Harley-Davidson Sportster

1957 XL
Manufacturer	Harley-Davidson
Also called	XL
Production	Since 1957
Predecessor	Harley-Davidson KHK

The Harley-Davidson Sportster is a line of motorcycles produced continuously since 1957 by Harley-Davidson. Sportster models are designated in Harley-Davidson's product code by beginning with "Forty". In 1952, the predecessors to the Sportster, the Model K Sport and Sport Solo motorcycles, were introduced. These models Thousand, KK, KH, and KHK of 1952 to 1956 had a sidevalve ('flat caput') engine, whereas the later 40 Sportster models use an overhead valve engine. The starting time Sportster in 1957 had many of the same details of the KH including the frame, fenders, big gas tank and front break.^[1]

The original Sportster line was discontinued in Europe in 2020 due to the engine failing to come across the stricter Euro 5 emissions standards.^[2] An all-new model equipped with the Revolution Max engine called the Sportster S was introduced in 2021, the showtime motorcycle under the Sportster nameplate to receive a new engine since 1986, and the first Sportster to take an engine not derived from the Model K.^[3]

Construction [edit]

Sportster motorcycles are powered by a 4-stroke, 45° V-twin engine in which both connecting rods, of the "fork and blade" or "knife & fork" blueprint, share a common crank pin. The original Sportster engine was the Ironhead engine, which was replaced with the Development engine in 1986. Sportster engines, the 45 cubic inch R, D, G & Westward Models 1929 side-valve motors, and the 'Big Twin' side-valve motors, which were: the flathead 74.0 cu in (ane,213 cc) Models Five, VL etc. (1930–1936), Models U and UL (1937–1948), and the 80.0 cu in (i,311 cc) models VH and VLH (1935–1936), models UH and ULH (1937–1941), take 4 divide cams, sporting one lobe per cam.

The cam followers used in Sportster engines, K models, big twin side valve models, and the side-valve W model series, were a slightly shorter version of the followers used in the larger motors, just with the aforementioned 0.731-inch (18.half-dozen mm) diameter body and 0.855-inch (21.7 mm) diameter roller follower since 1929. The company used similar cam followers for decades with modest changes, from 1929 to the 1980s.

Sportster engines retained the Grand/KH pattern crankcase pattern, in which the transmission is contained in the same casting as the engine, and driven by the engine with a triple-row #35 chain master drive and a multi-plate cablevision-operated clutch. Models since 1991 take five speeds; 1990 and earlier models had iv speeds.

The engine was mounted straight to the frame from 1957 through the 2003 model twelvemonth. While this system allows the bike to be somewhat lighter with more precise handling, it as well transmits engine vibration straight to the rider. In 2003 Harley Davidson produced a limited number of 100th anniversary model sportsters. They are identified by the 100th anniversary paint schemes and plaques attached to the sheetmetal, speedometer housing, and engine. Sportsters released in 2004 and later use rubber isolation mounts and tie links to limit engine move to a single airplane, which profoundly reduces vibration felt by the passenger. Buell motorcycles congenital with variants of the Sportster engine have used a rubber mount arrangement since 1987.

The Model K, from which the Sportster evolved, was the offset noncombatant motorcycle produced by Harley-Davidson with hydraulic shock absorbers on both wheels. Common usage calls this a K Model.

Model K series [edit]

This is developed from the earlier 45 West model, just with the revised flat caput engine and new 4-speed manual contained in the aforementioned castings as would become the Sportster. The connecting rods would exist inherited by the Sportster forth with many other design elements and dimensions.

• Model K and KK 1952–1953: 750 cc side-valve engines, using the 45 model bore and stroke of 2.75" x 3.8125" (69.85 ten 96.85 mm)
• Model KR (racing only) 1953–1969: 750 cc side-valve engines
• Model KH and KHK 1954–1956: 888 cc side-valve engines, using the 45 model bore, simply with the stroke increased to 4.5625" (115.89 mm). This is the just small twin with a stroke longer than iii.8125". The shorter stroke is otherwise universal to the entire 45/1000/Sportster line from 1929 to the present (exception: XR750, XB9 Buell).

