Racing Orange 883R Pays Homage to Dirt Track Victories
With upgraded features and good looks, the 883R remained in production for a decade.
Popular Paint
Harley-Davidson got it right when they released the 2002 XL883R. Clad in Racing Orange. the unique Roadster was designed as a tribute to the illustrious XR-750 dirt track racer — a machine that scored the most wins throughout the history of American Motorcyclist Association racing. With its upgraded features and good looks, the 883R proved popular, remaining in production for a decade.
Formula Bike
Roadsters have a certain appeal and are still part of the Harley-Davidson Sportster lineup. Dating back to 1950s road racing, the term 'roadster' was used to define stripped-down street bikes with modified engines, suspension, and brakes. The 883R follows this same formula, offering a touch more engine torque, dual-disc front brakes, longer suspension and dirt track-inspired handlebars.
Factory Model
Whether or not the 'R' stands for racing or roadster is up for debate. The rigid-mount 883R was only produced in 2002 and 2003, after which the entire Sportster platform was switched to a rubber-mounted powertrain. Unique to the solid-mount machines was a factory-installed, two-into-one exhaust. Subsequent models featured the more familiar staggered dual exhaust found on most other Harley-Davidsons.
Sophisticated Systems
Harley-Davidson promoted the 883R as an exciting, race-inspired design. The advertising of the day suggested that, “Every night is Saturday night at the racetrack.” The Racing Orange paint scheme was adopted for the 2004 model year and lasted until 2012. The later models were a bit more sophisticated, with their vibration-absorbing mounts and, starting in 2007, fuel injection systems.
Performance Looks
The Roadster was not a sports bike by any means, but it still seems to win over its critics. After its release, the 883R was featured on the cover of Roadbike magazine. It was praised for its looks, but not its performance. The article noted the 883R's average power and was quick to list the engine modification that could transform the Sportster into a more capable machine.
Rework Plan
Cycle World took the modification conversation one step further. In a 2003 issue of Power & Performance they took a new 883R and gave it a performance makeover. Their complaint was, “Aside from a lookalike paint job and checkerboard gas-tank graphics...the XL883R bears little actual resemblance to the iconic V-Twin racebike.” Their plan was to rework the looks, performance, and handling.
Pro Racer
Part of the 883R makeover mandate was to use performance parts from Buell or the Harley-Davidson's Parts & Accessories catalog. The engine was ramped up with a Screamin' Eagle 1200cc kit, Buell Thunderstorm heads, a High-Flow Air Cleaner, and a Dynojet Thunderslide. The rear shocks were swapped for Works Performance Pro Racer units, and the front received an externally adjustable cartridge fork from a 1200 Sport.
Expensive Makeover
Slightly outside the mandate was a SuperTrapp 2-into-2 XR-style exhaust system. The wheels were traded for lighter spoked rims, with a larger, 19-inch rim fitted to the rear. A Storz Performance XR-style fiberglass tail section rounded out the dirt racer look. Cycle World did admit that it was an expensive makeover but also feeling the lure of the 883R's Racing Orange homage to the XR-750.
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