The history of the Sportster

Est publié : le 3 avril 2009 - 12:55

1957 :

  • The Sportster XL was introduced as “a modern, up-to-date power plant.”
  • 55cid 7.5:1 Compression, hemi-spherical style heads, 90 degree valve angle, 4 cams
  • Production Information :
    • XL (1983), $1,103

1958 :

  • XLH introduced with higher compression and larger valves
  • Camshaft gears became integrated with the camshafts, eliminating the need for a woodruff key.
  • Drive gearshaft was enlarged.125 in.
  • Drive gear and second gear support shaft was enlarged .125 in and had 8 splines (instead of 6).
  • Choke control lever moved from left side to the air cleaner.
  • Heavier clutch cover and new gasket.
  • New oil resistant clutch hub seal and gearshaft o-ring.
  • Two brush generator.
  • Optional turn signals and 1 in over suspension.
  • The XLC ET XLCH (Competition/California Hot)
    • Larger ports and valves
    • High domed pistons
    • Light ended tappets
    • Magneto ignition
  • Production Information :
    • XL (579), $1,155
    • XLH (711)
    • XLC
    • XLCH (239)

1959 :

  • New dual exhaust on XLH with twin mufflers.
  • Nacelle headlamp on XLH
  • 5 ¾ in headlamp with eyebrow on XLCH
  • Trip-o-meter on XLCH
  • Nylon chain tensioner
  • Single switch ignition on left fork
  • Valanced front fender
  • End relieved connecting rod bearings
  • 14.5 sec ¼ mile (90 mph)
  • Production Information :
    • XL (42), $1,175
    • XLH (947), $1,200
    • XLCH (1059), $1,285

1960 :

  • New shock absorbers.
  • Production Information :
    • Sportsters (2,765)
      XLH $1,225
      XLCH $1,310

1961 :

  • Creased edge on fuel tank.
  • Production Information :
    • Sportsters (2014)
      XLH $1,250
      XLCH $1,335

1962 :

  • Aluminum upper triple tree.
  • XLR appeared for TT racing.
  • Production Information :
    • Sportsters (1998)
      XLH $1,250
      XLCH $1,335

1963 :

  • Both XLH ET XLCH got 1.323:1 3rd gear ratios (were 1.381)
    • Final ratio 5.56:1 on the H
    • Final ratio 5.85:1 on the CH
  • XLCH got “shorty duals”
  • XLCH got an ignition key and improved magneto/coil
  • 14.3 sec ¼ mile (92 mph)
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (432), $1,270
    • XLCH (1,001), $1,355

1964 :

  • Chrome panel for XLCH lower fork bracket.
  • New graphic for the XLH (oil tank).
  • Full width aluminum brake drum in the front.
  • Aluminum tappet guides.
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (810), $1,295
    • XLCH (1950), $1,360

1965 :

  • XLH and XLCH received a 12 volt electrical system.
  • XLH got automatic spark advance.
  • Racing-type ball end levers.
  • High fidelity horn.
  • New shocks
  • 3.7 gal fuel tank
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (955)
    • XLCH (2815)

1966 :

  • P Cams, race developed intake ports, jumbo valves-> 60 hp
  • Tillotson diaphragm carb
  • “Ham-can” air cleaner
  • Carb heat insulator
  • Hexagonal tank badge.
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (900$1,415
      XLCH (3,900$1,411
    • XLRTT (25)

1967 :

  • Electric start option.
  • New shocks
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (2,000$1,650
    • XLCH (2,500$1,600

1968 :

  • New forks (damping and travel) and the fork boots were canned.
  • Kick start was dropped from the XLH.
  • Restyled primary cover.
  • Peanut tank was an option on the XLH
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (1,975$1,650
    • XLCH (4,900$1,600

1969 :

  • First use of the exhaust crossover pipe (increases hp by 5 to 58 hp) with stacked duals
  • New head castings.
  • Safety bead wheel rims.
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (2,700$1,765
    • XLCH (5,100$1,698

1970 :

