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THE HISTORY OF THE MODEL K

CONTRIBUTED BY Erik `K` Hoopes
This information is from the book Erik is writing, The Model K Harley Davidson Motorcycle.  Erik invites all K owners to contribute any K pictures, with a short story, for the K Book. for more information contact Erik at ekhi156@gci.net or by phone at 907-456-1561

 

1952:

      The Model K Sport and Sport Solo motorcycles were introduced this year. They were all new designs. They featured styling and influence that was part 125 Model S, part W 45 Sidevalve and part FL 61 OHV Big Twin, with other innovations incorporated. The Model K was an exciting and different motorcycle. It represented the most technologically advanced and modern motorcycle that Harley Davidson had produced to date. Although based on the proven 45 Side Valve formula from 1929, the engine was an all new design. It featured larger cams, carburetor, and higher compression than the W. The engine and transmission now shared the same engine cases. The transmission had four speeds and a hand operated clutch. The K was the first Harley Davidson to incorporate modern hydraulic dampened suspension on both wheels, with telescopic forks in front and a rear swingarm and shock absorber combination. The K foot-shifted on the right and braked on the left not so much as to copy the British but to lay out the controls in anticipation of flat track racing.

      Facts about the 1952 Model K: The engine had a relatively high (for a Side Valve) compression ratio of 6.5 to 1. The cylinder bore was 2-3/4" with a 3-13/16" stroke for a total displacement of 45.12 Cubic Inches. It came with an 1-1/2" Bore Linkert "Bombsight" carburetor Model M-53. The engine produced 30 horsepower. The motorcycle had a wheelbase of 56". Standard tires and wheels were Goodyear or Firestone and measured 19" by 3.25", front and rear. The gas tank held 4-1/2 gallons. The oil tank held 3 quarts. The transmission oil which was separate held 1-1/5 pints. Standard sprockets were Engine-30, Clutch-59, Countershaft-21, and Rear Wheel-51 teeth. Gear ratios were 1st- 12.37, 2nd- 8.74, 3rd- 6.21 with a final 4th- 4.77 to 1. Tire pressures were recommended at 20psi front and 22psi rear for a 150 lb rider. When this weight is exceeded by 50 lbs or more increase front pressure 1psi and rear 2psi for each additional 50 lbs. Spark Plug gap with circuit breaker (distributor) should be .025" to .030". Point gap is .022" Ignition timing is 19/64" BTDC, with the spark control in the fully advanced position. Cold Valve Tappet clearance is .004"-.005" on the intake tappets and .010"-.011" on the exhaust. Adjust every 1500 miles minimum. Forks hold 4-1/2 ounces dry or add 3-1/2 ounces after draining during regular service. These specs are for most K`s and remain the same unless noted later. 1952 Model K`s were available in the following standard colors: Tropical Green, Rio Blue, Persian Red, and Brilliant Black. Special colors at a slight extra charge were Metallic Bronco Bronze, White, and Metallic Marine Blue.

      1952 and 1953 K Sport Models, (not KK), performance figures: The K was known to run the 1/4 mile in about 16.8 seconds at around 53 miles per hour and had a top speed of just over a hundred miles per hour flat out.

 

1953:

      The 1953 K remained relatively unchanged. A faster acting throttle was installed. New saddlebags made of Royalite plastic were introduced along with a restyled Buddy Seat. Tires and wheels remained at 19" with the options being Goodyear, Firestone Champion or Firestone Sportsman with the front at 3.25" and the rear growing to 3.50" in width. A new Standard Solo Group was added to the option list which consisted of more cadmium plated and painted parts in place of chrome and subsequently a lower base price. The Model KK was introduced which was a factory performance enhanced model. The KK had much larger racing cams, carb modifications, head modifications and cylinder porting to match. It used the old WR racer's valves and guides and the new KR racer's lightened roller tappets. The cam set #25500-53 was also used later in the 1954, 55, and 56 KHK Super Sport Models. The standard colors for 1953 were Brilliant Black, Glacier Blue, Forest Green and Pepper Red. For a slight extra charge Cavalier Brown, Glamour Green and White were also available.

