• The 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 V-twin engine.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Introduced in 1957, the XL Sportster 883 -- a member of the longest-running family in the Harley-Davidson lineup -- has evolved technologically from its early days yet somehow managed to stay the same, earning respect from performance enthusiasts the world over.
  
  With the same lean, raw, light-weight appeal of the original, the 2005 Sportster 883 emerges a more powerful performer. Harley-Davidson carefully nurtured the Sportster's progress throughout the decades, preserving the low-end torque and agile handling with updates from 2004 of a rubber-mounted powertrain and stronger rigid frame than previous models.
  
  

Engine and Performance

• Harley-Davidson's renaissance began in 1983 with the official introduction of the Evolution engine, the heart of the 2005 Sportster 883. With its 53.86 cubic-inch (883 cc) displacement, the silver powder-coated engine provides 51 ft.-lbs. of torque at 4,300 rpm, making the 553-lb. bike nimble and quick.
  
  The Sportster 883 has a 3.3-gallon fuel capacity and fuel economy of 57 highway miles per gallon and 48 city mpg.
  
  

Styling, Instrumentation and Colors

• Completely redesigned in 2004 the Sportster 883 sees increased performance continuing into 2005 and is more comfortable for the rider, with decreased vibration from the rubber-mounted engine. Among other modifications for the 2005 model are significantly reduced clutch lever effort and a lower seat height of only 27.3 inches. Unique to the model is the classic solo seat, mid-mount foot controls and low-rise handlebar.
  
  The 2005 Sportster 883 has an electronic speedometer, odometer, resettable tripmeter and a diagnostic readout.
  
  Pearlized paint colors dominate the 2005 model year: it was available in vivid black, brilliant silver pearl, sierra red pearl and chopper blue pearl.
  
  

Dimensions

• At 90.1 inches long with a 60-inch wheelbase and 5.6-inch ground clearance, the 2005 Sportster 883 is equally adept at maneuvering around town or navigating highway curves.