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While the 2009 Sportster lineup is completed with the introduction of the brand new Iron 883, we shouldn’t forget how this model was born from the combination between the Low and Custom ones that have kept on going strong in the last few years. These bikes are also new and look like being built following some unique recipes, but in fact they’re nothing but different rides suiting different rider needs while benefiting of the same V-twin engine.
IntroductionHarley-Davidson has long thought us that a bike can take different forms and so catch on to the public in a variety of ways and the best thing about it is that it doesn’t require that much engineering. You simply design one engine and use it on all bikes in the same range. In this case, we’re talking about the 53.86 cu. in. air-cooled, Evolution motor capable of 55.00 ft lbs of torque at 3,500 rpm being used on both the Low and Custom models. Fuel injected through an electronic sequential port system, mated to a five-speed tranny (with slightly taller gear ratios on the Custom model) and needing to move around a less than 600 lbs wet weight no matter model, the V-twin gets good mpg too - claimed 60 on the highway and 45 in the city.  2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Custom The whole difference between the two models consists in chassis mods making the Sportster 883 Low more compact and, obviously, lower as well as the Sportster 883 Custom longer and sleeker. Featuring low profile ergonomics with a seat height of just 25.3 inches, the Sportster 883 Low offers an exciting combination of precise handling and stunning style, including a new front fender that hugs the silver cast aluminum wheel. The 883 Low inspires confident riding for those who appreciate a lighter, nimble motorcycle with signature Evolution V-Twin performance. Those seeking a laid-back, two-up custom ride need look no further than the 883 Custom. With a new suspension and lighter rear wheel, a 4.5-gallon fuel tank, two-up seat, and pullback handlebar riser, the 883 Custom rolls down the road with true style, comfort and offering the very same authentic American V-Twin performance. HistorySo check out the Sportster timeline here and see how the American Company achieved this with small, but important steps. Competition 2009 Star V Star 1100 Classic and Custom The Japanese manufacturers sure had where to inspire and deliver their very own motorcycles to meet the same riding demands and cut in the same market share. In 2009, the Star V Star 1100 Custom stands out as being a long, low and simple bike relying also on a V-twin motor, a SOHC, 65 cu. in. one that is carbureted, but still grunty. The bike - which is Candy Red painted for 2009 - starts at $9,190 and that’s the biggest drawback it has in comparison to the two Harleys.  2009 Suzuki Boulevard M50 Special Edition Suzuki’s Boulevard lineup is as highly providing as Star’s and here’s where we find the M50/Special Edition models being powered by the same 49.1 cu. in. OHC, V-twin that is fuel injected so it compensates for the smaller engine displacement both than on the Harley and Star bikes. The seat is low (27.6 inches from the ground), the looks are attractive and, most likely the best of this bike, is that it starts at $7,799/7,999. The 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom doesn’t come out of this equation as features such as the 903cc, SOHC, V-twin, low seat height (only 27 inches), light weight (610.8 lbs wet) and the $7,699 starting price make sure to keep it well within the riders preferences. ExteriorBut there’s something about the 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 models that sets them apart from the competition, the original look saying “it all began with us” and the rebel image and attitude related to the it all contribute at determining riders in the US get their own Sportster.  2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Low The 883 Low is characterized by the 13-spoke Cast Aluminum 19-inch front wheel which in 2009 gets a low profile fender and is supported by low profile forks. The solo seat is also low (only 25.3 inches from the ground) and the rear end has been lowered too so “low” is the dominating word here and that’s where the model name comes from in case it wasn’t that conclusive from the very first sight. Yet, the 3.3 gallons fuel tank is pretty high mounted on the frame’s lump and that determined designers to add the wide reduced-reach polished handlebar both from proper handling and distinctive style purposes. Chrome Laced Steel wheels are optional on the Low version while the colors available are Vivid Black; Pewter Pearl; Dark Blue Pearl; Red Hot Sunglo (New).  2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Custom The 883 Custom features Chrome Laced Steel wheels as standard equipment and that 21-inch one at front definitely helps setting it apart from the Low model which is kind of the simplest one among the Sportster 883 range. This special one comes with a lighter Silver Solid Disc Cast Aluminum 16-inch rear wheel and does feature a passenger seat in case you were already looking for one in the accessory list. The engine is power-coated in silver while the 4.5 gallons gas tank is built around the frame rather than on it and this allows for the low-rise handlebar to be mounted on the Custom and so offer the rider a much more chopperesque riding position. There is a whole range of colors available (both simple and two-tone) and they all correspond with the requirements of the Custom name: Vivid Black; Pewter Pearl; Flame Blue Pearl (New); Red Hot Sunglo (New); Two-Tone White Gold Pearl/Pewter Pearl; Two-Tone Red Hot Sunglo/Smokey Gold (New); Two-Tone Black Ice/Blue Ice (Custom Color Available October through December PriceAnother thing making sure of that is affordability. With the 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Low starting at $6,999 and the 883 Custom starting at $7,999, you won’t find many riders trying to find a better and cheaper alternative as there simply isn’t such thing as that. ConclusionHarley-Davidson learned to adapt their offer by the evolution of the market and the high demand of cheap, economic, but still original, powerful and light handling motorcycles determined the heads of the company to keep on pumping wind in the sails of small Sportsters. Apart from the Low and Custom, the Iron is the latest result of the inspired measure. ---- SPECIFICATIONS 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Custom
Engine and Transmission Chassis and DimensionsBrakes: Dual-piston front, single-piston rear ElectricalInstruments: Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, low fuel warning light, Features 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Low
Sportster 883 Low features:Sportster 883 Custom features:
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