XL series Sportsters [edit]

• Forty, Ironhead, 1957–1985: 883 cc and 1,000 cc Ironhead overhead-valve engines with cast atomic number 26 heads, K series frame
• XLCH, Ironhead, (unofficial "Competition Hot" moniker) 1958–1971: 883 cc, and 1,000 cc 1972 & up
• XR-750 (racing with the exception of being Evel Knievel's spring cycle while sponsored by Harley-Davidson betwixt 1970 and 1977) 1970–1971: 750 cc overhead-valve engine, atomic number 26 heads
• XR-750 (racing only with the exception noted above) 1972–1985: 750 cc overhead-valve engine, alloy heads
• XLCR 1977–1978-1979: Cafe racer 1,000 cc overhead-valve engine, atomic number 26 heads, 2000 made in 77, 1200 in 78, and 9 in 1979
• XR-thou 1983–1984: i,000 cc street model using XR racing cylinder head and other XR engine parts
• XLR: 883 cc overhead-valve engines, atomic number 26 heads
• XLS Roadster 1979-1982 1,000 cc ironhead / 4-speed, stock components—2-inch-longer forks, 2 upwardly seat, sissy bar, highway pegs, ii.2(on 1979) gallon tank
• XLS Roadster, 1983–1985, 1,000 cc ironhead, 4-gallon fuel tank with console
• 40 Evolution (also known equally the "Evo"), since 1986: 883 cc, 1,100 cc and i,200 cc Evolution overhead-valve engine, blend heads

Pregnant changes past model year [edit]

• 1957 "Ironhead" overhead-valve engine introduced.^[4]
• 1958 XLH touring high compression model and XLCH sportier "Contest Hot" model introduced.
• 1967 Electric starting introduced on XLH ^[5]
• 1972 "Ironhead" ane,000 cc overhead-valve engine replaces 900 cc. Claimed power was 61 hp (45 kW) @ six,200 rpm and a tiptop speed of 116 mph (187 km/h)^[four]
• 1975 Switched to left-side gear modify (DOT mandate)
• 1977 & 1979 Dual frazzle "Siamese" pipes used, introduced on Willie G. Davidson'south XLCR café racer in 1977^{[half dozen]} all models 1979, along with the triangular frame and rear hydraulic deejay brake besides introduced on the XLCR. In 1977 a express edition Confederate Edition Sportster was introduced for ane twelvemonth only.
• 1979 Last year for the kickstart only XLCH, only 141 made.
• 1985 Last year for the "Ironhead" overhead-valve engine.
• 1986 "Development" engine introduced in 883 cc and 1,100 cc sizes.
• 1988 1200 cc engine replaces 1,100 cc engine.
• 1988 Constant velocity carburetor replaces butterfly carburetor.
• 1991 Five-speed manual replaces four-speed.
• 1991 Belt bulldoze replaces concatenation drive on 883 Deluxe and all 1200 models.
• 1993 Belt bulldoze fabricated standard on all Sportsters.
• 1994 Improved oil tank, battery tray, and clutch made standard.
• 1994 New electric organisation with sealed connectors.
• 1995 Electronic speedometer replaces mechanical. XLH1200 Canadian Edition with 1700 units produced.
• 1996 XL1200C Custom and XL1200S Sport models introduced. All 1996 Sportsters characteristic a new high-contact-ratio gearbox.
• 1998 XL1200S gets dual spark plug heads and loftier performance cams
• 2000 Introduced sealed bike bearings and updated four-piston brake calipers.
• 2003 Last year for the frame mounted Development engine.
• 2004 All-new frame including rubber-mounted engine for decreased vibration. Emptying of the transmission trap door, New shape hamcan, Exhaust rest pipe moved from running under the air filter and disguised and hidden behind the silencers to evidence more than of engine, new smoother style oil tank correct side panel with button and turn filler/dipstick, and the previously exposed battery is now enclosed in a matching side console on the left
• 2005 Enlarged rear axle to 1 inch (25.4 mm) for increased stability.
• 2006 New XR1200 is announced at Intermot in Cologne, Frg. The XR1200 is the first Harley-Davidson to utilise Down Draft DDFI II fuel injection. To exist released equally a tardily 2006 model. Introduction of helical gears in transmission (2nd-5th).
• 2007 Fuel injection replaces carburetion on all models.
• 2008 front axle enlarged from 3/4 inch to 25 mm, rear axle decreased from 1 inch (25.4 mm) to 25 mm
• 2009 "1 size fits all" front mudguard approach replaced by improved mudguard contour to lucifer each model'due south respective bike diameters.
• 2010 The ECU is relocated to allow more variation in aftermarket seat selection. Side-mounted license plate option on some models^[7]
• 2014 new electrical harness, new larger brakes, antilock brakes (ABS) choice, keyless entry, new speedometer with gear indicator/tachometer, increased engine compression ratio, catalytic converter

