2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Specifications

Name: 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883
Brand: Harley-Davidson

Custom / cruiser • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

No images available

Tap to enlarge

2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Overview

The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 is a custom / cruiser motorcycle. Under the tank sits a V2, four-stroke engine, a compression ratio of 8.9:1. The bore and stroke measures 76.2 x 96.8 mm. 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 delivers 72.95 Nm @ 3750 Revolutions of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2015 Sportster Iron 883 tips the scales at 260 kg, carries a 12.49-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 653 mm and spans a 1,519 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 20.9 kg lighter than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 compared with other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category

Here is how the 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 stacks up against other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1316 models.

Seat height of 653 mm is lower than that of 1155 of the other 1315 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category.
Only 301 of the other 1052 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category have a lower torque than the 73 Nm of the Sportster Iron 883.
Narrowing the field to the 646 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 653 mm is lower than that of 540 of the other 645.

Versus the 2014 model

The figures we track are unchanged from the 2014 model: peak torque, wet weight and seat height all match.

2015 Sportster Iron 883 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: The fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Strong front braking: The single disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
ABS fitted: Anti-lock braking is standard, adding a real margin of safety on wet roads or in an emergency stop.
Accessible seat height: At 653 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.
Low-maintenance final drive: Belt final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.

Considerations

Age-related wear: As with any used Sportster Iron 883, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling comes from fuel injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.

Brake disc and pad wear

The single disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by belt - lower maintenance than chain with no lubrication needed, but tension and tooth wear should still be checked at service intervals.

Handling the weight at a standstill

At 260 kg, the Sportster Iron 883 is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.

Sportster Iron 883 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 custom / cruiser, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs belt final drive, so check belt tension and tooth wear - a cracked or glazed belt is a clear sign of neglect. Now 11 years old, this custom / cruiser is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Sportster Iron 883 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the Sportster Iron 883's v2, four-stroke engine. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. The sump holds 2.60 litres, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. With an 8.9:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Fuel system care

The Sportster Iron 883's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.

2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 have?

The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 is powered by a V2, four-stroke engine.

How much does the 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 weigh?

The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 weighs 260 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much torque does the 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 produce?

The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 produces 72.95 Nm @ 3750 Revolutions of torque.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883?

The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 has a 12.49-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 208-249 km between stops.

Is the 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 has a seat height of 653 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.

What brakes does the 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 have?

The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 uses single disc with Optional ABS at the front and single disc at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 use?

The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 runs 100/90-B19 front and 150/80-B16 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

How much oil does the 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 take?

The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 takes 2.60 litres of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.

Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Spec Evolution

The Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 was produced across 6 model years (2014-2019). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019
Wet Weight	260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs	260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs	260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs	256.0 kg / 564.4 lbs	256.0 kg / 564.4 lbs	256.0 kg / 564.4 lbs
Dry Weight	251 kg / 553.3 lbs	251 kg / 553.3 lbs	251 kg / 553.3 lbs	247 kg / 544.5 lbs	247 kg / 544.5 lbs	247 kg / 544.5 lbs
Engine Detail	Air-cooled, Evolution®	Air-cooled, Evolution®	Air-cooled, Evolution®	Air-cooled, Evolution®	Air-cooled, Evolution®	Air-cooled, Evolution®
Fuel Capacity	12.49 litres / 3.30 gallons	12.49 litres / 3.30 gallons	12.49 litres / 3.30 gallons	12.50 litres / 3.30 gallons	12.50 litres / 3.30 gallons	12.50 litres / 3.30 US gallons
Oil Capacity (Quarts)	0.17 quarts	0.17 quarts	0.17 quarts	0.17 quarts	0.17 quarts	2.75 US quarts
Ground Clearance (mm)	99 mm	100 mm	100 mm	100 mm	100 mm	140 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)	3.9 inches	3.9 inches	3.9 inches	3.9 inches	3.9 inches	5.5 inches
Displacement (ci)	53.90 cubic inches	-	-	-	-	53.88 cubic inches

Key Specifications

Engine

V2, four-stroke

Power

Not recorded

Torque

72.95 Nm (7.4 kgf-m or 53.8 ft.lbs) @ 3750 Revolutions

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs

Fuel Capacity

12.49 litres / 3.30 gallons

Full 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Specifications

Colours Hard Candy Quicksilver Flake, Sand Cammo Denim, Black Denim, Brilliant Silver Pearl

Ground Clearance (in.) 3.9 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 100 mm

Seat Height 653 mm / 25.7 in.

Wheelbase 1,519 mm / 59.8 in.

Length 2,179 mm / 85.8 in.

Oil Capacity (l) 2.60 litres

Oil Capacity (Quarts) 0.17 quarts

Dry Weight 251 kg / 553.3 lbs

Fuel Capacity 12.49 litres / 3.30 gallons

Wet Weight 260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs

Max Torque 72.95 Nm (7.4 kgf-m or 53.8 ft.lbs) @ 3750 Revolutions

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.2084 HP/kg

Bore x Stroke (in,) 3.0 x 3.8 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 76.2 x 96.8 mm

CO2 107.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)

Engine Type V2, four-stroke

Engine Detail Air-cooled, Evolution®

Fuel System Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Compression Ratio 8.9:1

Engine Lubrication Dry sump

Exhaust Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers

Fuel Consumption 4.61 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l or 51.02 mpg)

Starter Electric

Clutch Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Final Drive Belt

Gearbox 6-speed

Rake 30.5°

Trail 117 mm / 4.6 in.

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

Lighting system High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 11.8 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 300 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 11.8 inches

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 300 mm

Brakes - Front Single disc. Optional ABS

Brakes - Rear Single disc

Rims Black, 13-Spoke Cast Aluminum

Tyres - Front 100/90-B19

Tyres - Rear 150/80-B16

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.