Harley-Davidson->ke300 adds to its extensive 'small bike' family with the 2015 Iron 883. With roots going all the way back through earlier XL models to the 1950's K-Model, the Iron has a top-notch pedigree with plenty of modern features to keep it relevant in the current entry-level market. To me, this is yet another example of how the factory tends to look back to established traditions while pushing forward into new technology and ever-increasing customer expectations.

Continue reading for more information on the Harley-Davidson Iron 883.

harley-davidson-iron-883

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: harley-davidson-iron-883

2015 Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Harley-Davidson Iron 883
  • Engine/Motor: Air-cooled, Evolution®
  • Torque: 52
  • Transmission: 5-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Design

Fans of the franchise will instantly recognize the classic Sportster->ke1818 design, but the factory wasn't building 'just another XL' when they set this baby up. Built as a stock bike with many features that one would normally only see on a custom ride, I guess you could consider this to be another 'showroom custom', similar to the Breakout in the Softail->ke1819 family. From the narrow XL front end, across the 'fat peanut' tank and Evolution engine, to the traditional rear fender, there is very little in the way of chrome highlights. Instead, Harley endowed the Iron with their “blacked out” look on the fork lower legs, drag-style handlebars, mirrors, engine, rear fender struts and turn signals, giving the bike an unapologetic aggressive look. The factory even gave it the black fork dust covers a la Cafe' Racer->ke3530 to deepen the historical ties. Black is very slimming (does this paint make me look fat?) and so the blacked-out features are rather inconspicuous, lending this sled a clean look that is further accentuated by the offset license plate holder that leaves the rear fender uncluttered and beautifully exposed.

Chassis

Both the front and rear suspensions are slammed down to their practical limits, leaving the bike with a low laden seat height (for a Sporty) of a mere 25.7 inches. This low seat height, coupled with the drag bars and mid-mount controls, creates a compact rider triangle that is sure to suit all but the shortest (or tallest) riders. The blacked-out, 13-spoke wheels mount Michelin Scorcher tires that use cutting-edge synthetic polymers to provide both grip and durability – which are usually mutually exclusive – and the tread design provides excellent water evacuation for those non-fair-weather riders who aren't put off by a little inclement weather. A single caliper front and rear handles the braking duties, and while I prefer dual brakes up front, the bike weighs a mere 562 pounds (plus rider) so this brake arrangement is sufficient to keep you safe, and it leaves a fairly unimpeded view of the front wheel. In addition, the optional ABS keeps you confident in all braking situations. Harley says they used the 'classic' peanut tank (3.3 gallons) on this model, but the original peanut tanks only held 2.1 gallons. I'd like to say that I prefer the smaller 'true peanut' tank, but I don't miss having to carry extra fuel in bottles on my saddlebags just to make it between fuel stops on long trips. Give me the 3.3 gallon tank any day!

Drivetrain

The tried-and-true, air-cooled, 883 cc Evolution engine serves as the beating heart of this blacked-out bruiser. Though it is a classic engine design that was first seen back in 1986, the factory changed out the Mikuni CV carb in favor of an Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection system, and the engine generates 53.8 pound-feet of torque at 3,750 rpm, while keeping the fuel economy around 51 mpg. A 'closed-loop' exhaust system complete with miniature HO2 (heated oxygen) sensors keep emissions within current, and future, worldwide emissions standards. I like the classic looks, I really do, but as iconic as the air cleaner is, I wish the factory had done away with the old ham-can air cleaner in favor of something with less knee-bashing potential. The good news there is that it only takes one flip through the Screamin' Eagle catalog to take care of that little detail (wink nudge).

Price

You can get the sheet metal shot in Brilliant Silver Pearl, Sand Cammo Denim or Black Denim for a paltry $8,399, which places it well within the entry-level range, and the Hard-Candy paint options can be had for $9,149. The ABS is optional at $795, as is the security system at $395 and the California emissions for another bill ($100). Freight rounds out the sticker with an additional $360.

He Said:

“I always liked the Sportsters. My first and current bikes are both Sporties, and they are just fine around town for barhopping and light grocery runs. The only time I have problems is making long trips at highway speeds with much longer-legged big-twins, but I have plans to go up to a 30-tooth front sprocket (up from 27) to lower my rpm on the interstate. Not a huge problem, mind you, but worth keeping in mind if you think that you may want to take some long-distance rides.”

She Said

My wife and fellow writer, Allyn Hinton, says, "For the price, it's a good entry-level bike, that's true, but my husband's Sportster has served us well as a third vehicle for many years. For quick runs into town, it's a much more economical ride than our cage vehicles. At times, I think he looks for an excuse to go to town. Okay, I'll admit that sometimes I do, too. Back in the day, that Evolution engine almost put Harley out of business, it was so reliable. I can't say enough about these Sportsters; the Iron 883 is tried and true tradition with classic looks."

She Said:

Specifications

Engine:

Air-cooled, Evolution®

Bore:

3.0 Inches

Stroke:

3.811 Inches

Displacement:

53.9 Cubic Inches

Compression Ratio:

9 to 1

Fuel System:

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Primary Drive:

Chain, 34/57 ratio

Gear Ratios (overall) 1st:

10.41

Gear Ratios (overall) 2nd:

7.436

Gear Ratios (overall) 3rd:

5.531

Gear Ratios (overall) 4th:

4.584

Gear Ratios (overall) 5th:

3.931

Exhaust:

Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers

Wheels, Front Type:

Black, 13-Spoke Cast Aluminum

Wheels, Rear Type:

Black, 13-Spoke Cast Aluminum

Brakes, Caliper Type:

Dual-piston front, Dual-piston rear

Engine Torque Testing Method:

J1349

Engine Torque:

53.8 Pound-Feet

Engine Torque (rpm) :

3,750

Lean Angle, Right:

29 Degrees

Lean Angle, Left:

30 Degrees

Fuel Economy: Combined City/Hwy:

51 mpg

Length:

88.8 Inches

Seat Height, Unladen:

28.9 Inches

Ground Clearance:

4.7 Inches

Rake (steering head) :

30.5 Degrees

Trail:

4.6 Inches

Wheelbase:

59.5 Inches

Tires, Front Specification:

100/90B19 57H

Tires, Rear Specification:

150/80B16 77H

Fuel Capacity:

3.3 Gallons

Oil Capacity (w/filter) :

2.8 Quarts

Weight, As Shipped:

540 Pounds

Weight, In Running Order:

562 Pounds

Lights (as per country regulation), Indicator Lamps:

High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system, ABS

Gauges:

Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock, dual tripmeter, low fuel warning light, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, RPM/gear display, ABS light , LED indicator lights


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