Motorcycle Harley-Davidson XL883N Sportster Iron 883

000_moto_0612_022

However, he is handsome. Along with the Knightster, which differs from the Iron only in a larger engine, spoked wheels instead of cast ones, a wider handlebar and a lower saddle, for me this is the most organic and visually balanced Sportster. Old-fashioned in appearance, painted matte black with nostalgic corrugations on the fork legs and minimal splashes of chrome, with an archaic lower air vent and a classic duplex frame made of thin pipes. Male. The company's designers, together with the retired "Willy G" Davidson, managed to put a polish on the classic lines and create an absolutely complete thing: just look at the laconic shape of the rear lights, which also combine the function of turn signals. There is not even a hint of the technocratism of the latest generations of motorcycles. Not the slightest. Of all the essential features of modernity, only disc brakes and fuel injection are the only ones.

However, do you really need something more to just go somewhere? Reason suggests no. Enough is enough! The most modest 53-horsepower Harley Evolution engine works, swaying in the depths of the frame on silent blocks, greedily gulping air and muttering hoarsely with a standard exhaust. When adding gas, the voice of the 45-degree “two” becomes deeper, as if rumbling at the bottom of a huge barrel, but remains just as quiet. The response to opening the throttle valve is blurry and borders on sluggishness: while the injectors inject the next portion of fuel into the throat of the combustion chamber, while the hefty flywheel spins up, an eternity passes. The craving does not flow in an uncontrollable, merciless stream, but is issued gradually, gently. What pisses off “fast guys” will suit phlegmatic natures, as well as those who are just taking their first “two-wheeled steps.” And the vibrations don't bother me. They are present in just the right amount to meet the expectations of brand supporters, and twice they practically dissolve somewhere in the middle speed range, when in fifth gear the speedometer measures 90 and 125 km/h.

And yet the Iron 883 is the same as other Harley Sportsters. Real, iron. However, it feels different. You sit a little higher than on the Custom, Seventy-Two or the similar Forty-Eight. The legs rest on the footpegs, located in the usual place for a “normal” motorcycle. The handlebars are wide, but low and closer to the fork crossbar. The forces on the clutch and brake levers at the end of the driving day do not bother your hands. Comfortable. Except for the mirrors, which reflect only your elbows, and whose short stands strongly advise you to refrain from wearing gloves with developed knuckle protection. Moreover, if not for the meager 12.5 liter tank, it would be possible to last more than 200 km in one sitting. In front of me I see nothing but the road and the lonely round speedometer with the overly optimistic number “220”, which is already clear! - the arrow will never reach. No matter how hard you try, the maximum comes noticeably earlier - at 168 km/h.

But to hell with it, at a speed of two hundred! Another thing is surprising: despite the horse-riding nature of the engine, it’s not that it’s impossible to ride fast on a “sporty” Harley - you don’t want to. At all. You parade along the city streets at a walking pace, sway slightly to the “beat” of the road profile, admire the surrounding landscape - and life is beautiful, and everything is fine. You can, of course, take a sharper turn or take a tighter turn on the highway, because compared to its direct competitors, the Sportster’s reactions to control actions seem unexpectedly prompt. It easily changes direction and moves steadily in an arc - not yet a sportbike, but already something. Although the Sportster Iron turns by touch, without bothering at all to provide the person behind the wheel with feedback.

The main thing here is not to overdo it. Because the first indication of misuse of the “American” is its modest ground clearance. And the striking running boards are not so bad, what’s worse is that almost simultaneously with them, beautiful chrome-plated mufflers (on the right) and a side stand (on the left) come into contact with the asphalt. And after this you notice that the soft suspension is simple to the point of disgrace and reacts to any potholes with a hard breakdown. Or that in fast corners the chassis begins to live its own life, and the brakes are sufficient to the extent that they are needed. Or that at speeds close to maximum, the Sporty requires increased attention in an unmanly way. And in other respects it is not a gift.

The corporate slogan tries to convince that the Sportster line is classic, speed and power. Classic? Yes, quite likely. But with speed and power, the company clearly got carried away. They are not here.

But despite all the shortcomings, I like the Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883. Precisely because of its imperfection, simplicity and lack of newfangled, and often unnecessary, bells and whistles. Numerous shortcomings make the motorcycle... more alive, or something, more humane.

We have become spoiled. With the advent of assistive technologies - ABS, traction control, launch control, anti-wheelie, electronic gas - riding a motorcycle is gradually turning into a process that requires less and less participation from the pilot. Has it rained, has the quality of the road surface changed, or have you overdone the gas? By energetically winking the lamp on the instrument panel, the traction control will notify you that excess traction has been compensated. Do you need to stop urgently, but there is sand under your wheels? The driver learns about the intervention of the anti-lock braking system by itching on the brake levers. They taught you how to start in a motorcycle school, but you still haven’t mastered the skill of starting effectively? The electronics will set the speed itself and make sure that the front wheel does not rise too high. Man has become an appendage, a consumer.

