Harley davidson sportster history models. Significant changes by model year 1957 ironhead overhead valve engine introduced. The sportster was one of the first harley davidson models to include a rear suspension and a high performance overhead valve engine. In 1968 harley davidson changed the front fork internals which gave an additional 1 inch of travel.
Claimed power was. 1967 electric starting introduced on xlh 1972 ironhead 1000 cc overhead valve engine replaces 900 cc. This is why purists believe that 1969 is the last real xlch.
For 1996 the motor company began to bring back some of that variety starting with the xl1200c custom model. Harley davidson sportster 1200. In 1961 the sprint model is introduced and in 1962 harley buys 60 of tomahawk boat manufacturing company and starts making fiberglass components there.
1958 xlh touring high compression model and xlch sportier competition hot model introduced. The sportster part number is 99484 62. The 1992 my harley davidson xlh 1200 sportster boasts a maximum power output of 50 horsepower and 84 nm of torque from its air cooled four stroke.
All sportster models including the xlch shared the frame and engine cases from the xlh electric start. Factory service manuals for all harley models issued for the year 1962 covering years 1959 1962 had a dealer price of 400 with a list price of 500. The design was conspicuously reminiscent of the dominating british motorcycles of the 1950s particularly the triumph thunderbird.
The middleweight k model was introduced in 1952 with a 45 cubic inch flathead engine and a unit construction four speed transmission that was contained inside the engine cases. The first fl available with electric start. This approach turned out to be gold.
Its the ultimate insider view of motorcycle history. Harley davidson production models from every era. Brilliant ideas that never saw the light of day.
The 1962 master service manual covering all harley models not sold to customers had a dealer price of 2100. The machine that is done it all now does it all better. 1996 98 sportster lineup gains new models with the introduction of the evo sportster in 1986 gone were the xr1000 xlcr cafe racer xlt sportster touring and xls roadster factory custom.
About the harley davidson sportster models the sportster is a direct descendent of harleys legendary but sometimes overlooked model k series. Check out the styling and features see the models and more.