The 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 V-twin engine.
Introduced in 1957, the XL Sportster 883 -- a member of the longest-running family in the Harley-Davidson lineup -- has evolved technologically from its early days yet somehow managed to stay the same, earning respect from performance enthusiasts the world over.
With the same lean, raw, light-weight appeal of the original, the 2005 Sportster 883 emerges a more powerful performer. Harley-Davidson carefully nurtured the Sportster's progress throughout the decades, preserving the low-end torque and agile handling with updates from 2004 of a rubber-mounted powertrain and stronger rigid frame than previous models.
Engine and Performance
Harley-Davidson's renaissance began in 1983 with the official introduction of the Evolution engine, the heart of the 2005 Sportster 883. With its 53.86 cubic-inch (883 cc) displacement, the silver powder-coated engine provides 51 ft.-lbs. of torque at 4,300 rpm, making the 553-lb. bike nimble and quick.
The Sportster 883 has a 3.3-gallon fuel capacity and fuel economy of 57 highway miles per gallon and 48 city mpg.
Styling, Instrumentation and Colors
Completely redesigned in 2004 the Sportster 883 sees increased performance continuing into 2005 and is more comfortable for the rider, with decreased vibration from the rubber-mounted engine. Among other modifications for the 2005 model are significantly reduced clutch lever effort and a lower seat height of only 27.3 inches. Unique to the model is the classic solo seat, mid-mount foot controls and low-rise handlebar.
The 2005 Sportster 883 has an electronic speedometer, odometer, resettable tripmeter and a diagnostic readout.
Pearlized paint colors dominate the 2005 model year: it was available in vivid black, brilliant silver pearl, sierra red pearl and chopper blue pearl.
Dimensions
At 90.1 inches long with a 60-inch wheelbase and 5.6-inch ground clearance, the 2005 Sportster 883 is equally adept at maneuvering around town or navigating highway curves.
Tags: 2005 Sportster, 2005 model