And now, the “eight hundred and eighty-third” Sportster. It does not lull or corrupt with excessive comfort, as the big “Twins” from Milwaukee do. It is not overloaded with insurance electronic assistants. It looks like an old biplane. If an emergency situation arises, all responsibility falls on the shoulders of the person managing it. You need to make your own decisions. The pilot is the master of his own destiny.

Harley seems to have stopped developing many decades ago. “It is not the calendar manufacturers who give us the feeling of “our time,” today—it is the designers of cars, dishes, televisions, and fashion trendsetters who do this. Without a new car, time stands still,” wrote the American pilot and novelist Richard Bach. And the smallest “Sportster” is the spirit of “that time”, which was not lost in history books, did not turn into memories. He's here right now.

Motorcycle Harley-Davidson XL883N Sportster Iron 883

Harley-Davidson. These two words warm the soul of every biker and every person who appreciates beauty and power. Each model released by this American forge is a masterpiece that is sure to find its supporter and gain popularity. The same thing happened with the Harley-Davidson XL883N Sportster Iron 883

, which appeared, albeit not very long ago, back in 2009, but gained such popularity that the American manufacturer, or rather its Italian division, decided to release its Italian and, possibly, European customers with a new version, adapted for the Italian motorcycle market.
Therefore, the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 has the “ Italy Special Edition
” index, which implies the localization of the series.

The bike is made in the traditional Harley style. Hard, sometimes even brutal, made in a black aesthetic solution. Especially for Italian connoisseurs of American technology, the motorcycle was equipped with an original exhaust system, the mirrors were turned upside down, and the rear shock absorbers were slightly lowered. To create a more comfortable and stable position for the pilot, the footpegs were moved forward a little.

The Italian designers were original with the air filter cover, which was created only for the “ Italy Special Edition”

”, putting the name of the motorcycle on it and painting it in the colors of the Italian flag. Otherwise, it remains the old model. A model that seemed to be lost in time, in an era when there was no rush, and the pace of life was measured and unhurried. That’s how she turned out – old-fashioned. Painted in matte black, corrugations on the fork stays, as if from the last century, minimal chrome, classic duplex frame made of thin pipes, lower air vent, archaic shape of the rear lights, with the function of “turn signals” in one bottle. In a word, a motorcycle for real men. Harsh and ancient. There’s not even a hint of the rapidly developing motorcycle technology of recent years. Absolutely. Well, except for disc brakes. That's all.

And what, exactly, is needed in order to go?
Yes, probably nothing. Everything that this Harley is rich in is quite enough. V-twin with a power of 53 horsepower at 5900 rpm, volume of 883 cubic centimeters. The “Harley” engine “ Evolution
”, swaying rhythmically on silent blocks, greedily swallows air with its filters and wheezes with a classic exhaust. The motorcycle is not for "edgy" guys. It is more suitable for experienced phlegmatic people or beginners who have just gotten on two wheels. Just you, the road and your bike, stuck somewhere in the middle of the last century. Is there any romance in this?

Related posts:

Motorcycle Harley-Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle

When you first look at this motorcycle, you understand why Muscle is in the name - it exudes power and Read more

Motorcycle Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom

The Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom motorcycle model is made almost entirely of chrome parts. This model range is made in a unique, minimal Read more

Custom cruiser Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy Special

The Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy Special is a cruiser that has everything you would expect from a Harley custom. This big, dark, Read more

Motorcycle Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Super Low 2013

The road motorcycle of the Super Low modification from the Harley Davidson Sportster 883 series is the most compact in the model range. With all this Read more

003_moto_0612_022

The original oil cap, introduced in 2004 across the entire Sportster line, is a practical and elegant solution.
When closed, it is flush and opens by pressing. The original oil cap, introduced in 2004 across the entire Sportster line, is a practical and elegant solution. When closed, it is flush and opens by pressing.

006_moto_0612_022

Separate control of right and left turn signals is a constant feature of all Harley Davidsons.
In their desire to preserve them at all costs, the Americans are reminiscent of Mercedes and their “holy grail” - a single steering column switch. Separate control of right and left turn signals is a constant feature of all Harley Davidsons. In their desire to preserve them at all costs, the Americans are reminiscent of Mercedes and their “holy grail” - a single steering column switch.

008_moto_0612_022

RESULT. Evolution has not passed by the Harley Davidson Sportster: its habits have smoothed out and become more refined. But at its core, it remained somewhere in the 50s of the last century. “Sporty” is for romantics; its purchase cannot be explained rationally; it is often considered as a passing stage on the way to the big “Harley”. And yet, I suspect, there will be those who will stay with him for a long time. Simply because he is the only one.

Engine Harley-Davidson Iron 883

The maximum speed of the bike is 170 km/h, but at this speed the rider is simply blown away. The engine is 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, V-shaped, the power of which is 52 “horses” at 5750 rpm. Peak torque – 70 N/m at 3750 rpm. 6-speed manual gearbox. This Harley-Davidson Iron 883 was not designed for long rides at high speed - it is designed for sharp turns, narrow city streets and aggressive driving.

And in this case, it is gorgeous - the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 picks up speed quite quickly and vigorously, leaving many motorcycles behind. But until it reaches 100 km/h, then its fast energy disappears. The bike's six-speed gearbox works well, but is quite rough; a knock is heard when shifting, but this is usually for US motorcycles. This is not noticeable in terms of practicality, and the noise of the engine and gearbox is a feature of the vehicle design.

