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2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster, Sense and Simplicity

Harley-Davidson has prepared a Roadster edition of the 883 Sportster, but it looks like it will only be an international version, which means no 883R for H-D’s domestic market. We haven’t been able to spot it on the US version of the website, but saw it in places such as South Africa or Germany, hence the presumption.
2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster 12 photos
Photo: Harley-Davidson
2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster
The 2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster does not stray from the exceedingly successful recipe Milwaukee dished out 30 years ago, but certain styling refinements and technological advances add more road worthiness to this highly-popular and affordable Harley.

An unmistakable presence, the peanut-shaped tank is in the center of attention aboard the 2015 883 Roadster, proudly displaying the brand badge in bold, easy-to-read lettering and with a checkered flag pattern to add more old-school racing vibe to the build.

At the heart of the bike we’ve got the 883cc air-cooled Evolution v-twin that produced 70Nm (52 lb-ft) of torque at 3,750 revs, mated to a 5-speed transmission. The engine gets a nifty matte black paint, with matching rocker covers and cylinders, polished heads and all is complemented by chromed details for a classic look that appeals both new and seasoned riders. Above all, the oval air intake is yet one more iconic part which allows you to recognize the 883 from a thousand other bikes.

The 2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster is a minimalist machine when it comes to controls and instrumentation. The ergonomic hand controls also include an easy-to-reach trip button which scrolls though the functions of the small LCD integrated in the single-gauge cluster. While the analog dial shows the current speed, the trip switch can also set the LCD to show the gear position or revs, for a really sleek, stylish, but nevertheless comprehensive solution.

ABS seems to be standard for all international Sportsters, and the 2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster also arrives with dual front rotors squeezed by dual-piston calipers, with a matching single-disc combination for the rear. The wheels are 19”and 16” for the front and rear, respectively, and sport Michelin Scorcher tires on the 13-spole cast aluminium rims.

Since it’s a Harley, the scales are not forgiving, as the 2015 Harley-Davidson 883 Roadster weighs a hefty 265kg (585 lb) in running order. The German price is €9,645 ($12,670), not exactly cheap, but not the craziest price of the lot, either. Like always, a ton of kille-look accessories and optionals is available for further personalization, with the header photo showing such a customized version of the bike.
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