Bikes have always been in trend for the past couple of decades. Bikes are not just a convenient and cheap way of transportation. Moreover, a bike is not just used to travel over plain roads or to travel from one place to another. But, a bike is also a very great means of transportation when it comes to traveling to mountainous regions or hilly regions.
Summary
Harley Davidson is one such bike company that designs and develops bikes that are majorly used for traveling in mountainous regions. Harley Davidson was launched in 1903 and it has two different variants or models. The two models of Harley Davidson bikes are the 883 Sportster and 1200 Sportster.
883 Sportster vs 1200 Sportster
The main difference between the 883 Sportster and 1200 Sportster is that the 883 Sportster has a ground clearance value equal to 140 mm. While on the other hand, in the case of a 1200 Sportster bike, the value of ground clearance is equal to 105 mm.
The first variant of the Harley Davidson bike is the 883 Sportster. The number 883 in the name represents the engine carrying capacity of the bike, which is equal to 883 ccs. The 883 Sportster is also known as the iron 883.
The second variant of the Harley Davidson bike is the 1200 Sportster. Just like in the case of 883 Sportster, the number in the name of 1200 Sportster also represents the engine carrying capacity of the bike which is equal to 1200 cc. The 1200 Sportster bike is also known as the 1200 custom Sportster.
Comparison Table Between 883 Sportster and 1200 Sportster
| Parameters of comparison | 883 Sportster | 1200 Sportster |
| Engine carrying capacity | 883 cc | 1200 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 12.5 liters | 17 liters |
| Maximum torque | 3500 rounds per minute | 4250 rounds per minute |
| Ground clearance value | 140 mm | 105 mm |
| Displacement | Relatively less displacement | Relatively greater displacement |
| Cost | Relatively less expensive | Relatively more expensive |
| Engine weight | Relatively heavy engine | Relatively lightweight engine |
| Total number of gears | 6 gears | 6 gears |
| Ideal for | 883 Sportster is ideal for both, smooth rides, such as on-road rides, and bumpy rides, such as off-road rides in mountainous regions or hilly regions. | 1200 Sportster is ideal for smooth rides, such as on-road rides. |
What is 883 Sportster?
Harley Davidson released the 883 Sportster bike in India in collaboration with the Hero motor corporation, and that is the major reason why the 883 Sportster is so popular and known in India.
The 883 Sportster bike has a total number of 6 gears and has a total weight of about 250 kilograms. Moreover, the total fuel carrying capacity of the bike is equal to 12.5 liters and has disc brakes.
Due to the spoke wheels and disc brakes installed in the 883 Sportster bike, it makes the bike suitable for not just on-road rides, but off-road rides as well. The bike can smoothly work on smooth roads, bumpy roads, mountainous terrain, and hilly regions as well. Moreover, the bike has a maximum torque value equal to 3500 rounds per minute.
What is 1200 Sportster?
The 1200 Sportster bike was also released by Harley Davidson in India in collaboration with Hero motor corporation, just like the 883 Sportster bike.
The 1200 Sportster is quite famous for the sound it makes which resembles the roar of a lion. That sound is made due to the displacement of the engine while riding the bike. Moreover, the 1200 Sportster has a total weight equal to 268 kilograms which is a bit higher than the 883 Sportster.
The 1200 Sportster also has disc brakes, but alloy wheels. Apart from that, the total fuel carrying capacity of the 1200 Sportster is higher as compared to the 883 Sportster, which is 17 liters. The 1200 Sportster also comes with a total number of six gears and has a maximum torque value equal to 4250 rounds per minute.
Main Differences Between 883 Sportster and 1200 Sportster
- The ground clearance value of the 883 Sportster bike is 140 mm. While on the other hand, the ground clearance value of a 1200 Sportster bike is 105 mm.
- The 883 Sportster bike can be upgraded. However, on the contrary, the 1200 Sportster bike cannot be upgraded.
- The 883 Sportster bike shows less displacement as compared to the 1200 Sportster bike. Whereas, the 1200 Sportster bike shows a greater displacement as compared to the 800 Sportster bike.
- The 883 Sportster bike has a small bore as compared to the 1200 Sportster bike. Whereas, the 1200 Sportster bike has a bigger bore as compared to the 800 Sportster bike.
- The 883 Sportster bike has a spoke-type wheel. On the other hand, the 1200 Sportster bike has an alloy-type wheel.
- The engine carrying capacity of the 883 Sportster bike is equal to 883 ccs. Whereas, the engine carrying capacity of the 1200 Sportster bike is equal to 1200 cc.
- The 883 Sportster bike has a slightly heavy engine as compared to the 1200 Sportster bike. Whereas, the 1200 Sportster bike has a lightweight engine as compared to the 800 Sportster bike.
- The 883 Sportster bike is ideal for bumpy rides. While on the other hand, the 1200 Sportster bike is ideal for smooth rides.
- The 883 Sportster bike is less powerful as compared to the 1200 Sportster bike. Whereas, the 1200 Sportster bike is more powerful as compared to the 800 Sportster bike.
Conclusion
The 883 is one of the most high-end bikes in the market of India. While on the other hand, the same bike is one of the cheapest bikes in the United States. While on the other hand, unlike the 883 Sportster bike, the 1200 Sportster is not a high-end bike only in India but in the United States as well.
Because of the very high price of the 1200 Sportster, it becomes quite difficult for an average person to buy the bike. That is the reason why most people prefer the 883 Sportster over the 1200 Sportster because of its lower price.