Sportster is a line of motorcycles produced continuously since 1957 by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Sportster models are designated in Harley-Davidson's product code by beginning with "XL". In 1952, the predecessors to the Sportster, the Model K Sport and Sport Solo motorcycles, were introduced. These models K, KK, KH, and KHK of 1952 to 1956 had a flat head engine, whereas the later XL Sportster models use an overhead valve engine. The first Sportster in 1957 featured many of the same details of the KH including the frame, fenders, large gas tank and front suspension

Sportster motorcycles are powered by a four-stroke, 45 degree V-twin engine in which both connecting rods, of the "fork and blade" or "knife & fork" design, share a common crank pin. The original Sportster engine was the Ironhead engine, which was replaced with the Evolution engine in 1986. Sportster engines, the 45" R, D, G & W Models 1929 side-valve motors, and the 'Big Twin' side-valve motors, which were: the flathead 74 cu in (1,213 cc) Models V, VL etc. (1930–1936), Models U and UL (1937–1948), and the 80 cu in (1,311 cc) models VH and VLH (1935–1936), models UH and ULH (1937–1941) have four separate 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, but with the same 0.731-inch (19 mm) diameter body and 0.855-inch (22 mm) diameter roller follower since 1929. The company used similar cam followers for decades with minor changes, from the 1929 to the Eighties.

Sportster engines retained the K/KH design crankcase design, in which the transmission is contained in the same casting as the engine, and driven by the engine with a triple-row #35 chain primary drive and a multi-plate cable-operated clutch. Models since 1991 have five speeds; 1990 and earlier models had four speeds.

The engine was mounted directly to the frame from 1957 through the 2003 model year. While this system allows the bike to be somewhat lighter with more precise handling, it also transmits engine vibration directly to the rider. Sportsters released in 2004 and later use rubber isolation mounts and tie links to limit engine movement to a single plane, which greatly reduces vibration felt by the rider. Buell motorcycles built with variants of the Sportster engine have used a rubber mount system since 1987.

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

Model K series.

This is developed from the earlier 45 W model, but with the revised flat head engine and new 4-speed transmission contained in the same castings as would become the Sportster. The connecting rods would be inherited by the Sportster along with many other design features 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 x 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, but with the stroke increased to 4.5625" (115.89 mm). This is the only small twin with a longer stroke than 3.8125". The shorter stroke is otherwise universal to the entire 45/K/Sportster line from 1929 to the present (exception: XR750, XB9 Buell).

XL series Sportsters.

1957 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster

XL, Ironhead, 1957–1985: 883 cc and 1,000 cc Ironhead overhead-valve engines with cast iron 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 jump bike while sponsored by Harley-Davidson between 1970 and 1977) 1970–1971: 750 cc overhead-valve engine, iron 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, iron heads, 2000 made in 77, 1200 in 78, and 9 in 1979

XR-1000 1983–1984: 1,000 cc street model using XR racing cylinder head and other XR engine parts

XLR: 883 cc overhead-valve engines, iron heads

XLS Roadster 1982 -- 1000cc ironhead / 4 speed, stock features -- 2" longer forks, 2 up seat, sissy bar, highway pegs, 3.5 gallon "Superglide" tank

XLS Roadster, 1983-1985, 1,000 cc ironhead, 4 gallon fuel tank with console

XL, Evolution (also known as the "Evo"), since 1986: 883 cc, 1,100 cc and 1,200 cc Evolution overhead-valve engine, alloy heads

Significant changes by model year[edit]

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1971 Sportster XLCH

1978 XLCR1000 Cafe Racer

1957 "Ironhead" overhead-valve engine introduced.[2]

1958 XLH touring high compression model and XLCH sportier "Competition Hot" model introduced.

1972 "Ironhead" 1,000 cc overhead-valve engine replaces 900 cc.

1975 Switched to left-side gear change (DOT mandate)

1977 & 1979 Dual exhaust "Siamese" pipes used, introduced on XLCR in 1977 all models 1979, along with the triangular frame and rear hydraulic disk brake also introduced on the XLCR.

1979 Last year for the kickstart only XLCH, only 141 made.

1985 Last year for the "Ironhead" overhead-valve engine.

1986 "Evolution" 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 transmission replaces four-speed.

