The Harley-Davidson Sportster is one of the best Harley-Davidson motorcycles ever. Not only does it have a long tradition, where we have seen the Sportster grow and develop, but it has also proven to be one solid performer. From the early days of the Sportster XL until now, we have witnessed the evolution of a champion. Some of these bikes were even built with racing in mind.
The Sportster tradition has certainly produced some awesome bikes. For example, the 1969 XLH Sportster was one of a kind, while the later Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two exudes the style and attitude of a chopper. But then peruse the latest Harley-Davidson Nightster and you witness the next chapter of the Sportster tradition. Let's take a closer look at the Harley-Davidson Sportster.
10 Harley-Davidson Sportster And The K Model
The Model K came along in 1952. We had celebrated the innovation of the EL Knucklehead, but now we were getting excited about this new design. Harley was now taking on the competition with a lighter motorcycle, powered by a 45 cu in side valve engine. But we wanted more.
The Sportster XL entered the scene in 1957. It had the sporty look we loved about the Model K, but over time, it was going to deliver much more.
9 1957 Sportster XL
The 1957 Sportster XL was advertised as having a mix of beauty, power, and adventure. It would become one of the most important Harley-Davidson motorcycles in history. The 750 flathead engine of the K Model was not performing like expected. A revamp was needed.
Harley introduced its 1957 Sportster XL with a 55 cu in overhead-valve engine. The Sportster XL looked sporty like the Model K. However, the previous KHK model had been given a high-performance upgrade, with its improved headwork and high-lift cams. The KHK was churning out 50-plus horsepower, while the 1957 Sportster XL model was lagging at 40 horsepower.
8 The XLCH - The Peanut Tank
The 1958 Harley-Davidson XLCH was ready to race. There is some speculation about what the CH stands for. Some say 'Competition Hot'. Others say the C stands for 'California'. And yes, it is only speculation. But whatever the case, the XLCH was designed for dirt-track racing, scrambling, and for leaving the competition in its wake.
The XLCH came with the 2.25-gallon "peanut" tank. The original XLCH had no lights but featured a bobbed rear fender, straight pipes, and magneto ignition.
7 The XLH Gets An Electric Starter
In 1967, an electric starter was fitted to the Harley-Davidson XLH. We saw the electric starter come into play with the Electra Glide.
Like the Electra Glide, the oil tank was moved to the right to fit the new battery. The XLCH model continued to use the kickstart.
6 A New Evolution For The Sportster
The eighties were here. The Sportster's old Ironhead engine was about to be replaced. The 1986 Sportster was going to be powered by a new Evolution (or Evo) engine.
The '86 Sportster was offered as an 883 cc and a 1,100 cc engine. But the Sportster engine was soon going to be upgraded.
5 New Era Of The 1200cc Sportster
1988 saw the introduction of the 1200cc Sportster. The bore was increased from 3.35 inches of the 1100 cc to now 3.5 inches.
Changes would continue through the nineties. For example, in 1991, we were seeing a new five-speed transmission.
4 Harley-Davidson XR1200
Released in 2008, the Harley-Davidson XR1200 would not hit the U.S. market until 2009. Its performance was praised. It was given an enhanced suspension for better handling.
The XR1200 was one Sportster with a flat track racing style, with echoes of the XR-750 dirt track racer, from where it took its inspiration.
3 Harley-Davidson 72 - Chopper In Attitude
The Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two evokes a chopper-style bike. Just need to check out the 30.1-degree rake with the front forks, but then there is that prominent 21-inch front wheel.
The "Seventy-Two" name derives from Route 72, or Whittier Boulevard, a popular L.A. cruising spot. It was inspired by the 70s-era of choppers.
2 Harley-Davidson Sportster S
We love the Harley-Davidson Sportster S, not only because of its aggressive design but also because of how it performs with its Revolution Max 1250T powerplant.
The Harley-Davidson Sportster S is a giant leap forward in the exciting Sportster history. It brings the technological sweeteners we love, like the high mount exhaust, while still retaining the heart of the old-school Sportster.
1 Harley-Davidson Nightster
We love the Sportster S, but there are some very good reasons why we'd rather ride the Nightster. The Nightster is powered by the Revolution Max 975T, giving awesome acceleration and the handling we crave.
The Harley-Davidson Nightster stands on a rich Sportster tradition. From the early days of the XL until now, we have seen the Sportster mature. Now we wait for the exciting next chapter.
Sources: Rafferty, T. (1997), The Complete Harley-Davidson. MBI Publishing Company; Youngblood, E. (2003). Heroes Of Harley-Davidson. Motorbooks International.