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2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron Overview
For 2011, Harley-Davidson offers the XL 883N Iron as a custom / cruiser motorcycle with 883 cc on tap. The 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron is built around a Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 8.8:1. Out on the road, the XL 883N Iron delivers 73 Nm @ 3750 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2011 XL 883N Iron tips the scales at 256.3 kg, carries a 12.5-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of Laden 653 mm and spans a 1519 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 44.3 kg lighter than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron spec sheet below.
2011 XL 883N Iron - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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🔧
Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
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📏
Accessible seat height: At just Laden 653 mm, flat-footing at a stop is easy for most riders - a genuine confidence builder for less experienced owners.
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⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Belt final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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ℹ️
Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the XL 883N Iron - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Air cooling on the XL 883N Iron keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the XL 883N Iron comes from Electronic sequential port fuel injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Brake disc and pad wear
Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by ∅39mm Fork up front and Coil-over, dual-adjustable preload at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Belt final drive keeps day-to-day maintenance minimal on the XL 883N Iron - just periodic tension and wear checks rather than the regular cleaning a chain demands.
Frame & chassis check
The Mild steel, tubular frame, circular sections, cast junctions Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions, MIG welded chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The XL 883N Iron's 256.3 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
XL 883N Iron - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept XL 883N Iron settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a XL 883N Iron's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the XL 883N Iron's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron have?
The 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron uses a Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder. engine with 883 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.
How much does the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron weigh?
The 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron weighs 256.3 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron make?
The 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron produces 73 Nm @ 3750 rpm of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron?
The 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron has a 12.5-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 208-250 km between stops.
Is the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron suitable for shorter riders?
The 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron has a seat height of Laden 653 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron have?
The 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron uses Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers at the front and Single ∅260mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron use?
The 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron runs 100/90B19 57H front and 130/90-16 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron have?
The 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron Spec Evolution
The Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron was produced across 6 model years (2009-2017). 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 |
2009 |
2010 |
2012 |
2013 |
2015 |
2017 |
| Engine Detail |
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder. |
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder. |
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder. |
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder. |
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder. |
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Seat Height |
Laden 653 mm / 25.7 in Unladen 683 mm / 26.9 in. |
Laden 653 mm / 25.7 in Unladen 683 mm / 26.9 in. |
Laden 653 mm / 25.7 in Unladen 683 mm / 26.9 in. |
Laden 653 mm / 25.7 in Unladen 683 mm / 26.9 in. |
Laden 653 mm / 25.7 in Unladen 683 mm / 26.9 in. |
Laden 653 mm / 25.7 in Unladen 734 mm / 28.9 in |
| Displacement |
883 cc / 50.8cu in/ |
883 cc / 50.8cu in/ |
883 cc / 50.8cu in/ |
883 cc / 50.8cu in/ |
883 cc / 50.8cu in/ |
883 cc / 53.9 cu-in |
| Brakes - Front |
Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers |
Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers |
Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers |
Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers |
Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers |
Single 300mm disc, 2 piston caliper |
| Brakes - Rear |
Single ∅260mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers |
Single ∅260mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers |
Single ∅260mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers |
Single ∅260mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers |
Single ∅260mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers |
Single 260mm disc, 2 piston caliper |
| Suspension - Front |
∅39mm Fork |
∅39mm Fork |
∅39mm Fork |
∅39mm Fork |
∅39mm Fork |
39mm Fork |
| Length |
2179 mm / 85.4 in |
2179 mm / 85.4 in |
2179 mm / 85.4 in |
2179 mm / 85.4 in |
2179 mm / 85.4 in |
2179 mm / 85.8 in |
| Rake |
31.1° |
31.1° |
31.1° |
31.1° |
31.1° |
30° |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Power
Not published by manufacturer
Torque
73 Nm / 7.44 kgf-m / 53.8 ft/lb @ 3750 rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Weight
256.3 kg / 565 lbs
Fuel Capacity
12.5 Litres / 3.3 US gal
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Full 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron Specifications
Year
2011 - 12
Make Model
Harley Davidson XL 883N Iron
Seat Height
Laden 653 mm / 25.7 in Unladen 683 mm / 26.9 in.
Wheelbase
1519 mm / 59.5 in.
Ground Clearance
120 mm / 4.7 in
Height
1107 mm / 43.5 in
Length
2179 mm / 85.4 in
Width
821 mm / 32.3 in
Fuel Capacity
12.5 Litres / 3.3 US gal
Oil Capacity
2.6 Litres / 0.69 US gal
Wet Weight
256.3 kg / 565 lbs
Displacement
883 cc / 50.8cu in/
Engine Detail
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke
76.2 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio
8.8:1
Cooling System
Air cooled
Exhaust
Chrome, staggered, shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Fuel Induction
Electronic sequential port fuel injection
Ignition
Digital CDI
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final Drive
Belt
Gear Ratios
1st 10.407 / 2nd 7.436 / 3rd 5.53 / 4th 4.583 / 5th 3.93
Primary Drive
Chain, 34/57 ratio
Transmission / Drive
5 Speed
Frame Type
Mild steel, tubular frame, circular sections, cast junctions Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions, MIG welded
Suspension - Front
∅39mm Fork
Suspension - Rear
Coil-over, dual-adjustable preload
Rake
31.1°
Trail
117 mm / 4.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front
92 mm / 3.62 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
41 mm / 1.6 in.
Brakes - Front
Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single ∅260mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers
Tyres - Front
100/90B19 57H
Tyres - Rear
130/90-16
Wheels - Front
Black, 13-spoke cast aluminium
Wheels - Rear
Black, 13-spoke cast auminium
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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