  • XLH got the headlamp eyebrow of the XLCH
  • Optional boat tail (again in 71)
  • Magneto ignition on the XLCH replaced with XLH’s points/coil.
  • First year for XR-750
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (3,033)
    • XLCH (5,527)

1971 :

  • Wet clutch with single spring.
  • Points and condenser moved behind plate on timing case cover.
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (3,950)
    • XLCH (6,825)

1972 :

  • The 61 cid (called a 1000cc) XL replaced the 900.
  • Rated for 61 hp, 9:1 CR, 110 mph, 13.38 sec ¼ mile (97.7 mph), and 43 mpg.
  • Bendix/Zenith carb.
  • Wet clutch.
  • New oil pump.
  • Oil tank placed near chain
  • Seat is thinner w/less padding.
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (7,500$2,120
    • XLCH (10,650)

1973 :

  • First AMF production Harley
  • Mandatory turn signals.
  • New 35mm Kayaba forks, single disc front brakes.
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (9,875)
    • XLCH (10,825)

1974 :

  • Throttle used return springs.
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (13,295)
    • XLCH (10,535)
    • XR (100)

1975 :

  • Left hand side gear shifting, right hand side rear brake (Fed mandated)
  • New 35mm Showa forks.
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (13,515)
    • XLCH (5,895)

1976 :

  • Production Information :
    • XLH (12,844)
    • XLCH (5,238)

1977 :

  • New cases to accommodate the left side shifting.
  • Frame designed for removal of oil pump with engine in frame.
  • XLT (touring) became available
    • included thicker seat
    • 3.5 gallon tank
    • touring handle bars
    • saddlebags from FLH
    • geared higher
    • windshield
  • XLCR was introduced at Daytona (available again in 78).
    • cast aluminum wheels
    • fiberglass tail section w/solo seat
    • wrinkle black engine paint
    • bikini fairing
    • black siamese exhaust
    • dual disc front brakes
    • low bars
    • black paint scheme [on everything]
    • 4 gallon gas tank
    • 68 horses, 9:1 compression, 110 mph
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (12,742)
    • XLCH (4,074)
    • XLT (1,099)
    • XLCR (1,923$3,623

1978 :

  • Cast wheels option
  • Front dual disc brakes
  • Electronic ignition
  • Battery and oil tank moved inboard
  • HD 75th anniversary model XLH
    • Midnight black w/gold trim
    • anniversary graphics
    • gold aluminum wheels
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (11,271)
    • XLH Anniv model (2,323$3,127
    • XLCH (2,758$3,370
    • XLT (6)

1979 :

  • All models got the XLCR frame and exhaust (Siamese).
  • XLT was dropped from the product line.
  • Kick starter was dropped.
  • Disc brakes front and rear.
  • Hugger model available for the first time.
  • Last year for XLCH
  • New model XLS appeared :
    • Extended forks
    • 16 ″ rear wheel
    • siamese exhaust
    • drag bars on 3.5 ″ risers
    • sissy bar w/leather pouch
    • highway pegs
    • 2 piece seat
    • chromed rear sprocket
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (6,525)
    • XLCH (141)
    • XLS - (5,123)
    • XLCR (9) (? leftover ’ 78’s ?)

1980 :

  • A 16 in wheel replaced the XLH 18 in.
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (11,841$5,867
    • XLS (2,926)

1981 :

  • Buy back from AMF
  • wire or cast wheels options, 16 ″ or 18 ″ rear wheel options
  • XLS
    • buckhorn handlebars
    • shorty dual exhaust
    • 3.3 gallon, 2.2 gallon tank optional.
  • XLH
    • shorter front forks
    • 3.3 gallon optional.
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (8,442)
    • XLS (1,660)

1982 :

  • Lighter frame
  • oil tank repositioned
  • Thicker head gasket w/lower 8:1 compression
  • Larger rear disc
  • XLS repositioned the battery
  • Production Information :
    • XLH (5,015)
    • XLS (1,261)

1983 :

