Harley Davidson Sportster History


Contributions by: docjimbob, Tim Schumacher, Tom Riccio, & Kev Maher and Bruce’s Harley Page (check for History on all HD models)
Timeline:
  • Model “K”: 1952-1956
  • Ironhead: 1957-1985
  • Evolution: 1986-Present
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 & 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 & 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)