDER TO CATCH ON THE TOP SIDE OF THE REGULATOR BODY WHICH COULD IMPEDE THE OPERATOR'S ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE.

Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER.

Remedy: ON MOTORCYCLES WHICH DO NOT HAVE ACCESSORY ENGINE GUARDS, DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN INTERMEDIATE MOUNTING BRACKET THAT WILL RELOCATE THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR TO A POSITION WHICH PROVIDES MORE CLEARANCE FROM THE FRONT FENDER. ON VEHICLES WITH AN ACCESSORY ENGINE GUARDS, DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE THINNNER DIMENSION VOLTAGE REGULATOR TO AVOIDE THE FRONT FENDER CLEARANCE PROBLEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 22, 2007. A SECOND CUSTOMER LETTER REFLECTING THE ABOVE REMEDY WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS ON MARCH 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.

Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →