2009 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Sportster Reviews

2009 Harley-Davidson Iron XL883 Sportster

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First Reviewed August 20, 2009 Found in Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Reviews, Sportster

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The Iron XL883 version of Harley-Davidson's Sportster incorporates more blacked out elements than another bike in their entire lineup. Even more than the Nightster. One thing is for sure, if Batman walked into a Harley dealership, this is the bike he's most likely ride out on.

This non-nonsense bike is stripped of all the frills leaving only the what's needed to provide a one-of-a-kind ride. Providing exceptionally responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt, the Iron XL883 shows how close-to-the-edge Harley-Davidson engineers are willing to go with minimalist styling when they set their minds to it.

And if you think that this bike is all about looks, think again. The Iron XL883 isn’t lacking in the performance department at all when compared to the other Sportsters in the 2009 lineup. Harley designers properly matched the 883cc fuel-injected engine along with a tuned 6-speed transmission to the platform in order to provide all the power most riders would need to make the Iron 883 one hell of a ride.

“The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization.”

The Iron XL883 is powered by the same engine as on the Sportster 883 Low. It features a black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 motorcycle deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound. Overall, the power plant was matched well to the 565 lbs of metal that it has to motor around and both throttle response and turn navigation will meet most Sportster rider’s expectations.

Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a combo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. The black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls. A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories.

This iteration of the Sportster comes in only two colors, Brilliant Silver Denim and Black Denim (Shown Here).

Reviews of the 2009 Harley-Davidson Iron XL883 can be found below. Please write a review of your own if you’ve had the chance to ride one of these minimalist bikes and can shed some insight into how it handles in comparison to the price. At times there seems to be some confusion between the Iron XL883 and the '09 Nightster, so be sure you put your review in the proper place. Email photos of your bike to pictures@hdreviewspot.net and we’ll be sure to add them to the ’09 Iron XL883 photo gallery.