 

1954:

      The Golden Anniversary KH Sports and KHK Super Sports were big news for Harley Davidson and the motoring public. The popular Model K now evolved into the KH and later the KHK with many improvements. Foremost was the increase in engine size from 45.12 to 54.2 cubic inch displacement. This was achieved by increasing the stroke from 3-13/16" to 4-9/16" (4.562). To the best of my knowledge these were the longest stroke factory built Harleys to date. The flywheels are still available from Truett & Osborn in Wichita, Kansas. The new flywheels utilized tapered shafts and crankpins with retaining nuts, a much stronger system than the previous straight, pressed type. New rod bearing retainers were added for greater reliability. Engine cylinders were made taller to match the stroke increase and had redesigned ports and bigger intake valves. The KH had bigger cams and the KHK had the even larger racing type KK cams. These cams were larger than the ones in Brad Andres` 1955 National Championship KR Motorcycle. The KHKs were hand built factory Hot Rods that also benefited from extensive additional port work and head machining. The headwork increased flow and made room for the valves necessary due to the high-lift cams. Valve springs were changed to the KR racer type. A new Linkert M-53A1 carburetor was added to the package. All this translated into a motorcycle that now produced 38 Horsepower and 1/4 mile dragstrip times were over two seconds quicker than the standard K. The KH would now do the 1/4 in 14.75 seconds. I don`t have performance figures for the KHK but obviously they would be even better.

      Now I would like to point out that several books often portray the K as being a sub-standard motorcycle, (in the power department), and not really even being acceptable until it received Overhead Valves and was called an XL. However a 1966 XLH took 15.5 seconds to do the 1/4, although a 1958 XLCH would run it in 14.25. The first Sportster in 1957 had only 7.5 to 1 compression and 40 Horsepower, then the 1958 was upgraded to 9 to 1 with bigger valves. Also the 58 XLCH was a lightweight stripped down motorcycle. No battery, etc. The point I`m making is that granted, the first year K was no rocket at 16.8 seconds but all the other ones, KK, KH, and KHK Models were quite fast motorcycles. Even with its` battery, full fenders, large FL type headlight, huge gas tank and full tins the KH was only a half a second slower than the XLCH. I wonder what numbers the KHK would produce? I feel the K`s deserve a lot more recognition for performance than they ever normally receive.

     To compliment the extra power the clutch was enlarged from five disc to seven. The primary cover was consequently wider. The cases were strengthened in various places. A stronger primary chain tensioner was made. Second and third countershaft gears were strengthened and received direct oiling. In 1955 countershaft 3rd and mainshaft 2nd gears were superceded to stronger ones and could be returned to HD for credit. Unfortunately due to the torque of the stroker many of them never had a chance. (Compared to state-of-art Andrews gears these early K gears look like they were formed out of a CheezWhiz can) The clutch gear was fitted with a Torrington bearing in place of the bronze bushing previously used. The cam, primary and countershaft covers were all factory polished. A one-way valve now returns excess primary oil to the crankcase. Speedster handlebars, an option in `53, come standard with the Buckhorns optional. The front forks now have rubber boots covering the tubes instead of chrome covers. The seat has been re-designed and is similar to the Model 165. The brake shoes went from aluminum to pressed steel construction. The lining-type has been changed. A new oil-pressure switch was used. With the solid engine sprocket standard, a new-design compensating sprocket was available as an option. 1952 and 53 frames were recognizable by their hollow foot peg mount tubes. For 54 they are solid. Also the rake and trail was slightly changed and the steering neck beefed up for better stability. The gas tank emblems were the same but the extra trim was all dropped. The rear shock absorbers now had chrome covers and tops in place of the Royalite plastic ones. The front fender carried a 50th Anniversary Medallion on top in front. Facts and figures on the KH: The gearing was as follows. Engine sprocket-30, Clutch- 59, Countershaft-22 and Rear Wheel-49 teeth. Gear ratios were 1st- 11.55, 2nd- 8.35, 3rd- 6.37, with a final 4th- 4.58 to 1. Standard tires and wheels were Goodyear or Firestone 19" by 3.25" front and rear. Optional at no extra charge were the same combinations in 18". For a slight additional charge you could order a Goodyear Grasshopper 18" by 4.00" on the rear only. Ignition timing was 19/64" BTDC & 11/32" BTDC for the KH & the KHK respectively, with the spark fully advanced at the twist grip. The Cold Valve Tappet Clearance is .004" intake and .006" exhaust. Golden Anniversary KHs and KHKs were available in the following standard colors: Pepper Red, Glacier Blue, Forest Green, Anniversary Yellow and Daytona Ivory. For no extra charge the tanks could of been ordered with one color and the fenders another. The new KH and KHK motorcycles were headline making motorcycles, representing the best of 50 years of Harley Davidson producing fine American motorcycles.