  • XLH :
    • high bars
    • vacuum advance (VOES ?)
    • 3.3 gallon tank option
    • new seat
    • less restrictive exhaust.
  • New model XLX-61 : (built to sell for $3,995)
    • solo seat
    • peanut tank
    • staggered dual exhaust
    • speedo only
    • 9 spoke wheels
    • vacuum advance (VOES ?)
    • satin finish cases. {only year}
    • six coil springs in clutch
    • 156 watt generator
    • loose output roller tranny
    • output shaft oil seal secured by a bolt on cover
    • 3 generator drive gears
    • 10 ″ dual front disc brakes.
  • New model – XR-1000, based on XLX chassis
    • aluminum SR style heads w/intake ports on right, exhaust on left
    • polished and bored by Jerry Branch
    • helicoil inserts where rocker boxes bolt to head,
    • 9:1, XR pistons
    • light aluminum pushrods
    • eccentric rocker shafts adjust valve lash
    • iron cylinders (shortened half an inch to make room for the ‘ Branch ’ heads) - w/through bolts
    • vacuum advance-V-fire III breaker less ignition
    • twin 36mm Dell’Orto carbs
    • satin textured cases
    • 9 spoke cast wheels
    • oiled felt air filter
    • The XR-1000 had 71HP 5,600 rpm, 125 mph, 490 lbs
    • 2.5 gallon tank, 2.5 quart oil capacity $6,995.
  • Production Information :
    • XLX-61 (4,892$3,995
    • XLH (2,230)
    • XLS (1,616)
    • XR-1000 (1,018$6,995

1984 :

  • Diaphragm spring clutch (mid year)
  • Generator replaced by the alternator. (mid year)
  • XLH used the Peanut tank again.
  • XR, improved brakes, orange/black HD racing color option
  • XLH/X/S Single (larger) front disc.
  • Production Information :
    • XLX-61 (4,284)
    • XLH (4,442)
    • XLS (1,135)
    • XR-1000 (759)

1985 :

  • Production trimmed in anticipation of the Evo XL.
  • Production Information :
    • XLX-61 (1,824)
    • XLH (4,074)
    • XLS (616)

1986 :

  • First year of the Evo Sportster
  • came in 883 and 1100cc flavors
  • XLX frame
  • Aluminum heads and cylinders
  • hydraulic lifters
  • 34mm fixed-venturi Keihin carb
  • powder coat frame paint
  • cast aluminum wheels
  • solo seat
  • low bars
  • speedo only
  • turn signals double as running lights
  • 30 ″ seat height
  • Upgrade package=special paint and trim.
  • Production Information :
    • XLH 883 (8,026$3,995
      XLH 883 (2,322) (upgrade)
      XLH 1,100 (3,077$5,199
      XLH 1,100 (954) ‘ Liberty’

1987 :

  • Sportsters 30th Anniversary
  • first year for the Evo Hugger :
    • The fork tubes were shortened 2 ″
    • revised shock angle
    • a softer seat at 26.75 ″, (1.75 ″ lower than standard)
  • Production Information :
    • XLH 883 (4,990)
    • XLH 883 (2,106) ‘ Hugger’
    • XLH 883 (2,260) (upgrade)
    • XLH 1,100 (4,018)
    • XLH 1,100 (600) ‘ Anniversary’

1988 :

  • new 39mm Fork Tubes replaced the older 35mm unit
  • new 40mm constant velocity Keihin slide carb
  • first year for the 1200 (replacing the 1100)
  • Production Information :
    • XLH 883 (5,387)
    • XLH 883 (4,501) ‘ Hugger’
    • XLH 883 (1,893) ‘ Sportster Deluxe’
    • XLH 1,200 (4,752)

1989 :

  • kickstand repositioned father rearward
  • price increase jumped from $3995 to $3999 for the base model 883
  • Production Information :
    • XLH 883 (6,142)
    • XLH 883 (4,467) ‘ Hugger’
    • XLH 883 (1,812) ‘ Sportster Deluxe’
    • XLH 1,200 (4,546)

1990 :

