Motorcycle specifications Harley-DavidsonXL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012 A taste of the dark

presentation of the XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012

now it's the Sportster 883's turn to sink into the gloomy, disquieting depths populated by inky souls, where the black sun toasts the skin of bikers steeped in dreams and stories. In this dark land, there's one family that intends to shine with the brilliance of its steel covered in darkness: Harley's DARK CUSTOM range. A few Milwaukee models have created the clan; their names are Night Rod, Cross Bones, Night Train, Nighster, Street Bob and Fat Bob. The 883 joins them, taking on the name Iron.

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how do you transform the most accessible model in the Harley range into the bad boy with the temperament of steel? Simple. All you have to do is cover it entirely in black paint, add some protective gussets, add a single-seater saddle and Black Drag handlebars, and show off the 2 short exhausts one on top of the other. In short, it's not so much a new model as an additional color (Black Denim) to expand the Dark Custom range. For the more discerning, the 883 Iron is also available in grey (Brilliant Silver).

there are no technical changes to report on the Sportster Iron. The 45° twin-cylinder produces 53 hp, transmitted by a belt to the 16-inch rear wheel. The handsome, menacing 19-inch front rim houses a single brake disc. The Iron doesn't care about the superfluous, seeking a stripped-down, deep, mean side... more at home in the Miracle Court than at Balthazar Plinhozass dinners.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos

Published on 10/12/20
by Greg

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Key facts Harley-Davidson XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON (2012) : What you need to know before you buy

Highlights

• Dark style
• Low seat
• Highlighted exhausts

Weak points

• Few changes
• 1 single front brake disc

Prices

	Basic version
France	8,495€

Bikers' reviews

of 23 reviews Read reviews

Model sold in 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Replace XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2011

XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2011

Replaced by

XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2013

Performance

• Max speed : approximately 160 km/h (99.40 mph)
• Average fuel consumption : 4.60 liters/100km (0.51 mpg)
• Estimated range : 272 km (169 miles)
  Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.

Gallery

Used

XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2016

8600€

SPORTSTER 883 IRON 2016

7990€

SPORTSTER IRON 883 2014

8490€

SPORTSTER IRON 883 2018

10990€

SPORTSTER IRON 883 2014

7990€

SPORTSTER 883 2014

7990€

SPORTSTER 883 2019

8120€

SPORTSTER IRON 883 2013

7500€

Pure pleasure awaits you! Explore our selection of used motorcycles.

Competitors

Kawasaki W 800 2012

Triumph 865 BONNEVILLE 2012

Honda VT 750 Shadow C2B Black Spirit 2012

Moto-Guzzi V7 750 Stone 2012

Find others Naked of 2012

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 23 reviews

Very pleased

Us1111 Model 2009

A great machine from 2009 never had any problems an everyday bike with 35000 km on the odometer a Best a must 10/26/2025 12:38 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Us1111

Cedsteph Model 2014

Bought two weeks ago by Madame. I put it through its paces. Quick to handle, very maneuverable despite being heavier than my 2005 Triumph Speedmaster, even in 5th gear at 110, it responds to the demand for acceleration when overtaking. A nice little toy, except for the suspensions, which are a bit stiff for my neck when there are unavoidable bumps in the road. The main thing is that the lady feels good on it, and that she's enjoying riding again after stopping for 3 years. Ride safe. ✌️ 06/23/2023 12:39 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Cedsteph

boutek Model 2018

i bought this bike in september 2021, model 2018 with only 500 kms on the odometer
1st Harley, after 3 sporty CBRs and VFRs, fairly easy to get to grips with and very pleasant riding position, it handles like a bike, the only downside is the tank capacity and the brakes are a bit weak
otherwise superb machine with a magnificent sound (pot cobra) 04/28/2022 18:14 Rating : 4/5 Respond to boutek

La vraie

RustyFrenchy Model 2011

As enthusiasts know, few Harley models are as legendary as the Sportster
Excellent handling and dynamic motorcycle, customizable as a chopper, Bobber, café, tracker and so on
If you're looking for my homebrew, Google BO883R, by Rusty Frenchy. 08/28/2021 15:37 Rating : 5/5 Respond to RustyFrenchy

Très satisfait

Guillaume Model 2020

I bought this bike in July 2020, received it in October, very very happy. I really liked the look, not too big, in full black. First bike, very satisfied, my dealer prepared it well, equipped with Vance and Hines pots without chicane the noise is just magnificent, small tank riser, orange reflectors removed and mirrors reversed, led headlight with headlight grille, black turn signals, spoiler installed the look is even nicer to my taste. Friends who had strong preconceptions about this "little" Harley, which isn't a 1200...., were surprised and delighted when they tried it out, far from what they'd imagined. I ride quietly, so the power suits me laaaaaaaaaaargely I ride 50 in town.... and 80/100 on the roads, so the power is correct. acceleration in town is frank, and I'm pleasantly surprised. it's clear that if you're used to a sports bike or a stage 4 breakout, you'll find the Iron soft, but it suits me fine :) the ride is quiet, and it's got a nice face 02/26/2021 10:45 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Guillaume

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Pascal Model 2016

We bought this bike a few months ago, I'm happy overall. Iron 883 2016 1260 km at purchase today 3500 km approximately. The pluses, a very nice noise with its Stage 1. It's our first Harley, so it took a while to get used to it (compared to the other bikes I've ridden), and the brakes are completely different from the Japanese ones. If I had to give a mark out of 10 ... 7,5/10
Nice acceleration from start-up to 3rd gear, but after that it's true that this bike is a bit pushy. No problem, personally, we've adopted it. To sum up, it's great on its own, but with two it's a bit tight
Bonne route à tous. Pascal and Martine. 02/25/2021 20:18 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Pascal

zegreenarrow Model 2020

received a week ago....since then the weather has been rotten...no chance....I'm looking forward to enjoying it. 11/28/2019 08:11 Rating : 5/5 Respond to zegreenarrow

revue technique

yves Model 2019

bonJour je cherche la revue technique en francais de la iron XL 883 N DE 2018..
autrement elle est agreable a conduire bonne tenue sur la route seul bemol pas tres confortable au moindre trous yves 11/11/2019 12:07 Rating : 3/5 Respond to yves

