Cruisers
2016Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Dark Custom
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The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Dark Custom is a minimalist cruiser designed for riders seeking authentic, stripped-down styling with manageable performance. Powered by the iconic 53 HP Evolution V-twin engine, this bike delivers 71 Nm of torque and excels at low-speed cruising and urban riding. Best known for its aggressive dark aesthetic, rigid frame geometry, and accessible seat height, it appeals to entry-level and experienced cruiser enthusiasts alike.
- Capacity
- 883.3 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 251.0 kg
- Seat height
- 735 mm
- Power
- 53.0 HP (38.7 kW) @ 5750 RPM
What’s new for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Dark Custom
vs the 2015| Spec | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 52.3 HP (38.2 kW) @ 5750 RPM | 53.0 HP (38.7 kW) @ 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 74.6 Nm (7.6 kgf-m or 55.0 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM | 71.0 Nm (7.2 kgf-m or 52.4 ft.lbs) @ 3750 RPM |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for laid-back street cruising and boulevard style rather than outright performance or long-distance touring.
- Built for
- A classic blacked-out custom cruiser with punchy low-end torque, a thumping air-cooled V-twin soundtrack, and understated dark styling.
- Not ideal for
- Not the right choice for riders wanting sharp cornering agility, high-speed touring comfort, or any kind of 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 usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.
Engine
- Capacity
- 883.3 ccm
- Power
- 53.0 HP (38.7 kW) @ 5750 RPM
- CO2 Emissions
- 107 CO2 g/km
- Torque
- 71.0 Nm (7.2 kgf-m) @ 3750 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Fuel consumption
- 4.60 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l)
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2112 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 76.2 x 96.8 mm
- Compression
- 8.9:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Lubrication system
- Dry sump
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Belt
- Clutch
- Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1510 mm
- Overall length
- 2255 mm
- Seat height
- 735 mm
- Dry weight
- 251.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 260.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 12.50 litres
- Ground clearance
- 120 mm
- Oil capacity
- 2.60 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Front suspension
- Telescopic cartridge fork
- Rear suspension
- Twin shocks, adjustable.
- Rake (fork angle)
- 30.5°
- Trail
- 117 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc. Optional ABS. Dual-piston.
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Optional ABS. Dual-piston.
- Rear brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- ABS
- Optional
- Front tyre
- 100/90-B19
- Rear tyre
- 150/80-B16
Other
- Color options
- Black.
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 | 2013 | 2014 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 883 cc | 883 cc | 883 cc | 883 cc | 883 cc |
| Dry weight | 251 kg | 251 kg | 251 kg | 251 kg | 247 kg |
| Seat height | 653 mm | 653 mm | 735 mm | 735 mm | 653 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 12.5 L | 12.5 L | 12.5 L | 12.5 L | 12.5 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Dark Custom?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Dark Custom has a Capacity of 883.3 ccm (53.90 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Dark Custom have?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Dark Custom has a Power of 53.0 HP (38.7 kW) @ 5750 RPM.
How many gears does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Dark Custom have?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Dark Custom has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Dark Custom?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Dark Custom has a Torque of 71.0 Nm (7.2 kgf-m or 52.4 ft.lbs) @ 3750 RPM.
How much does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Dark Custom weigh?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Dark Custom has a Dry weight of 251.0 kg (553.4 pounds).
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