Cruisers

1997Harley-Davidson Sportster 883

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The 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 is an entry point to Harley's classic Sportster range. Its air-cooled 883cc V-twin makes 50 hp and 61 Nm through a five-speed gearbox and belt drive. A 723 mm seat, 235 kg wet weight and a 12.5-litre tank make it simple and classic.

Capacity: 883.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 222.0 kg
Seat height: 723 mm
Power: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW)

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Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering35%

City riding55%

Daily riding55%

Touring45%

Two-up40%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed cruising and classic American V-twin style rather than outright speed or performance riding.
Built for: A laid-back, torquey cruiser with classic Harley thump, simple mechanicals, and an emphasis on style and sound over outright speed.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders wanting sharp cornering ability, high top speed, 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 723mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883, 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: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW)
Torque: 61.0 Nm (6.2 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2252 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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1524 mm
Seat height: 723 mm
Dry weight: 222.0 kg
Wet weight: 235.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 12.50 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 175 mm
Rear wheel travel: 92 mm

Brakes & wheels

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

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

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	1996	1997	1999	2000	2001
Capacity	883 cc	883 cc	883 cc	883 cc	883 cc
Dry weight	222 kg	222 kg	222 kg	222 kg	230 kg
Seat height	723 mm	723 mm	723 mm	723 mm	711 mm
Fuel capacity	12.5 L	12.5 L	12.5 L	12.5 L	12.5 L