Harley-Davidson‘s top-selling entry-level bike, the XL883L Low, just got better. Harley gave the Low a complete makeover for 2011 to improve its suspension for a softer, more compliant ride. The 883cc V-Twin engine got a few extra Nm’s of torque, while the seat height had been increased. The revised bike deserved a new name, the XL883L SuperLow.
The all-new L883L SuperLow
Visually, the SuperLow appears to be pretty much the same as the 2010 model, but here’s the catch. The SuperLow is an all-new model with new suspension calibrations front and rear, new wheel and tire sizes, new solo seat, new steering geometry, and new fork and gas tank. “It’s really a whole new bike for us”, says project manager Greg Falkner. The result is more than an entry-level bike, the new SuperLow can appeal to riders of all skill levels, especially those with short inseams.
The SuperLow is the cheapest 2011 Harley
“The SuperLow is of course a very different motorcycle from the XR1200X, with a different mission, but the theme of achieving a precise balance of steering geometry, tire profile and construction, and suspension tuning is the same and equally successful. It takes just one ride on the SuperLow to believe it.”, says Jim Hoffmann, General Manager, Motorcycle Product Planning. Therefore the engineers reduced the rear tire height, developed a set of longer-travel shock absorbers, and relocated the seat and the ECM (electronic control module). The relocated seat also makes room for the new, bigger gas tank, which stretches the riding range. The 883cc engine delivers a little more torque than last year’s model. A minor upgrade to the final-drive gearing helps transfer power in a smoother, more linear manner, too. The final-drive ratio is lower (the final-drive ratio number itself is higher) for easier, snappier acceleration. And how much does the new SuperLow cost? With an MSRP starting at $7,999 in Vivid Black, the SuperLow is the lowest-priced model in the 2011 Harley-Davidson line. The SuperLow is also available in Cool Blue Pearl, as well as Merlot Sunglo/Vivid Black and Birch White/Sedona Orange two-tone paint.
Better suspension, bigger riding range
2011 Harley-Davidson XL883L SuperLow Specifications and Photos
