・Less than 7,000 miles from new

・MOT until July 2022

・Official Stage 1 Harley Davidson kit

The XL883C has been the gateway bike into Harley ownership since 1993. Its affordable, blessed with laid-back handling and a grunty V-Twin, the kind of bike intended to be a faithful companion on long cruises and something that brings a smile to your face every time you climb on.

The "C" stands for factory build custom version of the XL883. This makes it more desirable with with more chromework & special paintwork than the standard version

This Sportster was bought from Bauer Millett & Co in Manchester in May 2000. It stayed in the Lancashire area, being ridden by a lady owner, until March 2003 when it went to its new owner in Birmingham. It was here that the Stage 1 kit was fitted, being done in 2017, before the current keeper (also a lady) took possession of the bike in 2019.

Benefitting from being dry-stored in garages for its whole life, the bike remains in wonderful condition and really does need to be seen to be fully appreciated.

As well as the expected V5, the bike comes with a host of MOT certificates, the current MOT certificate (valid until July 2022), a HPI clear note, the original Sales/Warranty Registration certificate and the official owners’ manual and service record.

The paperwork confirms that the bike was given its initial service in March 2001 when it had covered 890 miles. Having done less than 7,000 miles, it is only now due for further servicing. 

Also present is an invoice confirming the installation of the official Harley Davidson Stage 1 tuning kit, which was carried out by Bod’s Custom Cycles of Tewkesbury in 2017. Tt was serviced athen and having done very low mileage since then.

What immediately strikes you about this bike is the paint job – a gorgeous, factory spec, metallic fleck purple with lilac Harley tank graphics. It looks good in photos, it looks absolutely stunning in the flesh. It’s no exaggeration to say that paintwork, brightwork and other elements of the bike are in almost perfect condition. The low mileage combined with the fact it has been dry-stored mean that it really does look superb.

All of the chrome, the badges, the embroidered leather saddle, switchgear and other elements are in great condition – it almost looks factory fresh. The Dunlop tyres unsurprisingly appear to have lots of life left in them yet.

Everything looks really well put together, the bike looking and feeling robust and tough. The fit and finish really is very good.

That chunky, four-valve 883cc V-Twin engine drives the rear wheel through a 5 speed box, pushing out a healthy 50 bhp and 51ft-lb. More than enough for this classic cruiser to reach its 105mph top speed. The engine sounds fantastic, that classic Harley burble present and correct and firing up for the first time. If you like torque, this is the engine for you - the carbed V-Twin producing plenty of lowdown grunt to shove the bike along smoothly and effortlessly.

As has been mentioned, this bike has had the official Harley Davidson Stage 1 tuning kit fitted, which consists of chrome slip-ons, a K&N air cleaner and Stage 1 Dynojet kit. The work was professionally carried out in 2017, and certainly adds to the bike’s ability.

Hauling the bike to a stop are big 292mm disc brakes front and back, which operate well, smoothly and quietly.

When you think of the classic American road trip, a Harley is probably one of the first vehicles you think of. They’re synonymous with the open road and effortless Highway cruising. And it’s easy to see why – they’re comfortable, easy to ride and have more than enough power for easy cruising and touring, while handling well enough to still enjoy a blast down a country lane, should the fancy take you.

In the flesh, this is a really good-looking bike - the paintwork pops and sparkles, the bright purple setting off the chrome and black trim brilliantly. You can see it really has been well cared for, cherished even. And the Stage 1 tuning kit makes it just that little bit more special.

That name holds such caché, who wouldn’t want to be able to say: “I ride a Harley”? As an introduction to American customs, this is the perfect bike. Powerful and throaty without being intimidating, striking to look at without being overly showy, we think it strikes a lovely balance.

Add to this the fact that it’s not even covered 7,000 miles and has been kept garaged, and what you have here is, in essence, a nearly new Harley. One with a great history, in a unique and eye-catching specification. We reckon it’s time to head out on that Highway…

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