Production and notable Sportster models [edit]

• XL900 the original mid compression version
• XLH900 same as the standard XL but with the "H" denoting the high compression engine
• XLC900 off-road version of the XL, The XLC has magneto ignition and kickstart only (as well as several other changes to eliminate weight).
• XLCH900 off-road version of the XLH - or the XLC with the high pinch engine! - the "CH" denoting "competition/high-compression". after a year lights, speedo and total road legal specification arrived.
• XLX-61 an entry level "Ironhead" era Sportster, available with sparse trim, in black with black exhaust and handlebars or red with chrome frazzle and handlebars.
• XLS1000
• XLT1000 "Tourer" 1977 special model had a Superglide tank, screen, bigger seat and panniers
• XLCH, XLH and XT models of the 1977 Harley-Davidson Confederate Edition that had commemorative pigment and tank and fender decals. Very low volume production of only 45 XLCH, 229 XLH and xv XT models.^[8]
• XLCR1000 "Cafe Racer" is the Buffet Racer model, bachelor in 1977 and 1978.^[9]
• XR1000, two high rise apartment rail style exhausts on the left and ii staggered 1000&N blazon filters feeding Dell'Orto carburetors on the right. Had a 1,000 cc engine and a combination of XLX Sportster and modified XR-750 parts.^[10]
• XLH883 -
• XLH1100
• XLH1200
• XLH883 "Deluxe", twin seat, tachometer, buckhorn confined, and spoke wheels (vs unmarried seat, speedometer simply, low bars and cast wheels for the XLH883 standard model)
• XLH883 "Hugger", with reduced single seat height and reduced suspension, the forerunner to the "XL low" models
• XL53C "Custom 53" (EU) XL883C "Custom" (US) '98–'03 (883 cc or 53.ix cu in), Forward-controls, duelseat, solid rear wheel and drag confined mounted on a riser. This became the XL883C "Custom" worldwide with the '04 rubbermount version
• XL883 "Sportster 883" single seat standard model, mid-controls, 13-spoke mags or wires
• XL883C "Custom" has wider, flatter "custom" tank, forrard-controls, duelseat and 21-inch wire and 16-inch solid disc wheels
• XL1200C "Custom" Frame mount models had a chunkier dual seat and normal tank, prophylactic mounts get smoother seat and flatter wider "custom" tank, all have 21-inch wire and 16-inch slotted disc wheels and forward-controls
• XL883L "Depression"; Single seat, very depression shocks, mid-controls, 13-spoke mags or wires
• XL1200L "Low"; Dualseat, mid shocks, mid-controls, wider flatter "Custom" tank, 13-spoke mags or wires
• XL1200S "Sport" – The Twoscore 1200S is an all new model in the Sportster family starting in 1996. The first road-going Harley to be mill equipped with full-on adaptable sporting suspension, adjustable in compression, rebound and preload. The 1200 Sport features many other enhancements not establish on the likes of whatsoever other Harley-Davidson. Items such every bit new 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels mounted with Dunlop K591 Sport Aristocracy tires, apartment, sport-styled handlebars, sport-styled seat with textured insert and embroidered Sportster logo, larger three.3 gallon fuel tank, and dual front, floating-disc brakes, custom turn signals, and a 9.5:i pinch ratio. At that place were a full of 4151 1996 Sport models built with only 653 in Patriot Pearl Red. 1998 to 2003 model years get less restrictive mufflers, special camshaft profiles, dual plug cylinder heads with single fire ignition and a 10:1 compression ratio.
• XL883R "Roadster" Frame mount models have a two–1 exhaust, thirteen-spoke mags, black engine and are available in orangish with 'R' graphics, rubber mounts get ii–2 frazzle, slightly different dualseat, wire wheel option and more than 'R' colors, all have triple discs and rev-counter. In 2010, the XL883R officially gets the "Roadster" suffix
• XL1200R "Roadster" Black engine with highlighted fins, triple discs, rev-counter, orange pigment available only no 'R' graphics and '08 models become the wider flatter "custom" tank which altitude it farther from the 883R
• XL50 1200 "50th Anniversary" 2007 limited product of ii,000 models
• XL1200N "Nightster" get-go of the Dark Customs, combined LED tail/brake/indicator lights, tapered silencers (EU) and side-mounted LED-lit licence plate, xi-inch shocks, and distortion cutting silencers (US), mid-controls and wire wheels
• XL883N "Atomic number 26 883", blacked-out 883 similar to the Nightster with more black and 13-spoke mags, mid-controls.
• XR1200 More than sports orientated "Euro"-style wheel, inverted forks, reworked Sportster engine with XR heads, new chassis, 4-pot double discs, 120/70-18 and 180/55-17 split 3-spoke mags, rear-controls - has its own race serial
• XL1200X "Forty-Eight", in the "Night" Nightster style just has the classic 1948 style pocket-size peanut tank, wire wheels, forrad controls, a whole new 130 mm front tire, and super small single seat
• XR1200X Starting as a XR1200 with piggyback/fully adaptable shocks, fully adjustable front end, available in either Black Denim or White Denim paint colors
• XL883L "SuperLow", new for 2011 has blackness split 5-spoke mags with polished rims and 120/seventy-18 and 150/60-17 tires, wider flatter "Custom" tank, mid-controls
• XL1200C "1200 Custom" As of 2011 has a 130/90B16 forepart tyre, wide forepart end, 5-spoke mags (UK gets wires), new shape eyebrow, wider flatter "Custom" tank and introduces "H-D1".
• XL1200V "72" Radical Chopper with design inspired by the classic styling of the early 1970s chopper/bobbers that were prevalent during this time. Cycle has the chopper bobber look, Hard Candy Custom (with metal flake) paint is optional.

