| MODEL | HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 883 1997 - 1998 |
| Year | 1997 - 1998 |
| 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 | — |
| Max Torque | 69 Nm / 52 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm |
| Ignition | Digital CDI |
| Induction | 40 mm constant-velocity carburettor with enrichener and accelerator pump |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5-speed |
| Clutch | Multi-plate, diaphragm spring, oil bath |
| Final Drive | Belt |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Mild steel tubular frame, round sections, cast junctions |
| Front Suspension | 39 mm conventional cartridge fork |
| Rear Suspension | Dual coil-over shocks, preload adjustable |
| Front Brakes | Single 292 mm disc, 2-piston caliper |
| Rear Brakes | Single 292 mm disc, 1-piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | 2237 mm / 88.3 in |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | 711 mm / 28 in |
| Wheelbase | 1522 mm / 60 in |
| Ground Clearance | 112 mm / 4.4 in |
| Dry Weight | 222 kg / 489 lb |
| Wet Weight | 263 kg / 579 lb |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 100/90-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/90HB16 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 Litres / 4.5 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | — |
The late-1990s XL 883 remained Harley-Davidson's entry-level Sportster: a lean, stripped roadster with the pushrod Evolution V-twin in a simple steel tube frame and basic suspension. In stock form the engine was mild and restricted, but a large aftermarket made it easy to tune, and its reasonable ground clearance gave it more sporting potential than most Harleys.
