Harley-Davidson  -  1987 XLH Sportster 883 Deluxe

Specifications

 

 

Length:

87.5"

Seat Height:

28.5"

Ground Clearance:

6.7"

Rake:

29.7°

Trail:

4.5"

Wheelbase:

60"

Dry Weight:

463lbs

Load Capacity:

437lbs

Engine:

OHV V² Evolution

Bore & Stroke:

3.000" x 3.812"

Displacement:

53.9ci / 883cc

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Carburettor:

Butterfly throttle with accelerator pump, 34mm

Ignition:

V-Fire III electronic breakerless with solid-state dual stage advance

Oil Capacity:

3 US quarts

Fuel Capacity:

2.25 US gallons

Exhaust System:

Staggered shorty duals

Clutch:

Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Primary Drive:

Triple-row chain

Final Drive:

Single-row chain

Transmission:

4-speed, constant mesh

Overall Gear Ratios:

1st: 9.48 | 2nd: 6.61 | 3rd: 4.98 | 4th: 3.98

Torque:

53ft-lbs @ 4,000rpm

Front Brake Disc:

11.5" diameter x 0.20" thick

Rear Brake Disc:

11.5" diameter x 0.23" thick

Braking Distance:

145ft @ 60mph

Front Tyre Size:

MJ90 x 19

Rear Tyre Size:

MT90 x 16

Wheels:

Classic laced

Starting:

Electric

Miles Per Gallon:

57mpg Highway / 48mpg City

Lean Angles (SAE J1168):

37° Right / 36° Left

Instruments:

Speedometer with odometer and resettable tripmeter

Colour Options:

Vivid balck; metallic blue; candy brandywine; candy bronze; candy crimson

 

 

 

Original Harley-Davidson Editorial

XLH Sportster 883 Deluxe.

Now more people are discovering the difference.

In 1957 Harley-Davidson introduced the Sportster. A motorcycle with so much racing speed and classic styling, many people thought it would never be beat.

Judging by how fast riders took to the new Sportster 883 last year, maybe it hasn't.

Like the original, the 1987 XLH Sportster 883 uses an overhead valve V-twin with 883 cc's of displacement, a 4-speed constant mesh transmission, chain drive and a solo seat. But beyond that, things are very different on this Harley.

A lot has happened in 30 years. Most recently, the V² Evolution engine, introduced to the Sportster a year ago. We feel it's the most durable, reliable and trouble-free motorcycle engine ever to come out of Milwaukee.

Editors are still writing about its improved pistons, cylinder heads, valve gear, crankshaft and transmission components. Riders are still talking about its lower center of gravity, and lighter, cleaner and cooler performance.

But the Sportster isn't one to stand still for very long. In 1987, it has 5% more power, thanks to new designs in the combustion chamber, muffler and ignition advance system.

It also has an improved, close-ratio gearbox for more even acceleration and smoother transition through the gears. Plus a new, cleaner looking die-cast cylinder head, lower-weight 7-spoke cast aluminium wheels, and four new color choices in addition to vivid black.

Like each of the Sportsters before it, the 883 is classic Harley-Davidson styling. With staggered shorty duals, a peanut tank, solo seat, and low-rise handlebar with lone speedometer.

Other features include a single front disc brake, V-Fire III electronic ignition which automatically adjusts advance for optimal performance, halogen headlamp and front running lights. Maintenance is low, with a 5,000 mile recommended service interval.

The 1987 Sportster 883. It cruises beyond the pavement, straight to your soul. And to those whose time has come to discover the difference, it was worth the wait.

The XLH Sportster 883 Deluxe adds laced wheels, a padded two-up seat and passenger footpegs as standard equipment.