Nightster [edit]

Introduced in 2007,^[11] the XL1200N Nightster included (then) unique elements such every bit a bobbed rear fender, front fork gaiters, and a side mount license plate. The riding position and 25.3-inch (640 mm) seat height of the Nightster are the same as those of the XL883L Sportster Low - United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland version (along with Iron 883 and Forty-Eight) has key number plate, 13.5-inch rear shocks, tapered silencers, and combined LED indicator/tail/brake lights. The wheel has a measured HP of 57.2 hp (42.7 kW) (rear cycle) and 64.4 lb⋅ft (87.3 N⋅grand) (rear wheel) and a elevation speed of 107 mph (172 km/h) and a wet weight of 564 lb (256 kg).^[12]

The Harley "Iron" was introduced in 2009 every bit a smaller-deportation version of the Nightster. The major differences are blacked-out engine, cast wheels instead of laced; narrower handlebars; and of grade the smaller 883 cc engine displacement compared to the Nightster's 1200 cc. The Nightster was discontinued in 2012.^[13]

XR1200 [edit]

In the 2008 model year, Harley-Davidson released the XR1200 Sportster in Europe, Africa, and the Eye East. The XR1200 had an Evolution engine tuned to produce 91 bhp (68 kW), four-piston dual forepart disc brakes, and an aluminum swing arm. Motorcyclist had the XR1200 on the cover of its July 2008 issue, and was generally positive about it in their "First Ride" story, in which Harley-Davidson was repeatedly asked to sell it in the United States.^[14] One possible reason for the delayed availability in the United States was the fact that Harley-Davidson had to obtain the "XR1200" naming rights from Storz Performance, a Harley customizing shop in Ventura, California.^[15] The XR1200 was released in the United States in 2009, in a special color scheme including Delusion Orangish highlighting its clay-tracker heritage. The first 750 XR1200 models in 2009 were pre-ordered and came with a number 1 tag for the front end of the bike, autographed past Kenny Coolbeth and Scott Parker and a thank you lot/welcome letter from Harley-Davidson, signed past Beak Davidson. The XR1200 was discontinued on the United States Market after 2012. For 2012, the XR1200X model had upgraded pause front and rear. The bike has a measured HP of 79.26 hp (59.10 kW) (rear bike) and 67.53 lb⋅ft (91.56 N⋅m) (rear wheel) and a top speed of 120.7 mph (194.2 km/h)and a wet weight of 580 lb (260 kg).^[12]

