Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Review – Discover the 2021 HD Model

Our Harley-Davidson Iron 883 review will let everyone understand just why you can’t go wrong with a Harley-Davidson. The quality, power, and history of this legendary brand combine to make it the gold standard for bikers everywhere, regardless of the style of bike they’re looking to buy.

The 2021 Harley-Davidson Iron 883does a spectacular job of upholding the brand’s long-standing reputation. It’s a powerful beast, an icon of the HD line, and on top of that, it’s got serious style. 

Let’s explore a bit and find out what makes this bike so unique. We’ll delve into its timeless, classic look before moving on to some of its features and key specs affecting this bike’s performance. 

The Classic Look

Simply put, nearly everything on the 2021 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 is tricked out in classic HD black. The only contrasting elements of the bike are its pushrod and upper fork tubes, wheel spoke tips, and engine-cover fasteners, giving the Iron 883 a particularly menacing quality. 

Continue reading this Harley-Davidson Iron 883 review ,and you will learn and expect the same treatment with the engine in this 2021 model. It’s powder-coated and blacked out, without a lot of chrome to distract you or the bike’s admirers from the power at the heart of this vintage-but-not-vintage bike. 

The ultra-cool look is supported by several subtle design features that make the Iron 883 a thing of beastly beauty. The turn signals use LEDs to keep the housing as unobtrusive as possible, and the tail light is mounted so low it looks like a strut reflector. 

The side-mounted license plate holder also gives the fender a clean line, creating the illusion of an unobstructed rear end that makes the 883 Iron look like a custom bike tricked out for a showroom floor. 

The Engine

Let’s get to the engine specs because that engine power is at the heart of why you’re buying a Harley in the first place, right?

Once again, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 delivers on all its promises. This bike has a 53.9 cubic inch rubber-mounted 883cc Evolution® engine (Evo) that makes this machine an absolute powerhouse, while still maintaining a smooth ride. And since it’s an air-cooled engine with a fuel-injection system, you won’t have to mess around with carburetors, which is the case with many older cruiser bikes. 

Performance-wise, Harley-Davidson has had 30 years to fine-tune the Evo Sporty engine, and they’ve earned their stripes when it comes to its improved specs and durability over the past three decades. 

The 45-degree V-twin comes with a 3-inch bore and a 3.811-inch stroke, while the fuel-injection system cranks out 53.8 pound-feet of torque at 3,750 rpm. This bike even offers a fuel economy of 51mpg, an unexpected bonus for a ride like this. 

Finally, the engine comes with rubber mounts to isolate both rider and frame from engine vibration, creating a quieter and more comfortable experience than most riders anticipate. 

The Chassis

When it comes to great bodies, the best way to describe the chassis of the Iron 883 is “short and sweet.” Even with the 30-degree rake, the wheelbase is only 59.6 inches, but its steering geometry gives you 4.6 inches of trail to take those corners crisp and hard. 

The seat level on the Iron 883 is definitely on the low side, which gives you an advantage when you need to flat foot. Its squat profile also provides the bike with a more secure feel when you need to stop or slow down. 

That low-to-the-ground look is supported by a slammed rear suspension, a 16-inch tire in the back, and a 19-inch front loop. The ground clearance is just 5.5 inches, but the low center of gravity will help increase performance and safety on those tight turns. 

You’ll definitely want the added sense of security because, weight-wise, the Iron 883 is a true beast, tipping the scales at around 560 pounds. That’s more than a hundred pounds heavier than most entry-level bikes, but this extra weight also gives you more stability when you’re cutting loose on the highway. 

And you’ll want to cut loose on the highway more frequently because the Iron 883 rides aggressively. The drag-centric combination of drag bars and mid-mount control put the rider in a forward-leaning position, which is excellent when you want to add more of an edge to your cornering. 

Price and Add-Ons for this HD Model

The Iron 883 is one of the least expensive bikes Harley-Davidson offers, but by no means is it a starter bike. Checking in at $8,399, it’s part of the Sportster line, which has a great track record when it comes to providing the kind of performance that Harley lovers have come to expect for decades. 

The Iron 883 is a great price, and it’s a fantastic machine for those who make a lot of short-haul trips but also want a bike that can go the distance for longer trips, as well. It’s also got a ton of great add-ons and safety features, including:

• Low oil pressure light
• Low fuel warning light
• Low battery warning
• Engine diagnostics readout
• Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer
• Time-of-day clock
• Security system (if equipped)
• Dual tripmeter

Whatever you’re looking to add to this classic bike, you won’t have any trouble with availability. 

Is the Iron 883 Worth It?

Let’s finish strong by focusing on what may be the most crucial piece of the puzzle. To wit: What exactly do riders say about the Iron 883? 

A few samples tell the story and then some. “A wonderful machine that turns heads and gives you freedom. It’s a lifestyle choice and an amazing one at that.”

The head-turning aspects of this bike are illustrated in this short and sweet review: “Gives people sore necks. Probably my favorite ride.”

And if you’re looking for an overall summary, try this one on for size: “Styling is rough but refined. Has a classic, mean Harley look, and it’s comfortable and cheap to run. Great for showing off to your friends. Great torque, too, with a nice cruising speed, plus it’s comfortable, too. What more could you want?”

Shop Bikes with Serious Style—Harley-Davidson of The Woodlands

Now that you have read this harley-davidson iron 883 review, you now know that with its powerfully quiet engine, city-rider friendliness, and oh-so-cool blacked-out frame, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 is an excellent choice for your next daily rider or weekend cruiser. Stop by Harley-Davidson of The Woodlands off of I-45 North to check out our selection of new and pre-owned bikes and test drive the new 2021 Harley-Davidson Iron 883, today!