  • new paper air filter and paint options
  • 40mm Keihin carb – constant velocity w/accelerator pump
  • Production Information :
    • XLH 883 (5,227$4,250
    • XLH 883 (4,040) ‘ Hugger’
    • XLH 883 (1,298) ‘ Sportster Deluxe’
    • XLH 1,200 (4,598)

1991 :

  • 5 speed tranny replaced the 4 speed
  • belt drive replaced chain on 883 deluxe and 1200 models
  • hydraulic lifters were replaced with automotive type units
  • oil pump given internal cast feed lines
  • breather system moved from the crankcase to the heads (umbrella valves)
  • alternator moved from behind clutch to the crankshaft
  • primary cover redesigned
  • new foot peg mounts
  • old Dunlop k-291 tires replaced with K402’s
  • Self canceling signals
  • right side timing hole
  • tappet blocks, rear motor mount, oil filter integrated with case
  • one piece push rod tubes
  • Production Information :
    • XLH 883 (4,922$4,359
    • XLH 883 (3,487) ‘ Hugger’
    • XLH 883 (3,034) ‘ Sportster Deluxe’
    • XLH 1,200 (6,282$6,245

1992 :

  • Hugger model made even lower
  • standardized hand controls
  • Production Information :
    • XLH $883 4,499
    • XLH 883 ‘ Hugger ’ $5,075
    • XLH 883 ‘ Sportster Deluxe ’ $5,559
    • XLH $1,200 6,400

1993 :

  • belt drive now on all Sportster models
  • Production Information :
    • XLH $883 4,775
    • XLH 883 ‘ Hugger ’ $5,420
    • XLH 883 ‘ Sportster Deluxe ’ $5,820
    • XLH $1,200 6,800

1994 :

  • Oil tank revised (visually identified by relocated oil drain line which now runs to the frame instead of nipple on underside of battery tray)
  • Derby cover revised from small cover over center of clutch to large 4-bolt cover (with this came a new quick-release clutch cable)
  • Revised rear struts with chromed steel covers.
  • New electrical system (wiring harness/weatherproof electrical connectors, new electrical component tray under the seat)
  • 883s got an aluminum lower triple clamp which was previously stock on only the 1200’s

1995 :

  • New Larger standard gas tank (3.25 gal) on 1200 models
  • Vacuum operated petcock added to Sportster line
  • Ignition switch moved to steering column (because of petcock)
  • Switched to electric speedo
  • Production Information :
    • XLH $883 4,995
    • XLH 883 ‘ Hugger ’ $5,700
    • XLH 883 ‘ Sportster Deluxe ’ $6,120
    • XLH $1,200 7,200

1996 :

  • Switchgear revised, more rounded style
  • First year for 1200 Custom and Sport models
  • Production Information :
    • XLH $883 5,095
    • XLH 883 ‘ Hugger ’ $5,760
    • XLH $1,200 7,360
    • XLH 1,200'1200C Custom ’ $7,910
    • XLH 1,200'1200S Sport ’ $8,360

1997 :

  • New Larger standard gas tank (3.25 gal) on 883 models

1998 :

  • Revised ignition system (single fire)
  • 1200S gets dual-plug heads (along with hotter cams)

1999 :

  • First year of the 883C

2000 :

  • First year for sealed wheel bearings
  • First year for 4-piston calipers
  • Pressed together flywheel assembly (supposed to be stronger and hold it’s trueness better)

2001 :

2002 :

  • First year for the 883R
  • Introduction of the bullet-style turn signals across the line

2003 :

  • Final year for solid mount models
  • New style mirrors.
  • Special Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary paint/badges

2004 :

  • Engine is rubber mounted
  • Trap door transmission eliminated (cases must now be split to access transmission).
  • Oil tank is mounted further under the seat
  • Seat height is lowered by an inch
  • Rear tire width increased to 150 mm
  • Custom models get 4.5 gallon gas tanks
  • New air cleaner cover
  • Brake calipers, master cylinder, switch housings and handgrips replaced, now exclusive to Sportster models.

2005 :

  • Swing arm ET rear wheel re-designed to accommodate 1 ″ rear axle.
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