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.A clean, mean torque-machine with a chequered past. Air-cooled and durable, the 883cc Evolution® engine is yet another nod to the unwavering work ethic that drives advancements in motor technology at Harley-Davidson. Aluminum heads and cylinders lighten the load of the bike and improve air-cooling efficiency. Electronic fuel injection says goodbye to carburetors and boasts increased reliability and less routine maintenance. Bottom line: the rubber-mounted Evolution® engine runs hard and rides smooth for thousands of miles so you can just worry about taking in the freedom of the open road.
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 of torque at 3750 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. More on this bike when it arrives in Malaysia.
