1998Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster Hugger

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The 1998 Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster Hugger is an accessible entry-level cruiser ideal for new and smaller-framed riders. Known for its low 27.1-inch seat height and manageable 220kg weight, this air-cooled V-twin delivers authentic cruiser styling with nimble handling. Its reputation rests on combining genuine Harley character with approachable performance and affordability.

Capacity: 883.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 220.0 kg
Seat height: 688 mm
Power: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1998 Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster Hugger

vs the 1996

Spec	1996	1998
Power	42.0 HP (30.9 kW)	50.0 HP (36.8 kW)
Torque	58.8 Nm (6.0 kgf-m or 43.4 ft.lbs)	66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.7 ft.lbs)
Top speed	—	150.0 km/h (93.2 mph)
Seat height	680 mm (26.8 inches)	688 mm (27.1 inches)
Fuel capacity	8.50 litres (2.25 US gallons)	12.50 litres (3.30 US gallons)

Other years 1993 1994 1995 1996 1998

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding55%

Daily riding55%

Touring45%

Two-up40%

Track10%

Best for: It's built for relaxed, low-speed cruising and boulevard riding rather than outright performance or long-distance touring.
Built for: It has classic air-cooled V-twin cruiser charm, with a torquey, laid-back power delivery and unmistakable Harley thump.
Not ideal for: It's not the right bike for riders seeking high-speed thrills, aggressive cornering, 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 688mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster Hugger, 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: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW)
Torque: 66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2273 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 76.2 x 96.8 mm
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Carburettor
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

Wheelbase: 1498 mm
Seat height: 688 mm
Dry weight: 220.0 kg
Wet weight: 235.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 12.50 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 104 mm
Rear wheel travel: 54 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm

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	1998
Capacity	883 cc	883 cc	883 cc	883 cc	883 cc
Dry weight	217 kg	220 kg	220 kg	220 kg	220 kg
Seat height	660 mm	660 mm	680 mm	680 mm	688 mm
Fuel capacity	8.5 L	8.5 L	8.5 L	8.5 L	12.5 L