| MODEL | HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 53C CUSTOM 1998 - 2003 |
| Year | 1998 - 2003 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, 45° V-twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder, Evolution |
| Displacement / Capacity | 883 cc / 53.9 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 76.2 x 96.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 39.5 kW / 53 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 67 Nm / 49.4 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm |
| Ignition | Inductive, battery powered, V-Fire III electronic breakerless with dual-stage advance |
| Induction | 40 mm constant-velocity carburettor with enrichener and accelerator pump |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | Dry sump, gear-driven pump, full-flow spin-on oil filter |
| Gear Box | 5-speed |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Belt |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Mild steel twin cradle |
| Front Suspension | 35 mm Showa telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Dual shocks, adjustable damping |
| Front Brakes | Single 292 mm disc, 2-piston caliper |
| Rear Brakes | Single 292 mm disc, 1-piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | 2245 mm / 88.4 in |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | 700 mm / 27.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 1510 mm / 59.4 in |
| Ground Clearance | 159 mm / 6.3 in |
| Dry Weight | 245 kg / 540 lb |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 80/90-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/90-16 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 12.5 Litres / 3.3 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | — |
The XL53C Custom 53 was a mainly European-market custom version of the 883 Evolution Sportster. It added forward foot controls, a narrow front tyre on a 19-inch wheel, a low seat, drag-style bars and chrome detailing such as a deep headlamp and fork shrouds. Testers liked its looks and willing engine but found it cramped and firm on longer rides; it was renamed XL883C worldwide when the rubber-mounted Sportster arrived for 2004.
