Harley-Davidson XL 883 L Superlow 2018 — Specifications

Can a Harley really be forgiven for its flaws? The question arises seriously when you straddle this 2018 XL 883 L Superlow, a machine that seems to have been designed by a marketing committee to seduce the skeptical European. With a seat 70.5 centimeters from the tarmac and a weight announced at 258 kilograms with full tanks, it clearly targets a wider audience, those who have always dreamed of the tank shield without wanting to fight a behemoth. It's a clever commercial proposition, a less intimidating gateway into the Milwaukee universe.

Under the hood, the legendary 883 cm3 Evolution V-Twin delivers its 53 horsepower and 69.6 Nm of torque with that characteristic nonchalance. Don't look for top speed or sporty sensations; this engine lives in the low and mid ranges, where it distributes its pulling force with a burly generosity. The five-speed gearbox is precise for a Harley, and the belt drive adds to the quiet operation. For those looking for a used Harley-Davidson XL 883 L Superlow, it is this sonic character and this sensation of constant torque that constitute the primary argument, well before pure performance, with a top speed barely approaching 160 km/h.

It is on the chassis and ergonomics that the manufacturer has really tried to smooth out the archaisms. The handlebars and controls have been brought closer for a more natural position, less arms outstretched, and the front end with its 120/70-18 tire provides more direct steering. Purists will grind their teeth, but the objective is achieved: in the city or in gentle curves, this Superlow handles with an unexpected ease. The braking, benefiting from "Foundation" evolutions, with its 300 and 292 mm discs and its ABS, is correct without being biting. It is sufficient for the cruising pace to which the motorcycle destines its rider.

But all this has a price, and not just the 10,190 euros asked at the time. The real compromise lies in the suspensions. With only 108 mm of travel at the front and 54 mm at the rear to keep the seat low, the notion of comfort is relative. Speed bumps or poorly joined cobblestones are felt harshly. This is the Achilles' heel of this machine, the major concession made on the altar of accessibility. It does not forgive degraded roads well, transforming a ride into an exercise in flexibility.

So, who is this Superlow for? It is aimed at the novice seduced by the aura of the brand, the urban traveler who wants an iconic look without the disadvantages of an extreme position, or those looking for a first used Harley-Davidson to taste the V-Twin without breaking the bank. It's a calmed Harley, almost domesticated, which offers a lot of character and presence for a controlled budget, but which in return requires accepting its dynamic limitations and its basic comfort. A mood bike, therefore, not a performance one.