Cruisers
2016Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883
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The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 is an entry-level cruiser designed for new and experienced riders seeking authentic American motorcycle styling with manageable performance. Its 883cc V-twin engine and low-slung ergonomics deliver classic cruiser character ideal for city commuting and weekend rides. Known for its minimalist iron aesthetic, affordable price point, and reliable belt-drive powertrain, it remains a popular gateway into the Harley-Davidson brand.
- Capacity
- 883.3 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 251.0 kg
- Seat height
- 653 mm
- Power
- 53.0 HP (38.7 kW) @ 5750 RPM
What’s new for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883
vs the 2015| Spec | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 52.3 HP (38.2 kW) @ 5750 RPM | 53.0 HP (38.7 kW) @ 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 73.0 Nm (7.4 kgf-m or 53.8 ft.lbs) @ 3750 RPM | 71.0 Nm (7.2 kgf-m or 52.4 ft.lbs) @ 3750 RPM |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Single disc. Optional ABS |
| Compression | 8.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for laid-back cruising and boulevard style rather than outright performance or long-distance touring.
- Built for
- A classic air-cooled V-twin cruiser with punchy low-end torque, iconic sound, and minimalist blacked-out styling.
- Not ideal for
- Not suited to riders wanting sharp cornering agility, 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 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
- 9.0:1
- 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
- 1519 mm
- Overall length
- 2179 mm
- Seat height
- 653 mm
- Dry weight
- 251.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 260.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 12.50 litres
- Ground clearance
- 100 mm
- Oil capacity
- 2.60 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Front suspension
- Telescopic fork
- Rear suspension
- Twin shocks.
- Rake (fork angle)
- 30.5°
- Trail
- 117 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc. Optional ABS
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Optional ABS
- Rear brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- ABS
- Optional
- Front tyre
- 100/90-B19
- Rear tyre
- 150/80-B16
Other
- Color options
- Hard Candy Gold Flake, Charcoal Denim, Black Denim, Olive gold
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 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 883 cc | 883 cc | 883 cc | 883 cc | 883 cc | 883 cc |
| Dry weight | 251 kg | 251 kg | 251 kg | 247 kg | 247 kg | 247 kg |
| Seat height | 653 mm | 653 mm | 653 mm | 653 mm | 653 mm | 760 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 12.5 L | 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?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 has a Capacity of 883.3 ccm (53.90 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 have?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 has a Power of 53.0 HP (38.7 kW) @ 5750 RPM.
How many gears does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 have?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 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 weigh?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 has a Dry weight of 251.0 kg (553.4 pounds).
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