The braking system is quite effective - there are 2 discs, 1 per wheel, they stop the bike quite well only when you use both brakes, rear and front. For quick braking with the front brake only, the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 is quite heavy, despite the fact that this model is one of the lightest in the Harley line, except for the Sportster brand. When purchasing a bike, it is possible to purchase for an additional fee. ABS structure board.

There have been some changes to the suspension, taken from the Sportster and refined a bit, but it's still stiff and practical. With these suspensions you don’t feel “floating” on the highway during sharp maneuvers. But, the small wheelbase and low weight, not very wide rear wheel mean that you feel the side wind to the fullest while moving on the Harley-Davidson Iron 883, especially when driving along the highway through open areas and fields.

But it is not advisable to ride a motorcycle on long roads, since it is not so comfortable, and it has 13 hp. the fuel tank is only enough for 200-250 km of travel without refueling the bike, this is if you don’t “gas” it too much when moving.

If you think about it, this bike is still the same Sportster, just slightly redesigned. In principle, the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 is very powerful and comfortable - a natural bully in city traffic.

The front suspension is a telescopic fork. The rear suspension is pendulum with 2 shock absorbers.

The front brake system is hydraulic disc with double piston caliper. The rear brake system is hydraulic disc with double piston caliper.

The type of intake is injection, the cooling structure is air. Power plant startup structure – el. starter.

009_moto_0612_022

.Stinger, deputy
editor-in-chief of Moto. .Stinger, deputy editor-in-chief of Moto.

SPECIAL OPINION. For me, who at that time was heavily using Nightster, the most important point was: how much smaller and worse is the “883” than the “1200”? It turned out - much less. The dynamics of a good maxi-scooter (or a single-barrel crossover of the “half-Goose” type - whichever is closer), nothing more, and the maximum speed is 160-165. And the Knight rolled quite cheerfully even at 180 instrumentation. It’s just that at the “1200” maximum speed you were chilled with horror, but here the motor is completely adequate to the chassis. Well, maybe, except for the brakes, and even then the complaints about them are more in terms of “transparency” than in the dynamics of deceleration. Excellent balanced motorcycle! The only disappointment is that the force on the clutch lever is just as great...

And he’s not a chopper, not a chopper at all! If in the “1200” the engine was happy, not bad in the “middle” - and sagged helplessly “on top”, then here everything is smooth - like on the classics of the European school or the ever-memorable “88th twin-cam”. Yes, you can’t get going with the gas off (but this is unrealistic even on the 1200), and you have to click through the gears a little more often. But - a little, due to the wider operating range of the motor.

Two more differences from the XL1200 N are alloy wheels and a lower handlebar. I was neutral about the first one (they are quite appropriate here, especially since their design is traditionally sportster), but I was pleased with the steering wheel. On the Knight it was ungodly overpriced, but here the ergonomics are just what the doctor ordered. As a result, during the three weeks that Iron was in the editorial office, I used it more often than the long-test Nightster.

The distinctive “classless” silhouette, the old-school feel on the move (“aeroplane” sound and characteristic engine pulsations, weapon-like clang of the shifter, etc.) – this is a Sportster, a real Sportster. I recommend it, I highly recommend it. The only question is - in what quality? If we take it as a motorcycle “for all occasions”, perhaps not. The short-travel suspension and not the most outstanding dynamics limit its use to the suburban city or as a favorite toy for evening walks of a non-motorcyclist (although the latter option, as practice shows, does not lose its popularity among compatriots). I rather see the 883 as a utilitarian-urban addition to a large long-range motorcycle (and not necessarily an electric train).

Just don’t buy it for your girlfriend - this is not a woman’s topic! Tight grip, rude manners... Better pay extra for a soft, easier to drive and full of positivity Dyna.

Harley Davidson XL883N Sportster Iron 883 motorcycle provided by .

Rev'It!, Gaerne and Marushin equipment was provided by PRO Moto, Knox equipment was provided by the Mobileline store

Biplane: Harley Davidson XL883N Sportster Iron 883

Behavior on the road

Those who like to lay the arrow in long draws laugh at the “Sportsters”. But, in fact, before us is the same Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883, slightly rethought, and comparing it with Japanese sports cars is really stupid, it is not at all intended for reckless driving at top speeds. How much can you squeeze out of this dude? Many people think that 120-140 is his limit, and even then, it’s worth risking driving like that only if you need to break away from the chase...

No matter how it is! The Harley Davidson Iron 883 can even run up to 170 km/h, and once it takes off, it will even outpace some sports at the start. True, the owners complain that it is not easy to stay at 170 in the saddle; the air currents simply rip the pilot off the motorcycle. But maneuvers, speed changes, sudden braking and starting are the Iron’s native element. It is designed for aggressive driving, for a modern city with traffic jams, traffic lights and curved streets. Still, a sportster is a sportster. Those who have experienced the superiority of motorcycles in this class are unlikely to argue with the statement that the HD Iron 883 is one of its brightest representatives.