MotoSpecs

2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron vs 2016 Indian Scout

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
256.3 kg / 565 lbs
2016 Indian Scout 2016 Indian Scout

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4-Valves Per Cylinder,
Power
100 hp / 74.5 kW @ 8100 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
253 kg / 558 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2011 - 122015 - 16
Make ModelHarley Davidson XL 883N IronIndian Scout
Dimensions
Seat HeightLaden 653 mm / 25.7 in Unladen 683 mm / 26.9 in.673 mm / 26.5 in Laden 643 mm/ 25.3 in
Wheelbase1519 mm / 59.5 in.1562 mm / 61.5 in
Ground Clearance120 mm / 4.7 in135 mm / 5.3 in
Height1107 mm / 43.5 in1207 mm / 47.5 in
Length2179 mm / 85.4 in2311 mm / 91 in
Width821 mm / 32.3 in880 mm / 34.6 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-244 kg / 538 lbs
Fuel Capacity12.5 Litres / 3.3 US gal12.5 Litres / 3.3 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-449 kg / 988 lbs
Oil Capacity2.6 Litres / 0.69 US gal4.73 Litres
Wet Weight256.3 kg / 565 lbs253 kg / 558 lbs
Performance
Max Power-100 hp / 74.5 kW @ 8100 rpm
Max Torque73 Nm / 7.44 kgf-m / 53.8 ft/lb @ 3750 rpm72.2 ft-lbs / 97.7 Nm @ 5900 rpm
Engine
Displacement883 cc / 50.8cu in/1133 cc / 69 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4-Valves Per Cylinder,
Bore x Stroke76.2 x 96.8 mm99 x 73.6mm / 3.898× x 2.898×
Compression Ratio8.8:110.7:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid Cooled
Engine Oil Specification-SAE 15W60
ExhaustChrome, staggered, shorty exhaust with dual mufflersSplit dual exhaust with crossover, Exhaust Control Two O2 sensors, one each bank, single three-way catalyst in each muffler
Fuel InductionElectronic sequential port fuel injectionElectronic fuel injection, closed loop/60 mm bore
IgnitionDigital CDI-
Lubrication-Semi-Dry Sump
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 volts / 12 amp/hour, 210 CCA, Maintenance Free AGM
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bathWet, multi-plate
Final DriveBeltBelt drive, 141 tooth
Final Drive Ratio-2.357:1
Gear Ratios1st 10.407 / 2nd 7.436 / 3rd 5.53 / 4th 4.583 / 5th 3.931st 10.782:1 2nd 7.328:1 3rd 5.841:1 4th 4.957:1 5th 4.380:1 6th 4.034:1
Primary DriveChain, 34/57 ratio Gear drive wet clutch
Transmission / Drive5 Speed6 Speed sliding-mesh/foot shift
Chassis
Frame TypeMild steel, tubular frame, circular sections, cast junctions Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions, MIG welded-
Suspension - Front∅39mm Fork41 mm Telescopic fork,
Suspension - RearCoil-over, dual-adjustable preloadDual shocks
Rake31.1°29°
Trail117 mm / 4.6 in119.9 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front92 mm / 3.62 in.120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear41 mm / 1.6 in.76 mm / 3.0 in
Electrical Systems
Charging System-35 amp max output
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipersSingle 298 mm rotor with 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle ∅260mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipersSingle 298 mm rotor with 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front100/90B19 57H130/90-16 72H
Tyres - Rear130/90-16150/80-16 71H
Wheels - FrontBlack, 13-spoke cast aluminiumCast 16" x 3.5"
Wheels - RearBlack, 13-spoke cast auminiumCast 16" x 3.5"

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 Indian Scout

The 2016 Indian Scout edges out the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron thanks to its liquid cooling, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: Laden 653 mm vs 673 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2016 Indian Scout - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Larger displacement: 1133 cc vs 883 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More ground clearance: 135 mm vs 120 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 76 mm vs 41 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 120 mm vs 92 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron vs 2016 Indian Scout - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron and 2016 Indian Scout?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron uses Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder., while the 2016 Indian Scout is powered by Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4-Valves Per Cylinder,.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron or the 2016 Indian Scout?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron has the lower seat at Laden 653 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 Indian Scout sits higher at 673 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron or the 2016 Indian Scout?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2016 Indian Scout stands out for liquid cooling and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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