2010 Harley Davidson Sportster 883

This Sportster motorcycle is Harley Davidson's top selling model. The main reason the Sporty is so popular is that it's a nice bike but not high dollar. Here I will be discussing the 883 because many women riders seem to gravitate towards the 883. Though I can hear a few of my male friends say this is a sissy bike but most wouldn’t know a good bike if it came up and bit them. It is okay not to be riding some big behemoth down the road. The 883 does a great job of moving down the highway. Among the most-affordable Harley-Davidson models, Sportster motorcycles offer a low, comfortable seat and smooth clutch effort. The Harley Davidson Sportster features six models for 2010, including the $7,999 Iron 883 introduced mid-year 2009 and four others priced less than $10,000.

The 2010 Harley 883 has two versions, the Iron and the Low. Today's Sportster combines expressive styling with smooth great delivery and the distinctive sound of a V-Twin engine.

The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Iron has styling reminisce of old with its old school look. This V-Twin’s dark custom style is an impressive look for this bike.

Model Highlights

• Black powder-coated engine and covers
• Chrome exhaust with dual straight-cut mufflers
• Low front and rear suspension
• Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
• Black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels
• Chopped rear fender with black supports
• Black belt guard
• Black fork sliders and black fork gaiters
• Classic solo seat
• Black hand and foot controls
• Side-mounted license plate
• Combination stop/turn/tail lights
• Black headlamp bucket with black visor and satin trim ring
• Black drag-style handlebar and black riser

Key Features

• V-Twin powertrain with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
• Rubber-mounted powertrain to reduce vibration
• 5-speed transmission
• Dual staggered exhaust
• Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer
• Disc brakes
• Mid-mounted foot controls
• Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System with hands-free security fob

Engine
Displacement 53.90 cu. in. (883 cc)
Compression Ratio 8.9:1

Drivetrain
Transmission 5-speed

Wheels:

Black, 13-spoke Cast Aluminum

Fuel Economy
(EPA urban/highway test) 45/60 mpg

Dimensions
Overall Width 32.32 in
Overall Height 43.60 in.

Seat Height:
-Laden2 25.30 in. 

-Unladen 26.30 in.

Ground Clearance 3.90 in.

Dunlop tires Harley-Davidson Series, blackwall:
• Front – D401F 100/90-19 57H
• Rear – D401 150/80B16 71H

Fuel Capacity 3.30 gal.

Weight
• In Running Order 565 lbs.

Color Options
Solids
• Black Denim
• Brilliant Silver Denim

MSRP
Solids $7,999

The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Low offers all the style and character of a much more expensive bike. This unintimidating motorcycle is a great choice for anyone who wants to jump in the saddle and go for a ride.

Highlights

• Silver powder-coated engine with polished covers
• Chrome exhaust with dual staggered shorty mufflers
• Low front and rear suspension
• Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
• Silver, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels
• Full-coverage rear fender with chrome supports
• Classic solo seat
• Black headlamp bucket with polished visor and chrome trim ring
• Stainless steel, pull-back handlebar and black riser

Features

• V-Twin powertrain with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
• Rubber-mounted powertrain to reduce vibration
• 5-speed transmission
• Dual staggered exhaust
• Disc brakes
• Mid-mounted foot controls
• Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer
• Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System with hands-free security fob
• Optional Chrome, Laced Steel wheels

Engine
Displacement3 53.90 cu. in. (883 cc)

Compression Ratio 8.9:1

Drivetrain
Transmission 5-speed

Wheels

Chrome, Laced Steel option: Silver, 13-spoke Cast Aluminum

Suspension Travel
Front Wheel 3.62 in.

Rear Wheel 1.63 in.

Fuel Economy
(EPA urban/highway test) 45/60 mpg

Dimensions
Overall Width 35.20 in
Overall Height 45.70 in
Seat Height:
- Laden2 25.30 in.
- Unladen 26.30 in.
Ground Clearance 3.90 in.

Dunlop tires Harley-Davidson Series, blackwall):
Front - D401F 100/90-19 57H
Rear - D401 150/80B16 71H

Fuel Capacity 3.30 gal.

Weight
In Running Order 583 lbs.

Color Options
Solids
• Vivid Black
• Scarlet Red
• Brilliant Silver Pearl
• Flame Blue Pearl

U.S. MSRP
Vivid Black $6,999
Solids $7,289

When it comes down to it there isn't much of a difference between the two. The big difference is really just cosmetic. The 883 is an all round good motorcycle for any rider out there. It is a good bike for the beginner/intermediate rider and will keep an experienced rider happy for many years. It all comes down to preference and what style we like. When it comes to motorcycles I like many types, styles and makes. I currently ride a Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 but have a passion for Ducati's. I have been riding for 40 years and started on a Yamaha 90 Enduro out in the California desert at Red Rock Canyon. I have grown up in a family of riders and we all have gone through countless bikes over the years. Some I have liked and some I did not. I know that many Harley riders would not be caught dead riding anything else. For me I kind of feel sorry for them because they have limited themselves and are missing many bikes out there that are fun to ride. I do enjoy riding my Sporty but then I like variety.

So my final thoughts on the 883 is you can't go wrong. I always say riding is about having fun. If you find a motorcycle that makes you happy, more power too ya.

Happy riding and keep the rubber side down.

Check out the 2011 Harley Davidson XR1200X or head in a completely different direction and check out the 2010 Royal Enfield Bullet - a blast from the past without the worries of owning a vintage bike.