Harley-Davidson Sportster

Last updated
Harley-Davidson Sportster
1957 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster.jpg
1957 XL
Manufacturer Harley-Davidson
Also calledXL
Production1957-present
PredecessorHarley-Davidson KHK

The Harley-Davidson Sportster is a line of motorcycles produced continuously since 1957 by Harley-Davidson. 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 sidevalve ('flat head') engine, whereas the later XL Sportster models use an overhead valve engine. The first Sportster in 1957 had many of the same features of the KH including the frame, fenders, large gas tank and front suspension. [1]

Contents

The original Sportster line was discontinued in Europe in 2020 because the engine failed to meet the stricter Euro 5 emissions standards. [2] An all-new model, called the Sportster S and equipped with the Revolution Max engine, was introduced in 2021. It was the first motorcycle under the Sportster nameplate to receive a new engine since 1986, and the first Sportster to have an engine not derived from the Model K. [3]

Construction

1947 Harley-Davidson mod. WL 739 cc engine Harley-Davidson-WL.jpg
1947 Harley-Davidson mod. WL 739 cc engine
Harley-Davidson 45deg V-twin, Sportster Evolution engine Sportster 883 V-twin.jpg
Harley-Davidson 45° V-twin, Sportster Evolution engine

Sportster motorcycles are powered by a four-stroke, 45° 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-cubic-inch R, D, G & W Models 1929 side-valve motors, and the 'Big Twin' side-valve motors, which were: the flathead 74.0 cu in (1,213 cc) Models V, VL etc. (1930–1936), Models U and UL (1937–1948), and the 80.0 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 featured the same 0.731-inch (18.6 mm) diameter body and 0.855-inch (21.7 mm) diameter roller follower used since 1929. The company used similar cam followers for decades, with minor changes, from 1929 to the 1980s.

A typical 5-gear, foot-shift transmission on an HD Sportster 5-gear forward.jpg
A typical 5-gear, foot-shift transmission on an HD Sportster

Sportster engines retained the K/KH design crankcase design, in which the transmission was 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. In 2003, Harley Davidson produced a limited number of 100th anniversary model Sportsters. They are identified by the 100th anniversary paint schemes and plaques attached to the sheetmetal, speedometer housing, and engine. 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 was 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 elements and dimensions.

XL series Sportsters

Bobber styled Sportster Modern bobber.jpg
Bobber styled Sportster

Significant changes by model year

1971 900cc Boattail Sportster XLCH. This bike has Willie G Davidson's designed controversial fiberglass tail section, produced for only two model years. HarleyDavidson 1973 Sportster(XLCH) 1.jpg
1971 900cc Boattail Sportster XLCH. This bike has Willie G Davidson's designed controversial fiberglass tail section, produced for only two model years.
1977 Harley Davidson XLCR 1977 Harley Davidson XLCR 01.jpg
1977 Harley Davidson XLCR

Production and notable Sportster models

2003 Harley-Davidson XL1200 Custom Anniversary Edition 2003 HD XL1200C Anniversary Edition.jpg
2003 Harley-Davidson XL1200 Custom Anniversary Edition
Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883 2007 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883 2007.JPG
Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883 2007

Nightster

2008 XL1200N Nightster HarleyDavidson XL 1200N Sportster 1200 Nightster 2008.jpg
2008 XL1200N Nightster

Introduced in 2007, [11] the XL1200N Nightster included (then) unique elements such as a bobbed rear fender, front fork gaiters, and a side mount license plate. The riding position and 25.3-inch (640 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 bike has a measured HP of 57.2 hp (42.7 kW) (rear wheel) and 64.4 lb⋅ft (87.3 N⋅m) (rear wheel) and a top speed of 107 mph (172 km/h) and a wet weight of 564 lb (256 kg). [12]

The Harley "Iron" was introduced 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 883 cc engine displacement compared to the Nightster's 1200 cc. The Nightster was discontinued in 2012. [13]

The Nightster name returned in 2022 with a 975cc engine. [14]

XR1200

2010 Harley-Davidson XR1200 Sportster Flickr - ronsaunders47 - HARLEY-DAVIDSON XR1200 SPORTSTER. 2010..jpg
2010 Harley-Davidson XR1200 Sportster

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 had 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. [15] 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, California. [16] 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 after 2012. For 2012, the XR1200X model had upgraded suspension front and rear. The bike has a measured HP of 79.26 hp (59.10 kW) (rear wheel) and 67.53 lb⋅ft (91.56 N⋅m) (rear wheel) and a top speed of 120.7 mph (194.2 km/h)and a wet weight of 580 lb (260 kg). [12]

Forty-Eight

Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Fujifilm X-T2 sample photo (28658260592).jpg
Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

In the 2010 model year, Harley-Davidson introduced the XL1200X "Forty-Eight" model. It was 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. [7]

Seventy-Two

In the 2012 model year, Harley-Davidson introduced the XL1200V "Seventy-Two" model, sold until 2016. 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. [17] The bike has a measured HP of 54.67 hp (40.77 kW) (rear wheel) and 59.81 lb⋅ft (81.09 N⋅m) (rear wheel) and a top speed of 108 mph (174 km/h) with a wet weight of 559.5 lb (253.8 kg). [12]

