During its debut year, 4,892 units were sold. It came in black version only and was designed to sell at $3,995. The bare boned machine featured nothing more than a single gauge, peanut gas tank, and a solo seat. 1983 Harley Sportster XLX61Ĭlearly one of the greatest marketing moves in Harley Davidson’s history, the XLX61 was introduced in 1983 with no frills. In addition to several minor adjustments, the early 80’s Sportsters were integrated with a lighter and stronger frame. With an acceleration of more than 2,000rpm, the motorcycles did not require down-shifting – the 1,000cc V twin provided all the torque that was needed. While the 80’s came with high-revving, multi-cylinder engine bikes, the Sportster maintained its 5,500rpm. The cable-driven unit was replaced by an electronic tachometer. This module is popularly known as the “black box.” The Sportster used a new drive and electric starter, and introduced a double accelerator cable. The electronic ignition was eliminated for a Magnavox unit that relayed signals to a calculating control module via an inductive pickup. All the XL models now came as electric start only, making space for the back master cylinder to be relocated below and out of the way of the back exhaust pipe. In 1980, Harley Davidson unleashed the 1980 Sportster with dual discs and triangulated frame and discs and discontinued the 1979 kickstarter models. 17,000 units were sold that year, marking the highest Ironhead Sportster sales in history. The company brochure dubbed the 1978 Sportster the fastest, most powerful, and most agile motorbike of its time. To celebrate 75 years of production, Harley Davidson offered a special edition Sportster, featuring limited edition anniversary graphics, gold cast aluminum wheels, and dark black paint highlighted by gold trim. By this time, all XL motorbikes had a stable voltage regulator and electric ignition, which required less maintenance and provided easier starting. Longer stroke rear shocks were significant in increasing passenger and rider comfort. The 1978 Sportster borrowed cast aluminum wheels and dual-disc front brakes from the Cafe Racer, in addition to the siamesed exhaust pipes that enhanced both the mid-range horsepower and torque. They are also quieter than dry clutches, but are a more difficult pull at the lever. The Sportsters were transformed into a wet-clutch setup which, as the name implies, sits in oil while a dry one does not. The tail section and fiberglass seat, nicknamed “the boat-tail” was introduced for the 2nd and last year. The lineup transferred the distributor to the interior of the gear case, now using an automatic advance mechanism to help with the starting. 1971 Harley Sportsterġ971 was a special year for Sportsters, marking a transition from the 900cc to new engine cases. The engine was fueled by 70% nitro-methane and the pilot was renowned Harley Davidson rider Cal Rayborn, whose 265mph record speed lasted for 15 years! 4. There was a small cockpit inside with a customized XLR motor, stroked and bored to 1480cc. The streamliner featured a 15′-long aluminum body, with just 23 inches cross section. It is here, in 1970, that a Sportster-operated streamliner motorbike smashed the world speed record. The northwest Utah-based Bonneville Salt Flats have always been known for high speed competition. With the long frame, the seat post tubes were set 1 1/2 inches towards the back. The XLH kicked back the frame just above the arm pivot to support electric start as well as the new battery box. In 1970, all the XL models were fitted with the same engine cases. Between 19, two cases were made for the Sportster: one for the electric start bikes and the other for the kick-start models. The new model came with revised engine cases to incorporate electric start. 1967 Harley Sportster XLHīefore the 1967 XLH, all the previous models were kick-start only. Integrated within the back of the engine cases was a “unit” 4-speed transmission while the motor, which was almost hidden perfectly behind the gas tank, featured twin cylinder jugs separated by about 45 degrees. Individual valves were controlled by a separate cam to simplify the valve train geometry, while both the front and back cylinders were fed by a single carburetor. One crank pin was used for both connecting rods, and was called a “knife & fork” design. The Sportster legend began with the 1957 Harley XL Ironhead, featuring a new overhead valve motor that worked with a 3.81-inch stroke and a 3-inch bore to produce 883cc displacement.
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