1955:

    Hot rodding is alive and well in the USA and in 1955 Harley Davidson is right there with the KHK. Offering "Exceptional performance, that extra tremendous acceleration and that burst of power and speed the instant you touch the throttle on the KHK for 1955." Besides all the normal hand built KHK goodies the 55 offered mirror polished ports and cylinder heads, including the outside of the heads. The Factory advised to order yours early, as "A special model like the KHK is not produced in the normal channels of production. To get that extra horsepower takes time and loving care. The quantities, that can be produced, are rather limited and sufficient time must be allowed to fill orders. The extra net charge for this model is modest in comparison with its` extra performance and the joy it will bring to the fortunate owner." ($68; Some quotes from a 55 sales ads.) Sounds enticing, to say the least. To help transmit this fine power more reliably and to expedite transmission repair the 55 received stronger cases with a `trap door` design built in. This allowed complete overhaul of the transmission through the primary side without having to split the cases as with earlier models. This was actually a running change in 54. Better lubrication of the mainshaft right bearing is achieved by casting a pocket in the case to collect and feed oil to this bearing. Once again transmission gears are improved for strength. C-shaft third and M-shaft second are now forged from 4615 steel, an improvement over the previously employed 8617 bar stock. Other changes include: Stronger right side transmission case, longer shifter retaining bolt on access door holds tighter, larger starter gear retaining nut, steel wear plate installed between kicker shaft and cases and a larger key is used on the flywheel sprocket shaft. Transmission and engine specs remain the same except more fine tuning on the motor and C-shaft sprocket size went from 21 to 22 teeth. Stock wheels are now 18" with 18" by 3.50" tires std. and larger ones optional. The C 1026 steel tubing used in previous frame construction is replaced with chrome moly for 55. The frame has a slight neck angle change and for the first time re-enforced front downtubes. This was complimented with one inch shorter fork tubes resulting in one inch of increased trail. This improved handling. To keep the front fender's duck tail from hitting the front Safety Guard it was simply cut off. To help handle the massive torque the rear wheel hub was greatly increased in size and the rear spokes were up-graded to BigTwin size. Earlier wheels were being torn apart from the torque. An oil port in the clutch cable was introduced for ease of lubricating. The speedometer head size is increased for durability and accuracy. Previous speedos had short head life and bouncy action. The jewel for the pivot shaft has been increased in hardness and a spring dampener added. The entire speedo is now rubber mounted as is the internal mechanism. The steering dampener is changed with a tension spring added to hold the adjustment. The spark and tool box cover studs have been increased in size. A re-designed Buddy Seat is offered with more padding and a Royalite cover replacing the leather one. Gas tanks remain the same except the emblems now carry the HD V-`swoosh` emblems. The front fenders carry either a KH or KHK 1955 Medallion. 1954 facts and figures are carried over to 55, except noted above. The 1955 KHs and KHKs were available in the following colors: Brilliant Black, Aztec Brown, Atomic Blue, Glamorous Hollywood Green, Pepper Red, Anniversary Yellow and Silver or White for Police duty. As before, tanks can be ordered in one std. color and fenders another. For $10 extra you could get the Hollywood Green paint on the tank, fenders and spark coil cover and oil tank. The 1955 Ks were American-made middleweights with distinct features and advantages over all similar-type motorcycles.