Roadster

In the 2016 model year, Harley-Davidson introduced the XL1200CX "Roadster" model. This was the sporty Sportster with café bike styling and stance. With mid-position pegs and a slammed drag bar give a slight lean-forward riding position. [18] A 43mm inverted cartridge fork and in the back preload-adjustable emulsion-type shocks help the roadster to have the greatest lean angle of any Sportster. Also standard are twin 300mm floating disc brakes and a tachometer. The bike has a measured HP of 65.4 hp (48.8 kW) (rear wheel) and 69.7 lb⋅ft (94.5 N⋅m) (rear wheel). [19]

Current models

The Sportster was offered in a number of different models. The 2024 models, which are not all offered in the same countries, are:

Harley-Davidson manufactured the last Evolution Sportster, a Gunship Gray 883, on November 18, 2022.

Sportster S and Nightster

In 2021, Harley-Davidson launched the completely redesigned Sportster S with the new Revolution Max 1250T stressed member engine and described it as a "sports custom motorcycle". In an independent review, UK publisher Bennetts commented that: "Despite the Sportster moniker, the new bike’s specs mean it’s got more in common with the old V-Rod than its namesakes. By the end of its life, the V-Rod had a 1247cc, water-cooled, DOHC V-twin making 125hp, putting it within spitting distance of the new Sportster’s 1252cc and 121hp. But the old bike was a much heftier machine, coming in at around 300kg depending on which version you picked, where the Sportster S is a relatively lithe 228kg ready-to-ride. The result means the Sportster will be a significantly better-performing machine, both in a straight line and around corners, than the old V-Rod." [20] The Sportster S was soon followed by the Nightster and Nightster Special, both powered by the new and smaller Revolution™ Max 975T engine (90 HP at 7,500 RPM and 70 LB-FT at 5,000 RPM) with 2-into-1 exhaust at a lower price point. [21]

Buell

1999 Buell M2 Cyclone 1203cc sportster motor Buell M2 Cyclone.JPG
1999 Buell M2 Cyclone 1203cc sportster motor

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. With Buell-designed heads, barrels, and in 1999 fuel injection, these all led to an increase in horsepower. They also had rubber mounting and a fan to cool the rear cylinder. [22]

See also

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References

  1. ↑ Margie Siegal (May–June 2011). "1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 2011-05-19.
  2. ↑ Purvis, Ben (9 March 2021). "Harley-Davidson Looks to Revive the Nightster Nameplate". Cycle World . Retrieved 2021-04-08.
  3. ↑ Hyatt, Kyle. "Harley-Davidson debuts its super rowdy 2021 Sportster S". Roadshow. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
  4. 1 2 Richard Backus (March–April 2010). "1972-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1000". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 2010-05-21.
  5. ↑ Harley-Davidson, Inc. (1993). The Legend Begins. Harley-Davidson, Inc.
  6. ↑ Brown, Brown (21 August 2009). "Harley XLCR Café Racer". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
  7. 1 2 "2010 Sportster® Bikes | Harley-Davidson USA". Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2012-11-01.
  8. ↑ Harley-Davidson Confederate Edition, Motorcycle Classics
  9. ↑ Roland Brown (21 August 2009). "Harley-Davidson XLCR". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 2009-08-24.
  10. ↑ Clement Salvadori (November–December 2010). "The Harley-Davidson XR1000". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  11. ↑ "HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 1200 (2007-on) Review". MCN. September 17, 2007. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  12. 1 2 3 "Performance Index Winter '12/'13 Edition" (PDF), Motorcycle Consumer News , Bowtie Magazines, January 2013, archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-12-29
  13. ↑ "Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Values & Pricing | Kelley Blue Book".
  14. ↑ "The History of the Nightster".
  15. ↑ Cathcart, Alan (July 2008). "First Ride: 2008 Harley-Davidson XR1200 - Get Sporty!". Motorcyclist. Source Interlink Magazines: 49–53.
  16. ↑ Richard Backus (September–October 2009). "2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
  17. ↑ "Sportster® Seventy-Two™ | Custom Chopper | Harley-Davidson USA". Archived from the original on 2013-01-31. Retrieved 2013-05-08.
  18. ↑ "The Essential Free Buying Guide - Harley-Davidson Sportster". Silodrome. 2013-10-05. Retrieved 2018-11-02.
  19. ↑ Adams, Bradley (August 29, 2016). "BMW R nineT vs. Harley-Davidson Roadster vs. Triumph Thruxton R vs. Yamaha XSR900 - COMPARISON TEST". Cycle World . Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  20. ↑ "Harley reinvents the Sportster".
  21. ↑ Sood, Utkard (January 26, 2024). "Why The Nightster Is The Perfect Harley-Davidson For Beginners" . Retrieved May 27, 2024.
  22. ↑ Egan, Peter (October 17, 2016). "Peter Egan's Very Long-Term Buell Ulysses". Cycle World . Retrieved November 24, 2016.
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