1991 Belt drive replaces chain drive on 883 Deluxe and all 1200 models.

1993 Belt drive made standard on all Sportsters.

1994 Improved oil tank, battery tray, and clutch made standard.

1994 New electrical system with sealed connectors.

1995 Speedometer is now electronic, not mechanical.

1996 XL1200C Custom model introduced.

1998 XL1200S gets dual spark plug heads and high performance cams

2000 Introduced sealed wheel bearings and updated four-piston brake calipers.

2003 Last year for the frame mounted Evolution engine.

2004 All-new frame including rubber-mounted engine for decreased vibration. Elimination of the transmission trap door, New shape hamcan, Exhaust balance pipe moved from running under the air filter and disguised and hidden behind the silencers to show more of engine, new smoother style oil tank right side panel with push and turn filler/dipstick, and the previously exposed battery is now enclosed in a matching side panel 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, Germany. The XR1200 is the first Harley-Davidson to utilize Down Draft DDFI II fuel injection. To be released as a late 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 "One size fits all" front mudguard approach replaced by improved mudguard contour to match each model's respective wheel diameters.

2010 The ECU is relocated to allow more variation in aftermarket seat selection

2010 Side-mounted license plate option on some models[3]

2014 new electrical harness, new larger brakes, antilock brakes (ABS) option, keyless entry, new speedometer with gear indicator/tachometer, increased engine compression ratio, catalytic converter

Production and notable Sportster models[edit]

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2001 883 Sportster Hugger

2002 Sportster 883 Custom

2003 Harley Davidson XL1200 Custom Anniversary Edition

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 compression engine! - the "CH" denoting "competition/high-compression". after a year lights, speedo and full 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 exhaust and handlebars.

XLS1000

XLT1000 "Tourer" 1977 special model featured a Superglide tank, screen, bigger seat and panniers

XLCH, XLH and XT models of the 1977 Harley-Davidson Confederate Edition that featured commemorative paint and tank and fender decals. Very low volume production of only 45 XLCH, 229 XLH and 15 XT models.[4]

XLCR1000 "Cafe Racer" is the Cafe Racer model, available in 1977 and 1978.[5]

XR1000, two high rise flat track style exhausts on the left and two staggered K&N type filters feeding Dell'Orto carburetors on the right. Featured a 1,000cc engine and a combination of XLX Sportster and modified XR-750 parts.[6]

XLH883 -

XLH1100

XLH1200

XLH883 "Deluxe", twin seat, tachometer, buckhorn bars, and spoke wheels (vs single seat, speedometer only, low bars and cast wheels for the XLH883 standard model)

XLH883 "Hugger", with reduced single seat height and reduced suspension, the precursor to the "XL low" models

XL53C "Custom 53" (EU) XL883C "Custom" (US) '98–'03 (883 cc or 54 cu in), Forward-controls, duelseat, solid rear wheel and drag bars 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, forward-controls, duelseat and 21-inch wire and 16-inch solid disc wheels

XL1200C "Custom" Frame mount models had a chunkier duelseat and normal tank, rubber mounts get smoother seat and flatter wider "custom" tank, all have 21-inch wire and 16-inch slotted disc wheels and forward-controls

XL883L "Low"; Single seat, very low 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" – this Sportster has adjustable suspension with piggyback shox, dual disc front brakes, hotter cams and 13-spoke mags, later models get dual plug cylinder heads with single fire ignition

XL883R "Roadster" Frame mount models have a 2–1 exhaust, 13-spoke mags, black engine and are available in orange with 'R' graphics, rubber mounts get 2–2 exhaust, slightly different dualseat, wire wheel option and more '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 paint available but no 'R' graphics and '08 models get the wider flatter "custom" tank which distance it further from the 883R

XL50 1200 "50th Anniversary" 2007 limited production of 2,000 models

XL1200N "Nightster" first of the Dark Customs, combined LED tail/brake/indicator lights, tapered silencers (EU) and side mounted LED lit licence plate, 11-inch shocks, and baloney cut silencers (US), mid-controls and wire wheels

XL883N "Iron 883", blacked out 883 similar to the Nightster with more black and 13-spoke mags, mid-controls.

XR1200 More sports orientated "Euro" style bike, male-slider forks, reworked Sportster engine with XR heads, new chassis, four-pot double discs, 120/70-18 and 180/55-17 split 3-spoke mags, rear-controls - has its own race series

XL1200X "Forty-Eight", in the "Dark" Nightster style but has the classic 1948 style small peanut tank, wire wheels, forward-controls, a whole new 130 mm front tire, and super small single seat

XR1200X Starting as a XR1200 with piggyback/fully adjustable shocks, fully adjustable front end, available in either Black Denim or White Denim paint colors

XL883L "SuperLow", new for 2011 has black split 5-spoke mags with polished rims and 120/70-18 and 150/60-17 tires, wider flatter "Custom" tank, mid-controls

XL1200C "1200 Custom" As of 2011 has a 130/90B16 front tyre, wide front 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 what is commonly seen on highway 72 in California. Bike has the chopper bobber look, Hard Candy Custom (with metal flake) paint is optional.