Forty-Eight [edit]

In the 2010 model year, Harley-Davidson introduced the XL1200X "Forty-Eight" model. It is similar to the "Dark" Nightster way but has the classic 1948 way pocket-sized peanut tank, wire wheels, forward-controls, a wider forepart tire with a fat front end and chopped front fender, a slammed speedo with under mountain mirrors, low solo single seat, and low pause.^[vii]

Seventy-Two [edit]

In the 2012 model year, Harley-Davidson introduced the XL1200V "Seventy-Two" model, sold until 2016. Information technology has the classic styling of the early '70s chopper/bobbers that were prevalent during this time. Information technology has the peanut gas tank, wire wheels, white-wall tires, forward-controls, a bit of extra rake and slightly longer forepart forks, a chopped (bobbed) rear fender, side-mounted license plate, depression solo single seat, mini-ape hanger handlebars, and low suspension.^[sixteen] The bike has a measured HP of 54.67 hp (40.77 kW) (rear cycle) and 59.81 lb⋅ft (81.09 N⋅m) (rear wheel) and a top speed of 108 mph (174 km/h) with a wet weight of 559.5 lb (253.8 kg).^[12]

Roadster [edit]

In the 2016 model yr, Harley-Davidson introduced the XL1200CX "Roadster" model. This is the sporty Sportster it has café bike styling and stance. With mid-position pegs and a slammed drag bar requite a slight lean-forward riding position.^[17] A 43mm inverted cartridge fork and in the back preload-adaptable emulsion-type shocks help the roadster to have the greatest lean bending of any Sportster. Likewise standard are twin 300mm floating disc brakes and a tachometer. The bike has a measured HP of 65.4 hp (48.viii kW) (rear bicycle) and 69.7 lb⋅ft (94.5 N⋅m) (rear cycle).^[xviii]

Sportster S [edit]

In 2021, Harley-Davidson launched the Sportster S and described it equally a "sports custom motorbike". In an contained review, Bennetts commented that: "Despite the Sportster moniker, the new cycle's specs hateful information technology's got more in mutual with the erstwhile V-Rod than its namesakes. Past the end of its life, the Five-Rod had a 1247cc, water-cooled, DOHC 5-twin making 125hp, putting it within spitting distance of the new Sportster's 1252cc and 121hp. Simply the onetime bicycle was a much heftier automobile, coming in at around 300kg depending on which version you picked, where the Sportster Due south is a relatively lithe 228kg ready-to-ride. The event means the Sportster volition be a significantly amend-performing machine, both in a direct line and around corners, than the old 5-Rod." ^[19]

Electric current models [edit]

The Sportster is offered in a number of dissimilar models. The 2021 models, which are not all offered in the aforementioned countries, are:

• Iron 883 - XL883N
• Iron 1200 - XL1200NS
• Forty-8 - XL1200X
• Sportster S (launched in 2021)

Buell [edit]

Buell started with water-cooled ii-stroke foursquare-fours and ended with a water cooled four-stroke 5-Twin, but the vast majority of their bikes used reworked 883 and 1200 Sportster engines. With Buell-designed heads, barrels, and in 1999 fuel injection, these all led to an increase in horsepower. They as well had condom mounting and a fan to cool the rear cylinder.^[twenty]

See also [edit]

• List of Harley-Davidson motorcycles
• List of motorcycles of the 1950s

References [edit]

External links [edit]

• Sportster pages at Harley-Davidson.com
• Motorcycle Classics article on 1959 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster
• K-model and early (through 1969) Sportster information