| MODEL | HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 883 EVOLUTION 1986 - 1990 |
| Year | 1986 - 1990 |
| 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 / 3.0 x 3.8 in |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 35.8 kW / 48 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Max Torque | — |
| Ignition | Electronic |
| Induction | 34 mm Keihin carburettor |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 4-speed |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | — |
| Front Suspension | 35 mm Showa telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Dual shocks, adjustable damping |
| Front Brakes | Single 292 mm disc, 1-piston caliper |
| Rear Brakes | Single 292 mm disc, 1-piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | — |
| Wheelbase | 1514 mm / 59.6 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 214 kg / 472 lb |
| Wet Weight | 222 kg / 489 lb |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 90/90-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 90/90-16 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 8.5 Litres / 2.25 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | 149 km/h / 93 mph |
The 1986 XLH 883 was the first Sportster with the all-alloy Evolution V-twin, replacing the old Ironhead engine and launched at a low price to draw new riders to Harley-Davidson. These early Evolution 883s kept a four-speed gearbox, chain final drive and a small peanut tank, with simple single-disc brakes and twin rear shocks. It was a basic, light-hearted entry bike rather than a performance machine.
