Harley Davidson Sportster History

  • June 12

1957 Harley Davidson Sportster XL883

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1947 Board of Directors’ records mention discussion of a bike in the design stage called the “Deluxe Sport Model,” which was to have an “entirely new 61 cubic inch overhead valve V-Twin engine,” and was to be 150 to 200 pounds less than the Big Twins of the time.
1952 The K model is introduced, a 750cc side-valve, V-Twin driven model. The K model is the direct ancestor of the XL Sportster.
1957 The XL Sportster replaces the K model. This 55 cubic-inch, overhead valve bike improves upon the power and handling of the K model. The engine and transmission were all new.
1958 The Sportster CH (XLCH) is introduced. The CH stands for “Competition Hot,” and is a more stripped-down version of the original XL. The new motorcycle also introduces the trademark “Peanut” gas tank and staggered dual exhaust.
1959 Introduction of the Sportster H (XLH).
1967 The XLH Sportster receives electric start.
1970 The XR-750 racing motorcycle is introduced. The XR-750 is driven by what is essentially a de-stroked Sportster engine.
1976 The XLCR or Cafe Racer is introduced and is one of the most unique of all Sportster platform bikes. The black sport motorcycle combines the classic European cafe racer with American styling and power.
1979 The XLS Roadster is introduced, a more customized version of the traditional Sportster platform.
1982 The 25th Anniversary Sportster, complete with the more classic “Sportster” gas tank logo, is introduced.
1983 The XLX-61 is introduced, a more stripped down, yet customized Sportster.
1986 The Sportster family receives the Sportster Evolution engine in 883 and 1100cc displacements.
1987 The 30th Anniversary Sportster is introduced.
1988 Introduction of the first of the Sportster Hugger Motorcycles, which offered a lower seat height.
1996 The first 1200S “Sport” and 1200C “Custom” bikes are introduced. The Sport offers race styling and power, and the Custom offers unique chrome appointments and other custom features unique to the bike.
1998 Sportster production moves to Harley-Davidson’s factory in Kansas City, MO.
2002 Patterned after the race model of the same name, the new Sportster 883R street motorcycle, incorporates racing styling going back to 1970.
2003 Harley-Davidson’s 2003 model year line-up included Sportsters with 100th Anniversary accoutrements.
2004 Completely redesigned XL Sportster family is introduced with a redesigned, rubber-mounted Sportster XL Evolution powertrain, a stiffer frame, and a lower seat height.
2005 XL Sportster 883 Low is introduced with ergonomics designed specifically to fit smaller riders, and that make it easier to lift off its sidestand. A seat height of just 26 inches makes the 883 Low the lowest Sportster ever.



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