Harley Davidson XL 883 Sportster Superlow (2011-current): Τhe most user friendly, Harley…

Engine: The air-cooled V-twin, fueled by injection 883 cc engine, delivers 50 bhp and 70 Nm/3750 rpm torque, nominal values. There is only an electronic speedometer, no rpm meter provided.
The engine revs up slowly, producing some vibration, as well as a nice and relatively discreet sound. Top power delivery feels moderate considered the engine capacity, while torque is satisfying.

H-D fans are kindly asked to skip the following phrase, that means without reading it. At the limit of engine revs, first gear produces 60 km / h extremely fast, second gear produces 100 km / h very quickly.
Probably this is something like the useless information of the week to a Harley owner or future customer. On the contrary many people will claim that this is not what a H-D bike stands for and indeed they are right. There is no point torturing the engine, performance is not the strongest point of the engine, the low rpm torque is adequate to make things going.

There is quite a different sensation derived from engine operation though, that is on leisure riding or highway cruising at about 80-100 Km/h. Riding is sweet and comfortable then, yet almost exciting for the rider.
Although a speed higher than 160 km / h may be indicated, the Iron is not very effective then. Actually acceleration is decreased above 100 km / h. Gearbox feels relatively firm.

Riding position: The height of the seat is very low at 695 mm, even very short riders will step both feet firm on the ground. Specifically these riders will make themselves very comfortable quite easily even if they are sited at the rear of the saddle. The 883 Superlow is an undisputable very user friendly bike.

The dimensions of the bike are average, especially the height, which is small. The bike feels quite heavy, 251 Kgs dry, while centre of gravity feels in the middle of the motorcycle. Rider feels mostly in the bike, just a hint on the bike, riding position is relatively neutral. Rider’s arms are comfortably stretched forward.

On the road: The fork is soft, the two shock absorbers are relatively soft. The tyres fitted are made by Michelin, the model used is the Schorcher 11. Their dimensions are 120/70-18 to the front and 150/80-17 to the rear.

     On urban rides the Low is a neutral, easy and very agile bike. As one would expect, the Superlow imposes a slow pace mood.
     Steering lock is relatively good. During filtering the height of the handlebar is about the same with that of car mirrors, it will not be an issue though.
     Average street imperfections are absorbed relatively well by the fork, the shocks will not be very sufficient to that. In the case of large imperfections, they are not absorbed efficiently by the fork either.

On B-roads at a normal pace, the Superlow is a pleasant , agile - neutral bike. Rider will be fulfilled by enjoying the process of riding instead of charging.

At a faster pace, handling is not really neutral. Ground clearance is quite small 100 mm, the rider’s pegs will touch onto the road, before he will enjoy the pace. Experienced riders will be surprised with the effortless foot peg dragging, even on average friction factor streets.
Novice riders who will attempt a more spirited riding, they will soon exercise the peg dragging technique, on a decent friction factor road. This limits cornering speed well before the whole tyre width is exploited.

          Attempting a spirited riding except from ground clearance, the front wheel feels abstracted.
     Feedback to the rider is relatively good on average friction factor roads, while its good on high quality streets. Additionally engine power is weak to make things going at the fast pace. Τhe above mentioned elements will basically restrict riding at a slow-medium pace, only.
     From the other hand the steering geometry of the bike makes the exit of the curves very pleasant.

On the highway the Superlow will be efficient on short-medium trips. The cruising speed is between 80-120 km / h, engine does not feel comfortable above these figures, air resistance gets increased.

Single disc brakes are used front and rear. At the front a two-piston caliper is used while a single-piston caliper is equipped at the rear. Braking is relatively powerful, progressive, quite user friendly, providing relatively good feedback.

Reliability: Quality build and finish are very good, there are no particular problems reported.

Comments: The name Superlow used up to 2010 was changed to Superlow in 2011 after some major changes conducted. There is a button for the left indicator and one for the right indicator on the handlebar. The cancellation of the indicators operation , is set automatically. Actually this works quite well.

It seems that the side stand requires some familiarity , it doesn’t feel very secure like other makes supporting the bike. However the dealership was reassuring, they were certain that there is no problem at all. Τhe pegs may be moved forward or an extra pair may be mounted at the front, which is common to all sportsters. The right hand side peg protects the foot of the rider from the hot exhaust cover. Of course there are numerous factory accessories available.

It is considered to be an introductory model in the range of the company, suitable for commuting as well. Of course it is addressed to novice riders, possibly of short height. Definitely its not suitable to riders willing to quest motorcycle cornering limits.
As a joke some folks will love it specifically for this reason. If dragging the pegs on the track seems very distant, doing that in or out of town , not exceeding speed limits (!), it will be a very pleasant experience.

     The Superlow owner will comprehend the advantages of the specific brand, which may be: Low speed riding satisfaction, and a classic riding sensation.
     Compared to the competition, its really closer to the sensation of a retro bike combining engine vibes, metal parts and grease which was provided by the bikes of the past.
     However the feeling provided to the rider is not very close to the ultimate sensation provided by the top models of the brand.
     In order to point out the differences with other makes and reviews, extreme riding aspects were also evaluated. These are not significant to Harley - Davidson owners. From the other hand, in our days, a sense of practicality is appreciated to everything we use. That may apply to mythical symbols, as well.

Price: 10350 € single color , 10700 € two tone color

+User friendly

-Not really close to the top-of–the-brand models provided sensation

-Minimum ground clearance restricts cornering

More, specifications (U.S.A.)