The Harley-Davidson Sportster XL Ironhead motorcycle specifications include a 883 cc (53.88 cu in) engine, power of 40 hp (29.2 kW) @ 5,500 rpm, a 4-speed gearbox, and a listed weight of 224.5 kg (495 lb).
Key specifications
1957Year released
883 ccDisplacement
40 hpPower
224.5 kgDry weight
16.6 LFuel tank
1,448 mmWheelbase
How the Harley-Davidson Sportster XL Ironhead compares
This compares the motorcycle with all Harley-Davidson models in this specifications database. The blue marker is this model and the grey line is the Harley-Davidson database average.
Engine power40 hp
Low 19.3 hpAverage 63.9 hpHigh 119.7 hp
About 37% lower than the Harley-Davidson database average. Around the 9th percentile across Harley-Davidson models.
Displacement883 cc
Low 165 ccAverage 1,275 ccHigh 1,868 cc
About 31% lower than the Harley-Davidson database average. Around the 20th percentile across Harley-Davidson models.
Fuel capacity16.6 L
Low 7.9 LAverage 17 LHigh 22.7 L
Very close to the Harley-Davidson database average. Around the 37th percentile across Harley-Davidson models.
This model Harley-Davidson database average
Harley-Davidson database percentile rankings
Percentiles show where this motorcycle sits across the Harley-Davidson specifications database. They are descriptive database rankings, not performance ratings.
Engine power9th
40 hp — more powerful than about 9% of Harley-Davidson models with power data.
Displacement20th
883 cc — larger displacement than about 20% of Harley-Davidson models.
Fuel capacity37th
16.6 L — larger than about 37% of Harley-Davidson fuel tanks in this database.
Mechanical overview
Engine layout snapshot
V2, four-stroke • 883 cc • Air cooled • 40 hp
Chassis snapshot
Wheelbase 1,448 mm
4-speed • Chain (final drive) • 3.25-19 front / 3.25-19 rear
Additional useful specifications
| Front tire size |
3.25-19 |
| Rear tire size |
3.25-19 |
| Engine oil capacity |
2.80 L (2.96 US qt) |
| Power-to-weight ratio |
0.178 hp/kg |
| Power-to-weight |
178.2 hp/tonne |
| Specific power |
45.3 hp/L |
Model information
| Year released |
1957 |
| Category |
Sport |
Engine specifications
| Engine type |
V2, four-stroke |
| Displacement |
883 cc (53.88 cu in) |
| Power |
40 hp (29.2 kW) @ 5,500 rpm |
| Compression ratio |
7.0:1 |
| Cooling system |
Air |
| Fuel system |
Carburettor |
| Fuel control |
Overhead Valves (OHV) |
| Starter |
Kick |
| Oil capacity |
2.80 L (2.96 US qt) |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Gearbox |
4-speed |
| Final drive |
Chain (final drive) |
Chassis and suspension
| Frame |
Steel single downtube |
| Front suspension |
Hydraulic telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension |
Swing-arm, twin hydraulic shocks |
Brakes, wheels and tires
| Front brakes |
Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes |
Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Front tire |
3.25-19 |
| Rear tire |
3.25-19 |
| Wheels |
Wire spoked |
Dimensions and weight
| Dry weight |
224.5 kg (495 lb) |
| Wheelbase |
1,448 mm (57.0 inches) |
Fuel and emissions
| Fuel capacity |
16.60 L (4.39 US gal) |
Performance
| Top speed |
152.9 km/h (95.0 mph) |
| Power/weight ratio |
0.1781 hp/kg |
Electrical and instruments
| Electrical |
12 Volt system |
Other specifications
| Price as new |
US$ 1100. MSRP depends on country, taxes, accessories, etc. |
Disclaimer: Specifications may vary by market, trim, production date and optional equipment, and scraped or historical data can contain errors. Comparison and percentile values are calculated from Harley-Davidson models in this specifications database. Always double-check important specifications against the motorcycle owner’s/service manual and official Harley-Davidson information before relying on them. Visit the official Harley-Davidson website.