Cruisers
1987Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 Evolution De Luxe
19 fields on record
The 1987 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 Evolution De Luxe is an air-cooled middleweight cruiser that introduced the Evolution engine, establishing itself as an accessible entry point to Harley ownership. Its manageable 46 horsepower, lightweight 222kg frame, and nimble handling make it ideal for novice riders and those seeking affordable American motorcycle heritage. Best known for reliability and customization potential, this model defined the modern Sportster lineage.
- Capacity
- 883.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin
- Gearbox
- 4-speed
- Wet weight
- 222.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 46.0 HP (33.8 kW) @ 6000 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for relaxed, low-speed cruising and short rides rather than outright performance or long-distance touring.
- Built for
- A classic air-cooled Harley V-twin experience defined by torquey low-end grunt, laid-back styling, and traditional cruiser handling rather than sharp cornering ability.
- Not ideal for
- Not suited to riders seeking high-speed touring capability, aggressive cornering performance, or any off-road use.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 883.0 ccm
- Power
- 46.0 HP (33.8 kW) @ 6000 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2072 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 76.2 x 96.8 mm
- Compression
- 9.0:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 4-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 149.0 km/h (92.6 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- MJ 90-19
- Rear tyre
- MT 90-16
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 | 1986 | 1987 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 883 cc | 883 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 8.5 L | 8.5 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 XLH Sportster 883 Evolution De Luxe?
The 1987 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 Evolution De Luxe has a Capacity of 883.0 ccm (53.88 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 Evolution De Luxe have?
The 1987 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 Evolution De Luxe has a Power of 46.0 HP (33.8 kW) @ 6000 RPM.
How many gears does the Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 Evolution De Luxe have?
The 1987 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 Evolution De Luxe has a Gearbox of 4-speed.
How much does the Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 Evolution De Luxe weigh?
The 1987 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 883 Evolution De Luxe has a Wet weight of 222.0 kg (489.4 pounds).
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