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

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

Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers

Harley-davidson Sportster Iron 883 vs Harley-davidson Iron 1200. 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. Harley-davidson Iron 1200: 61 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Harley-Davidson does not officially publish power figures for this model) hp, 252 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 170 km/h (estimated; note: not officially published by Harley-Davidson), Motoryk rating 7.5/10.

Performance at a Glance

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

Harley-davidson Sportster Iron 883 Harley-davidson Iron 1200
Horsepower (hp)
50 hp
61 hp
Torque (Nm)
68 Nm
92 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
177 km/h
170 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
247 kg
252 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
~50 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Harley-Davidson does not officially publish power figures for this model)
61 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Harley-Davidson does not officially publish power figures for this model)
Torque
~68 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
92 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Top Speed
~177 km/h (estimated; note: electronically limited in some markets)
170 km/h (estimated; note: not officially published by Harley-Davidson)
Weight
247 kg (wet/curb weight)
252 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approximately 15–18 km/L, real-world average)
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approx. 15–18 km/L, real-world average)
Fairing
No
No

Individual Reviews

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
Harley-davidson Iron 1200
Harley-davidson Iron 1200
7.5/10

"A characterful, honest cruiser that rewards riders who accept its limitations."

Pros
+Strong low-end torque delivery
+Head-turning genuine bobber stance
+Solid used parts availability
Cons
Motorway vibration genuinely tiring
Stock seat punishingly uncomfortable
Air cooling runs very hot

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
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Energizer TX14L AGM Motorcycle 12V Battery, 200 Cold Cranking Amps and 12 Ahr. Replaces: YTX14L-BS and others
Battery
Energizer TX14L AGM Motorcycle 12V Battery, 200 Cold Cranking Amps and 12 Ahr. Replaces: YTX14L-BS and others
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Batwing Fairing Windshield Sportster Iron 883
Memphis Shades · Windshield
Batwing Fairing Windshield Sportster Iron 883
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Harley-Davidson Men's Steel H-D Script Banner Curb Link Chain Metal Necklace
Chain & Lube
Harley-Davidson Men's Steel H-D Script Banner Curb Link Chain Metal Necklace
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Lamellar Hard Throw Over Saddlebags Sportster
Viking Bags · Saddlebags
Lamellar Hard Throw Over Saddlebags Sportster
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Dunlop D402 Front Motorcycle Tire MH90-21 (54H) Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200C 1996-2010
Tires
Dunlop D402 Front Motorcycle Tire MH90-21 (54H) Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200C 1996-2010
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Engine Guard Crash Bar Harley Sportster 883 1200
Kuryakyn · Crash Bars
Engine Guard Crash Bar Harley Sportster 883 1200
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V-Twin Oil Change Kit Synthetic w/Black Filter, Sportster
Engine Oil
V-Twin Oil Change Kit Synthetic w/Black Filter, Sportster
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Tall Sissy Bar Backrest Kit Harley Sportster
Drag Specialties · Sissy Bar
Tall Sissy Bar Backrest Kit Harley Sportster
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NICHE Brake Pad Set for Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 883 XL883C XL1200C Iron 42831-04A Front Rear Semi-Metallic
Brake Pads
NICHE Brake Pad Set for Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 883 XL883C XL1200C Iron 42831-04A Front Rear Semi-Metallic
View on Amazon →
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