Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Overview

Positioned above the Superlow in Harley Davidson’s Roadster family, the Iron 883 is the highest selling model of the Roadster brand. One of the most popular models from Harley Davidson globally, the Iron 883 offers an effortless blend of a retro cruiser and a modern roadster in each and every aspect. In the Philippines, Harley Davidson has made the Iron 883 available in six color options – Black Denim, Industrial Gray, Rawhide Denim, Rugged Gold Denim, Wicked Red and Silver Flux with Black Fuse.

Design

The Harley Davidson Iron 883 features a low-slung silhouette coupled with a commanding stance of a roadster.

At the front, the Iron 883 sports a high mounted round shaped headlamp, which comes with a small cap-shaped black colored panel above it. Like on the Superlow, the round orange turn indicators are mounted below either side of the handlebar which makes the motorcycle look wide when viewed head-on.

The most attention-catching element of the side profile of the Iron 883 happens to be the high mounted and sloping fuel tank. The engine, alloy wheels, and the double barrel exhaust pipes are finished in matte black, accentuating the dark and sinister appeal of the Iron 883. To give a perfectly contrasting appeal, the side cowls are painted in black. The rear curvy fender has been shared with other Roadster motorcycles from Harley Davidson, however, the motorcycle gets unique twin tail lamps which double up as turn indicators as well. The Iron 883 features a single seat as standard, though a pillion seat is available as an optional accessory.

The Iron 883 comes with the same old dated and boring looking round instrument console from the Superlow. It features an analog speedometer and digital readouts for the tachometer, odometer, trip meters, clock, and gear indicator.

Ride & Handling

The Harley Davidson Iron 883 has been equipped with a traditional setup of telescopic hydraulic forks at the front and hydraulic coil springs at the rear. Compared to the Superlow, the Iron 883 features a slightly more revised ergonomics and footpeg position which makes it a more aggressive motorcycle to ride. However, the low seat height adds a slight bit of comfort and enhances the ease of riding in city conditions. One thing that definitely needs to be taken care of is the low grounds clearance as the motorcycle has the tendency to scrape its underbelly on bigger bumps.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The new Iron 883 shares its four-stroke, fuel injected, V-twin, 883cc engine with the Superlow as well as Forty Eight. This engine is coupled to a 5-speed gearbox and puts up an impressive torque output of 69 Nm. The engine features a very healthy mid-range torque spread, which makes the Iron 883 an effortless mile muncher. The gear ratios are exactly the same as that on the Superlow, which means that it is an equally friendly motorcycle to ride in both city conditions as well as on the highway. However, on longer routes, the absence of a sixth gear can be felt.

Braking & Safety

The Harley Davidson Iron 883 features a single disc brake both at the front and the rear. And in this iteration, the motorcycle has also been equipped with ABS, which was a glaring miss almost 2-3 years back. However, considering that it lies at the premium end of the middleweight segment, it surely needs to be equipped with a couple of more safety features.

Verdict

The Iron 883 is placed in the more affordable spectrum of Harley Davidson’s portfolio, however, it still possesses charm and glamour in the right amount. The overall design with its perfect amalgamation of classic and modern bits makes it a very interesting proposition to look at. The engine might lack the outright sportiness and refinement of its European or Japanese rivals but the real joy of the Iron 883 is best enjoyed when ridden at slower paces. Apart from the low set list of features and lower ground clearance, the Harley Davidson Iron 883 ticks off all the boxes when it comes to style and practicality blended in one package.