Nightster[edit]

2008 XL1200N Nightster

Introduced in 2007, the XL1200N Nightster included (then) unique features such as a bobbed rear fender, front fork gaiters, and a side mount license plate. The riding position and 25.3-inch (643 mm) seat height of the Nightster are the same as those of the XL883L Sportster Low - UK version (along with Iron 883 and Forty-Eight) has central number plate, 13.5-inch rear shocks, tapered silencers, and combined LED indicator/tail/brake lights.

The Harley Iron was released in 2009 as a smaller displacement version of the Nightster. The major differences are blacked out engine, cast wheels instead of laced; narrower handlebars; and of course the smaller engine displacement.

XR1200.

In the 2008 model year, Harley-Davidson released the XR1200 Sportster in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The XR1200 had an Evolution engine tuned to produce 91 bhp (68 kW), four-piston dual front disc brakes, and an aluminum swing arm. Motorcyclist featured 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.[7] 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, Calif.[8] The XR1200 was released in the United States in 2009, in a special color scheme including Mirage Orange highlighting its dirt-tracker heritage. The first 750 XR1200 models in 2009 were pre-ordered and came with a number 1 tag for the front of the bike, autographed by Kenny Coolbeth and Scott Parker and a thank you/welcome letter from Harley-Davidson, signed by Bill Davidson. The XR1200 was discontinued on the United States Market for the 2013 lineup.

Forty-Eight.

In the 2010 model year, Harley-Davidson introduced the XL1200X "Forty-Eight" model. It is similar to the "Dark" Nightster style but has the classic 1948 style small peanut tank, wire wheels, forward-controls, a wider front tire with a fat front end and chopped front fender, a slammed speedo with under mount mirrors, low solo single seat, and low suspension.[9]

Seventy-Two.

In the 2012 model year, Harley-Davidson introduced the XL1200V "Seventy-Two" model. It has the classic styling of the early '70s chopper/bobbers that were prevalent during this time. It has the peanut gas tank, wire wheels, white-wall tires, forward-controls, a bit of extra rake and slightly longer front forks, a chopped (bobbed) rear fender, side-mounted license plate, low solo single seat, mini-ape hanger handlebars, and low suspension.[10]

Current models.

The Sportster is offered in a number of different models. The 2015 models, which are not all offered in the same countries, are:

SuperLow - XL883L

Iron 883 - XL883N

883 Roadster - XL883R (U.K.)

1200 Custom - XL1200C

SuperLow 1200T - XL1200T

Forty-Eight - XL1200X

Seventy-Two - XL1200V

Buell.

Buell started with water-cooled two-stroke square-fours and ended with a water cooled four-stroke V-Twin, but the vast majority of their bikes used reworked 883 and 1200 Sportster engines.

References.

Jump up ^ Margie Siegal (May–June 2011). "1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 2011-05-19.

Jump up ^ Richard Backus (March–April 2010). "1972-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1000". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 2010-05-21.

Jump up ^ http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Content/Pages/2010_Motorcycles/family/sportster.html?locale=en_US#/model/xl1200x/features

Jump up ^ Harley-Davidson Confederate Edition, Motorcycle Classics

Jump up ^ Roland Brown (Premier Issue). "Harley-Davidson XLCR". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 2009-08-24. Check date values in: |date= (help)

Jump up ^ Clement Salvadori (November–December 2010). "The Harley-Davidson XR1000". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 2010-10-11.

Jump up ^ Cathcart, Alan (July 2008). "First Ride: 2008 Harley-Davidson XR1200 - Get Sporty!". Motorcyclist (Source Interlink Magazines): 49–53.

Jump up ^ Richard Backus (September–October 2009). "2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 2009-08-20.

Jump up ^ http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Content/Pages/2010_Motorcycles/family/sportster.html?locale=en_US#/model/xl1200x/features

Jump up ^ http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Motorcycles/seventy-two.html

External links.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Harley-Davidson Sportster.

Sportster pages at Harley-Davidson.com

Motorcycle Classics article on 1959 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster

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Harley-Davidson model families

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Servi-Car (G) (1932-1973) Lightweight (1948-1966) Topper (scooter) (1960-1965)

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