Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom - 2005 Specifications and Reviews
The 2005 Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom is an air-cooled cruiser designed for riders seeking authentic American motorcycle styling with accessible performance. Its 883cc V-twin engine delivers solid torque for relaxed riding, while the custom aesthetic appeals to those prioritizing classic looks over raw power. Best known for being an ideal entry point to the Harley-Davidson Sportster legacy.
General information | |
| Category | Custom / cruiser |
| Year | 2005 |
| Model | Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Clutch | Multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath. |
| Transmission typefinal drive | Belt |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Cooling system | Air |
| Valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel system | Carburettor |
| Bore x stroke | 76.2 x 96.8 mm (3.0 x 3.8 inches) |
| Compression | 9.0:1 |
| Torque | 69.00 |
| Stroke | 4 |
| Engine type | V2 |
| Capacity: | 883.00 ccm (53.88 cubic inches) |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Wheelbase | 1,520 mm (59.8 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 112 mm (4.4 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,275 mm (89.6 inches) |
| Seat height | 673 mm (26.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Dry weight | 255.0 kg (562.2 pounds) |
| | |
Harley-Davidson XL 883 C Sportster Custom dimensions and frame | |
| Exhaust system | Staggered shorty duals |
| Rear brakes diameter | 292 mm (11.5 inches) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc |
| Front brakes diameter | 292 mm (11.5 inches) |
| Front brakes | Single disc |
| Rear tyre dimensions | 150/80-16 |
| Front tyre dimensions | MH90-21 |
| Rake (fork angle) | 30.1° |
| | |
Speed and acceleration | |
| Color options | Vivid black, brilliant silver pearl, sierra red pearl, black cherry pearl, glacier white pearl, rich sunglo blue, yellow pearl, two-tone rich sunglo blue and chopper blue pearl, two-tone chopper blue pearl and brilliant silver pearl, two-tone sierra red p |
| Fuel capacity | 17.40 litres (4.60 gallons) |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
Best For
Rider Profile
| Best For | Well suited to beginner and intermediate riders who want a manageable, low-slung cruiser to build confidence on. |
| Purpose | Built for relaxed boulevard cruising and short weekend rides rather than outright speed or long-distance touring. |
| Rider Fit | The low seat height and easy reach to the ground make it accessible for shorter riders, though the wide bars and forward-leaning custom stance require some upper-body effort at low speed. |
| Character | A classic air-cooled V-twin cruiser that delivers strong low-end torque and a laid-back, thumping character over outright performance. |
| Not Ideal For | Not a good fit for riders seeking aggressive cornering ability, high-speed touring comfort, or any off-road capability. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
⚠ Safety Recalls (2)
CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVES. THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE 'ON' POSITION AND THE 'RESERVE' POSITION OF THE VALVE MAY HAVE BEEN REVERSED.
Risk: IF THE BIKE WERE OPERATING WITH THE VALVE IN THE 'ON' POSITION, THE BIKE COULD RUN OUT OF FUEL, THE EXPECTED FUEL RESERVE WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE DRIVER RUNNING OUT OF GAS WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL VALVE AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN FEBRUARY 7, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4080.
CERTAIN FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVES USED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT, P/NOS 61338-02, 62169-02A, 61338-94D, AND 62169-95C FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2005 CARBURETED SPORTSTERS, DYNA, SOFTAIL, AND TOURING MODEL MOTORCYCLES. THESE VALVES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE 'ON' POSITION AND THE 'RESERVE' POSITION OF THE VALVE MAY HAVE BEEN REVERSED.
Risk: IF THE BIKE WERE OPERATING WITH THE VALVE IN THE 'ON' POSITION, THE BIKE COULD RUN OUT OF FUEL, THE EXPECTED FUEL RESERVE WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE DRIVER RUNNING OUT OF GAS WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL VALVE AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN JANUARY 27, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4080. IF YOU HAVE HAD OR INSTALLED A REPLACEMENT FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE IN YOUR MOTORCYCLE, PLEASE TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO YOUR DEALER TO HAVE THE VALVE INSPECTED FOR PROPER OPERATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →
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