XL 883N N SPORSTER IRON 2018

yves Model 2018

VERY FEW KM ON THE ODOMETER...
BUT DRIVING VERY AGREABLE but very steep at the slightest bump or hole due to the road....by cons I would love to find the technical review.anne 2018
yves 08/20/2019 19:08 Rating : 4/5 Respond to yves

Brutis de cassrerole sur Harley 883 Iron...

Tienou13 Model 2015

First HD, engine sounds like pots and pans, plus exhausts with muffler. Is it normal to have such a noise?
Thanks 08/03/2019 23:44 Rating : 2/5 Respond to Tienou13

yves

bonjour tienou 13....a mon avis t\'a un probleme....n'oublie pas que ce sont des becannes qui vibre beaucoup....a tu controler vos resserage ?....a tu de l\'hule ?..AUTREMENT FAIT LA VOIR PAR UN PROFESSINNEL
yves 08/21/2019 12:05 Rating : 3/5 Participate in the conversation

N'achetez pas ça

lysian Model 2012

I've got it, and frankly it's a mess.
She fell, and I still haven't been able to get her up. 08/21/2018 10:43 Rating : 1/5 Respond to lysian

Un 883 Iron en 1er achat pour un A2 ?

marsalpil Model 2016

Hello new A2 72 years old what do you think of the 883 for a 1st purchase?
Marc 04/02/2018 13:24 Rating : 4/5 Respond to marsalpil

iron Model 2011

a HARLEY , very accessible , both financially , handling , driving pleasure

still requires the installation of a Stage 1
to bring out the true character of the twin! 08/26/2016 13:06 Rating : 5/5 Respond to iron

jimmy Model 2016

for the 2016 model, very pleasant bike, very easy to handle, the small flash box with the air filter is however necessary! very pleasant to ride 08/18/2016 08:03 Rating : 5/5 Respond to jimmy

Le celte Model 2016

Jolie machine seul bémol son prix sur évalué.a voir pour utiliser en duo 07/25/2016 00:53 Rating : 3/5 Respond to Le celte

steadfast Model 2015

This is my first HD.
Lovely face, very cool original pot singing, but you have to put on stage 1 right from the start or you'll get a bit bored in terms of performance. But that's just a matter of taste. 07/11/2016 12:29 Rating : 5/5 Respond to steadfast

Dgé 71 Model 2016

No longer allowed to read TINTIN (77 years old), I bought the IRON... After the 883 of 2009. A little more comfortable when seated, but still unpleasant vibrations on the handlebars. Everything else is OK. I'm thinking of changing models for my 80th birthday. 06/05/2016 11:23 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Dgé 71

Guigui Model 2016

I'm over the moon! Comfortable, easy to handle, well balanced...

The only downside is its range, which is a bit short for long, organized rides! But fortunately, there are pumps everywhere 😉

Customizable in every sense! Basically, paradise!

In conclusion, I love my Harley, I'd even go so far as to say I'm crazy about my iron! 05/26/2016 23:29 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Guigui

super iron !

Nico52 Model 2009

after 24 years of japanese ( which are very good ), i switched to american ...
it's very different!
not the same sensations, another pleasure.
what's more, the iron gives an impression of freedom, US-style, and people's eyes are always on it.
and above all, it's the most affordable Harley on the market.
happy with my investment... 03/14/2015 00:48 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Nico52

Des sensations

Jack_Lingo Model 2013

Happy owner of my first Harley (after 30 years on the road), I rediscover a very natural feel for my Sportster 883 iron. Well, very quickly, to maintain the biker's image, I added a few accessories: advanced controls, a conical air filter, and exhaust pipes with valves for a more masculine sound. In short, a return to animal values that are so exhilarating... Jacques 11/21/2013 11:09 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Jack_Lingo

Jorge Model 2009

Order form signed at the beginning of July, two months to wait for the 2010 vintage (it's going like hotcakes!)

Patience... patience! 07/19/2009 23:00 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Jorge

Pascal Model 2009

it's done, I've let myself go. I've got the order form, but I've got to wait 10 days before I can stroke the beast (10 fucking days)
No more full-on, full-on, full-on Japanese girls. Now I've made up my mind, I'm going for a walk. 02/14/2009 18:34 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Pascal

torque Model 2009

I think the iron version is very nice, sober and tasteful
A machine I'd like to have in my garage, given the current repression times
What's more, 883s are renowned for their low maintenance costs
After the HD image, love it or hate it
01/29/2009 11:23 Rating : 5/5 Respond to torque

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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012

What is the power of the XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012?

The XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012 develops a power of 54 ch (53.30 hp)

What is the torque of the XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012?

The maximum torque of the XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012 is 7 mkg to 3,750 rpm.

What is the maximum speed of the XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012?

The XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012 is capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 160 km/h (99.40 mph) on the track.

What is the weight of the XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012?

The XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012 has a a dry weight of 251 kg (553 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 263 kg (580 lb).

What is the fuel consumption of the XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012?

Average fuel consumption is estimated at 4.60 l/100km (0.51 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.

QWhat is the seat height of the XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012?

To ensure good accessibility, the XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012 offers a minimum seat height of 643 mm (25.31 in).

What is the price of the XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012?

The price of the XL 883 SPORTSTER IRON 2012 is 8,495€ in France