2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
573.0 pounds
2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
573.2 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsAmphibian.Lithium Iron Phosphate 48V/20Ah battery, 16.8 kg. Range 60 km. Recharging time: 4 hours. Made in Taiwan.
ColoursHard Candy Coloma Gold Flake, Ember Red Sunglo, Big Blue Pearl, Vivid BlackHard Candy Voodoo Purple Flake, Sand Cammo Denim, Black Denim, Amber Whiskey
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)99 mm99 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)3.9 inches3.9 inches
Seat Height660 mm / 26.0 in.653 mm / 25.7 in.
Wheelbase1,519 mm / 59.8 in.1,519 mm / 59.8 in.
Height1,400 mm / 55.1 in.1,005 mm / 39.6 in.
Length2,250 mm / 88.6 in.2,179 mm / 85.8 in.
Width1,600 mm / 63.0 in.625 mm / 24.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.17 quarts0.17 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)2.60 litres2.60 litres
Dry Weight250.8 kg / 553.0 lbs251 kg / 553.3 lbs
Fuel Capacity7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons12.49 litres / 3.30 gallons
Wet Weight259.9 kg / 573.0 lbs260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs
Performance
Top Speed45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Max Torque107.12 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 400072.95 Nm (7.4 kgf-m or 53.8 ft.lbs) @ 33750
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.0383 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 3.8 inches3.0 x 3.8 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)88.9 x 96.8 mm76.2 x 96.8 mm
CO2113.7 CO107.0 CO
Displacement (cc)1201.25 cc883.32 cc
Displacement (ci)73.30 cubic inches53.90 cubic inches
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine DetailAir-cooled, Evolution®Air-cooled, Evolution®
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Compression Ratio9.7:18.9:1
Emissions-Zero emission
Engine LubricationDry sumpDry sump
ExhaustE Type 9Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Fuel Consumption4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)4.61 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l or 51.02 mpg)
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveBeltBelt
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary Drive57/38 ratio-
Chassis
Frame Type-Steel tube
Suspension - FrontIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampersDual Hydraulic Shock Absorber
Suspension - RearIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampersSingle Hydraulic Shock Absorber
Rake-30.5°
Trail107 mm / 4.2 in.117 mm / 4.6 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation4-inch Speedometer mounted low and integrated into handlebar clamp electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, LED indicator lightsHandlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock, dual tripmeter, low fuel warning light, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights
Lighting systemHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Dual-pistonSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Single-pistonSingle disc
RimsBlack, Laced SteelBlack, 13-Spoke Cast Aluminum
Tyres - Front150/80-16100/90-B19
Tyres - Rear150/80-B16150/80-B16

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight and the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 - FAQs

Which should I buy, the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight or the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has its own strengths, while the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.