|
|
 |
IN THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON line-up, the most versatile model has to be the Sportster. Being lighter and more agile than the other bigger Harleys, it's no surprise that the Sportster is still chosen as the competition platform for dirt and flat trackers today.
Despite being the oldest model in the range, they are continously updated with newer carburetors, rubber engine mounts, and the Evolution engine. These improvements combined with the upright riding position, conventional ergonomics, make the Sportster an ideal platform for anyone looking to get into the Harley-Davidson lifestyle.
The latest variant, the Sportster 883R is available with the latest mirage orange and chequered flag paint scheme, blacked out engine finish, with the matching satin black brake calipers, fork lowers, handlebars, and frame to complete a racy Darth Vader effect.
With a fuelled up weight just over 260kg, and a seat height of around 76cm, it's easy to see why the Sportster is so popular with Asian riders as well. A pleasant surprise too was the much lower clutch effort, reducing the need for the left hand workout. Only the sides stand actuation and position needed a little to get used to as the foot pegs could get in the way.
Starting up the 883R on a cold rainy morning still requires the choke. Once started though, the engine settles nicely into the classic Harley rumble, with the lumpy vibrations still audible, but much dampened in feel by the new rubber mounts on the engine.
Most Harleys have a big lazy feel when starting out, the wide handlebars, the fork trail and rake, all combine to give the characteristic easy feel at low speeds.
Despite having the smallest engine size in the Harley-Davidson range, the 883R still pulled strongly with plenty of low-end torque. The 883cc engine generates a comfortable powerband, reducing the need to change gears frequently. This flexibility was very handy in both city start-stop traffic, as well as on smaller roads. The hot local weather conditions too were never a problem for the Sportster's air-cooled engine.
Bring the Sportster out on to the highway and it devours the miles without strain with the only inhibition being the smaller 12.5-litre tank, giving a shorter range than its bigger Harley brethren.
The Sportster 883R's versatility and flexibility have not only been retained through the years, but have also been improved and matured. The simpler carbureted engine configuration has been deliberately retained to ease maintenance, and yet updated with features such as the rubber mounts to smooth out the ride. Such little touches and improvements still continue to shape the Sportster. It is easy to see why this model has been in the Harley-Davidson range for so many years, and has been the choice for any motorcycling newcomer as well.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster
Engine 883cc Evolution w/carburetor
Torque 69Nm at 4200rpm
Fuel Tank size / Consumption 12.5 L tank, 4.9L/100km
Tires 100/90 57H front, 150/80 71H rear
Weight 263kg
Price S$19,800
Despite being the oldest model in the range, they are continously updated with newer carburetors, rubber engine mounts, and the Evolution engine. These improvements combined with the upright riding position, conventional ergonomics, make the Sportster an ideal platform for anyone looking to get into the Harley-Davidson lifestyle.
The latest variant, the Sportster 883R is available with the latest mirage orange and chequered flag paint scheme, blacked out engine finish, with the matching satin black brake calipers, fork lowers, handlebars, and frame to complete a racy Darth Vader effect.
With a fuelled up weight just over 260kg, and a seat height of around 76cm, it's easy to see why the Sportster is so popular with Asian riders as well. A pleasant surprise too was the much lower clutch effort, reducing the need for the left hand workout. Only the sides stand actuation and position needed a little to get used to as the foot pegs could get in the way.
Starting up the 883R on a cold rainy morning still requires the choke. Once started though, the engine settles nicely into the classic Harley rumble, with the lumpy vibrations still audible, but much dampened in feel by the new rubber mounts on the engine.
Most Harleys have a big lazy feel when starting out, the wide handlebars, the fork trail and rake, all combine to give the characteristic easy feel at low speeds.
Despite having the smallest engine size in the Harley-Davidson range, the 883R still pulled strongly with plenty of low-end torque. The 883cc engine generates a comfortable powerband, reducing the need to change gears frequently. This flexibility was very handy in both city start-stop traffic, as well as on smaller roads. The hot local weather conditions too were never a problem for the Sportster's air-cooled engine.
Bring the Sportster out on to the highway and it devours the miles without strain with the only inhibition being the smaller 12.5-litre tank, giving a shorter range than its bigger Harley brethren.
The Sportster 883R's versatility and flexibility have not only been retained through the years, but have also been improved and matured. The simpler carbureted engine configuration has been deliberately retained to ease maintenance, and yet updated with features such as the rubber mounts to smooth out the ride. Such little touches and improvements still continue to shape the Sportster. It is easy to see why this model has been in the Harley-Davidson range for so many years, and has been the choice for any motorcycling newcomer as well.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model Harley-Davidson XL 883R SportsterEngine 883cc Evolution w/carburetor
Torque 69Nm at 4200rpm
Fuel Tank size / Consumption 12.5 L tank, 4.9L/100km
Tires 100/90 57H front, 150/80 71H rear
Weight 263kg
Price S$19,800