Menu
๐Ÿ๏ธ
Bikes
โญ
Reviews
โš–๏ธ
Compare
๐Ÿ“š
Guides
๐Ÿ“Š
Samples
camera_alt
Free Inspection
Start a new bike check
Privacy
Terms
Reviews/ Harley-davidson/ Sportster Xl883l Superlow
WATCH REVIEW
7.0/10 Cruiser

Harley-davidson Sportster Xl883l Superlow Review

"An honest, approachable V-twin that rewards sensible used buying."

Shorter newer riders wanting real Harley character $4,500-$7,000 used 2010-2021
search Inspect a Harley-davidson Now
dashboard

Key Specs

speed
Top Speed
170 km/h (estimated; note: real-world conditions may vary slightly)
bolt
Power
50 hp
@ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Harley-Davidson did not officially publish power figures for this model)
rotate_right
Torque
68 Nm
@ 3,500 rpm
local_gas_station
Fuel Economy
18.2 km/L
43 mpg ยท 5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical real-world average)
build
Service Every
8,000 km
scale
Weight
256 kg
(wet/curb weight)
settings
Engine
883cc air-cooled V-twin Evolution
height
Seat Height
705 mm
cog
Transmission
5-speed
favorite
Engine Lifespan
100,000+ km with proper maintenance
chevron_right

Used Buyer Review

The Superlow is Harley's gateway drug, and there's nothing wrong with that. That 28.9-inch seat height makes it genuinely accessible for shorter riders, and the 883cc air-cooled V-twin has enough grunt to feel satisfying in city traffic without terrifying you on the highway. It's honest, uncomplicated motorcycling. What you see is what you get. Used examples need scrutiny though. Check the primary chain adjuster โ€” they go slack and owners ignore it. Look for leaking pushrod tubes, especially on bikes that sat unused. The stock suspension is agricultural at best, and most previous owners either ignored it or threw cheap aftermarket parts at it. A properly set up Superlow with upgraded rear shocks transforms the riding experience. Budget for that if the seller hasn't already done it. Resale holds up weirdly well for a basic commuter bike, which means you won't find bargains easily. But find a clean, low-mileage example in the $4,500-$6,500 range and you've got yourself a reliable, characterful machine that's genuinely fun to ride daily.

Pros

+Excellent low seat height
+Dead-simple mechanicals
+Strong resale value
+Genuine V-twin character
+Easy urban maneuverability

Cons

-Stock suspension is terrible
-Highway cruising feels strained
-Primary chain neglect common
-Minimal wind protection
warning
Avoid if

You regularly tackle long highway touring trips

description View full specs, facts & rivals for Harley-davidson Sportster Xl883l Superlow โ†’

Similar Cruiser Reviews

Harley-davidson Low Rider S
Harley-davidson Low Rider S 8.5/10

"The best all-round Softail you can buy used today."

Experienced riders wanting real performance, authentic style $14,000-$19,000
Triumph Rocket 3
Triumph Rocket 3 8.5/10

"Nothing else on the market delivers this kind of muscular, addictive insanity."

Experienced cruiser riders wanting maximum touring drama $14,000-$20,000
Triumph Rocket 3 R
Triumph Rocket 3 R 8.5/10

"The most effortlessly brutal cruiser money can buy used."

Confident experienced riders wanting ultimate muscle cruiser $14,000-$20,000
Ducati Diavel V4
Ducati Diavel V4 8.5/10

"An exotic muscle cruiser that genuinely delivers on every expensive promise."

Experienced riders wanting effortless weekend exotic touring $24,000-$29,000