In the closing days of Harley-Davidson's centenary year, we were able to sample the first, second-century, 2004 XL 883 Sportsters to reach these shores.
This is Harley-Davidson's entry level model. A cruiser-style machine with a conventional, simple layout, substantial torque and good handling.
Harley 883 cc Sportsters have been around for a long time, very gradually improved over the years. This 2004 XL 883 Sportster was an absolute revelation in terms of comfort and smoothness - not only that, it holds the road well and has brakes that work.
An important part of the Harley ethos is the look of the bike. With its metallic Sierra Red paintjob, powered coated engine and wall-to-wall chrome it rates high.
The riding position seems just right and the single seat should be closely studied by all other cruiser bike makers, it is by far the most comfortable we have experienced.
Large diameter handlebar grips and massive control levers suggest it is made to last. Lasting is an important aspect of the Harley approach, they say their bikes are made to last and designed to be re-built. Not surprisingly, given its relatively modest price, the 883 Sportster is Harley's best-selling machine this side of the Atlantic.
It has better handling than most Harleys: is almost as fast as their bigger engined models. Top speed in these times of near universal limits is pretty academic, expect around 96 mph.
It proved a real pleasure to ride. Roadholding was precise and forgiving. The 19" front wheel is well suited to our poor road surfaces. The brakes firm, smooth and powerful in operation. The cable-operated clutch is light. Gear changes were precise, albeit with a substantial "clunk" when engaging first gear from rest. Finding neutral required more precision and delicacy than one might expect with a Harley.
It likes a fair bit of the manual operated choke at first; once the engine was warmed up, it ran smoothly. The torque is substantial, giving the feel that this bike will do most anything you ask of it. The gear ratios give a long-legged gait, fifth gear is a virtual overdrive.
Now with a rubber mounted engine and final drive by a carbon fibre reinforced belt the lack of vibration was absolutely excellent, not at all what we expected. The V-twin engine, producing 69NM of torque at 4,200 rpm feels as if it would go forever.
The exhaust note is a pleasant, restrained, baritone burble. Doubtless many owners will change the pipes for the more roarty straight-through decibel blasters. In standard form it comes as a single-seater. With all Harleys there is a superfluity of add-on parts available from a host of manufacturers. You can make your Harley into almost whatever you want it to be. We did find the rather small, tear-drop-style tank, far too narrow to grip with your knees.
You would be lucky to get a 140 mile range with the standard tank. A larger capacity, wider tank would be worth considering. The standard mirrors are set low, so close to the grips that your knuckles might touch them.
The height is just right to hit car door mirrors, and the rearwards view is 60 per cent your own elbows. Taller mirrors are available. A cruiser-style screen would make all the difference at motorway speeds.
That said, this machine is a quite delightful, comfortable, laid-back cruiser that looks good, goes well and is reasonably priced. If the cruiser-style appeals to you, this bike is one for the short list.
TechSpec
ENGINE: "Evolution" air-cooled 883 cc carburettor aspirated V-twin, pushrod operated, hydraulic adjusting two valves per cylinder. 9.0:1 compression. Torque: 69NM @ 4,200 rpm. Five-speed gearbox. Final drive by polychain belt.
CHASSIS: Mild steel, twin cradle. Front Forks: 39 mm telescopic, 141 mm travel. Rear: Coil over adjustable shock, 104 mm travel. Brakes: front and rear, single 292 mm disk, dual piston. Wheels 13-spoke cast alloy, 19" front, 17" rear.
DIMENSIONS: Dry weight: 251 kg. Fuel capacity 12.9 litres. Seat height: 693 mm. Wheelbase: 1,520 mm.
PRICE: Not yet fixed, expected to be under €10,000