Cruisers

1997Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster Standard

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The 1997 Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster Standard is an accessible entry-level cruiser designed for new and smaller riders seeking authentic Harley character. Its lightweight 883cc V-twin engine delivers manageable power with classic cruiser styling, making it ideal for urban commuting and weekend rides. Known for its nimble handling and affordable ownership costs, it remains a popular gateway into Harley-Davidson ownership.

Capacity: 883.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 222.0 kg
Seat height: 711 mm
Power: 48.0 HP (35.3 kW)

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What’s new for the 1997 Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster Standard

vs the 1996

Spec	1996	1997
Power	42.0 HP (30.9 kW)	48.0 HP (35.3 kW)
Torque	58.8 Nm (6.0 kgf-m or 43.4 ft.lbs) @ 4400 RPM	61.0 Nm (6.2 kgf-m or 45.0 ft.lbs) @ 2500 RPM
Top speed	—	150.0 km/h (93.2 mph)
Seat height	724 mm (28.5 inches)	711 mm (28.0 inches)

Other years 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding55%

Daily riding55%

Touring40%

Two-up35%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed, low-speed cruising and boulevard style rather than outright performance or long-distance touring.
Built for: A classic air-cooled V-twin with laid-back torque delivery, belt drive smoothness, and iconic Sportster charm over raw speed.
Not ideal for: Not suited to riders seeking high-speed touring, aggressive cornering performance, or any 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 711mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster Standard, 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: 883.0 ccm
Power: 48.0 HP (35.3 kW)
Torque: 61.0 Nm (6.2 kgf-m) @ 2500 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2162 HP/kg (dry)
Cooling system: Air
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt

Performance

Top speed: 150.0 km/h (93.2 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Seat height: 711 mm
Dry weight: 222.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 8.50 litres

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes: Single disc

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	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997
Capacity	883 cc	883 cc	883 cc	883 cc	883 cc
Dry weight	222 kg	222 kg	222 kg	222 kg	222 kg
Seat height	724 mm	724 mm	724 mm	724 mm	711 mm
Fuel capacity	8.5 L	8.5 L	8.5 L	8.5 L	8.5 L