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All Bikes/Compare/Harley-davidson Sportster Custom 1200 vs Harley-davidson Sportster Iron 883

Harley-davidson Sportster Custom 1200 vs Harley-davidson Sportster Iron 883

Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers

Harley-davidson Sportster Custom 1200 vs Harley-davidson Sportster Iron 883. Harley-davidson Sportster Custom 1200: 60 hp @ 5,500 rpm (note: Harley-Davidson did not always publish official HP figures; this is a widely cited estimate for the Evolution/Twin Cam era) hp, 256 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world conditions may vary slightly), Motoryk rating 7.5/10. Harley-davidson Sportster Iron 883: ~50 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Harley-Davidson does not officially publish power figures for this model) hp, 247 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed ~177 km/h (estimated; note: electronically limited in some markets), Motoryk rating 7.5/10.

Performance at a Glance

Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value

Harley-davidson Sportster Custom 1200 Harley-davidson Sportster Iron 883
Horsepower (hp)
60 hp
50 hp
Torque (Nm)
92 Nm
68 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
175 km/h
177 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
256 kg
247 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
60 hp @ 5,500 rpm (note: Harley-Davidson did not always publish official HP figures; this is a widely cited estimate for the Evolution/Twin Cam era)
~50 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Harley-Davidson does not officially publish power figures for this model)
Torque
92 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
~68 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Top Speed
175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world conditions may vary slightly)
~177 km/h (estimated; note: electronically limited in some markets)
Weight
256 kg (wet/curb weight)
247 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approx. 15–18 km/L real-world average)
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approximately 15–18 km/L, real-world average)
Fairing
No
No

Individual Reviews

Harley-davidson Sportster Custom 1200
Harley-davidson Sportster Custom 1200
7.5/10

"A tough, characterful cruiser that earns its reputation through sheer reliability."

Pros
+Bulletproof drivetrain when maintained
+Massive aftermarket parts availability
+Strong low-rev torque delivery
Cons
Vibration tires you long-distance
Rocker box oil seeps common
Handling feels agricultural above 70mph
Harley-davidson Sportster Iron 883
Harley-davidson Sportster Iron 883
7.5/10

"A character-packed starter Harley that rewards upgrading and honest riding."

Pros
+Bulletproof parts availability everywhere
+Iconic aggressive blacked-out styling
+Excellent resale value holds
Cons
Stock seat is genuinely terrible
Runs out of highway breath
Compensator sprocket wear expensive

Top 10 Accessories

Picks that work on either bike.

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Shortshots Staggered Chrome Exhaust Sportster
Vance & Hines · Exhaust
Shortshots Staggered Chrome Exhaust Sportster
View on Amazon →
Batwing Fairing Windshield Sportster Iron 883
Memphis Shades · Windshield
Batwing Fairing Windshield Sportster Iron 883
View on Amazon →
Lamellar Hard Throw Over Saddlebags Sportster
Viking Bags · Saddlebags
Lamellar Hard Throw Over Saddlebags Sportster
View on Amazon →
Engine Guard Crash Bar Harley Sportster 883 1200
Kuryakyn · Crash Bars
Engine Guard Crash Bar Harley Sportster 883 1200
View on Amazon →
Tall Sissy Bar Backrest Kit Harley Sportster
Drag Specialties · Sissy Bar
Tall Sissy Bar Backrest Kit Harley Sportster
View on Amazon →
Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
Helmet
Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
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Riding Gloves
Gloves
Riding Gloves
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Mesh Riding Jacket
Jacket
Mesh Riding Jacket
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Riding Boots
Boots
Riding Boots
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Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
Chain Lube
Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
View on Amazon →
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