2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 vs 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
256.3 kg / 565 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsLithium Iron Phosphate 48V/20Ah battery, 16.8 kg. Range 60 km. Recharging time: 4 hours. Made in Taiwan.-
Year-2011 - 12
ColoursHard Candy Voodoo Purple Flake, Sand Cammo Denim, Black Denim, Amber Whiskey-
Make Model-Harley Davidson XL 883N Iron
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)99 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)3.9 inches-
Seat Height653 mm / 25.7 in.Laden 653 mm / 25.7 in Unladen 683 mm / 26.9 in.
Wheelbase1,519 mm / 59.8 in.1519 mm / 59.5 in.
Ground Clearance-120 mm / 4.7 in
Height1,005 mm / 39.6 in.1107 mm / 43.5 in
Length2,179 mm / 85.8 in.2179 mm / 85.4 in
Width625 mm / 24.6 in.821 mm / 32.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.17 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)2.60 litres-
Dry Weight251 kg / 553.3 lbs-
Fuel Capacity12.49 litres / 3.30 gallons12.5 Litres / 3.3 US gal
Oil Capacity-2.6 Litres / 0.69 US gal
Wet Weight260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs256.3 kg / 565 lbs
Performance
Top Speed45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph-
Max Torque72.95 Nm (7.4 kgf-m or 53.8 ft.lbs) @ 3375073 Nm / 7.44 kgf-m / 53.8 ft/lb @ 3750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.0383 HP/kg-
Engine
Displacement (cc)883.32 cc-
Bore x Stroke (mm)76.2 x 96.8 mm-
Displacement (ci)53.90 cubic inches-
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
CO2107.0 CO-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.0 x 3.8 inches-
Displacement-883 cc / 50.8cu in/
Engine DetailAir-cooled, Evolution®Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)-
Bore x Stroke-76.2 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio8.9:18.8:1
Cooling System-Air cooled
EmissionsZero emission-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
ExhaustChrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflersChrome, staggered, shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Fuel Consumption4.61 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l or 51.02 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Electronic sequential port fuel injection
Ignition-Digital CDI
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathMulti-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveBeltBelt
Gear Ratios-1st 10.407 / 2nd 7.436 / 3rd 5.53 / 4th 4.583 / 5th 3.93
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary Drive-Chain, 34/57 ratio
Transmission / Drive-5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel tubeMild steel, tubular frame, circular sections, cast junctions Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions, MIG welded
Suspension - FrontDual Hydraulic Shock Absorber∅39mm Fork
Suspension - RearSingle Hydraulic Shock AbsorberCoil-over, dual-adjustable preload
Rake30.5°31.1°
Trail117 mm / 4.6 in.117 mm / 4.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front-92 mm / 3.62 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-41 mm / 1.6 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationHandlebar-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)-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle discSingle ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle ∅260mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers
RimsBlack, 13-Spoke Cast Aluminum-
Tyres - Front100/90-B19100/90B19 57H
Tyres - Rear150/80-B16130/90-16
Wheels - Front-Black, 13-spoke cast aluminium
Wheels - Rear-Black, 13-spoke cast auminium

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron

The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron edges out the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 thanks to its dual front discs and greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

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.

2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More ground clearance: 120 mm vs 99 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 vs 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 and 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron is powered by Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder..
Which should I buy, the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 or the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron?
Both are strong choices. The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 has its own strengths, while the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron stands out for dual front discs and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.