1956:

      The transportation scene in America is changing fast with some 46,000 miles of Super Highways constructed, allowing the public and the 56 KH Sport and KHK Super Sports riders a whole new playing field. All the Ks are now quite re-fined and have enjoyed success, on and off the race track and in many forms of competition. The factory KR racers have dominated the National Championships, winning every class `C` race with the efforts of brave men like Joe Leonard, Brad Andres and others. Joe was factory backed, while Brad came from a racing family with years of experience. HD enjoyed their success either way, as they both rode KRs. Technical input for reliability and performance was born at the race track and lives in the new KHK Super Sports model. The newly popular entertainer Elvis Presely chose a Pepper Red KH for his first Harley V-Twin and was pictured astride it on the cover of The Enthusiast magazine. The new 56 Model Ks ran more mechanically reliable and handled the road better than ever. The 56 is lower and sleeker looking thanks to major changes including an all newly designed Chassis with a much lower center of gravity. Powerplant refinements include a new chemically treated cellulose Air Filter element with a center holdown screw securing the cover and sealing against dust much better than the previous J-Slot type. Polished heads, intake and exhaust ports increase flow and resist carbon deposits. The Oil Pump has been made more reliable and has increased oil return capability to avoid oil stacking in the crankcase. It has a woodruff key replacing the pin and the relief valve has been eliminated to avoid the oil tank draining into the crancase while the motorcycle is parked. The Oil Tank now has a heavy metal protector on the bottom to guard against drivechain damage and a cutout to allow clearance for the new Chainguard and chain angle due to the rear wheel traveling higher into the fender cavity. The Carburetor now sports a bracket to help secure against vibration and loosening of the intake manifold nuts. The Kick Starter crank gear plate is stronger. The Transmission Gears have more beef again. The mainshaft second and third gears and the countershaft second and third gears have larger tooth sections resulting in higher beam strength. The mainshaft second gear engaging dogs are increased in size and number, from four to five. The third gear dogs are also huskier. The forging process has also been changed to make these gears tougher. The Mainshaft was also beefed up mid-year. Major changes in the newly designed Chassis include a sturdier 1' raised Steering Neck, 9/16" shorter rear Shock Absorbers, stronger Seat Casting with lower Seat position and stronger upper Shock attaching area and Shock Mounts. All this plus new larger Shocks with more oil capacity and nice Chrome covers, stronger Swingarm coupled with 18" Wheels front and rear and Speedster Handlebars equals a lower, better handling Model K. The new stance brings a change in the top mount of the Safety Guard. Spring steel Cable Guides route them securly in the handlebar clamp area. The new Frame Blueprint remains basically the same through 1966. The 1956 Frame is one year only, as it has a Cast Upper Engine Mount while the 1957 and later have a Fabricated Steel Mount of basically the same dimensions. Frame assembly line Date codes are found on the right side of the Seat Casting, with the letter representing the month and the number the year. An example would be `6A` meaning January 1956. All 56 frames I have seen have a factory flattened backbone above the rear cylinder head in anticipation of the extra clearance needed for the enevitable switch from Flathead to Overhead Valve type cylinder heads. This plan to use the OHV layout was actually developed pre 1952K. A working 60 Degree OHV design was dropped in favor of the known 45 Degree Side Valve design. Adjustments for the OHV were now happening. Fuel Tanks were slightly different for 56, utilizing a Rubber Hose crossover piping in place of the earlier Fitted Copper type. Mid-56 Tanks carry .5 gallon less fuel due to Rocker Box Clearance built into the bottom section. This is a half year tank. It has the clearance indents for OHV, yet retains the Fuel Filter Valve on the left for Flatheads, and has the 55-56 V-Swoosh emblem mounts. The 1956 KH and KHKs feature a racy slash panel section under the tank emblems. The 56 had a one year only rear Hub Bearing set up using Torrington needle bearings. The 55 Big Twin Taillight has been adopted for the K for 56, featuring a Lucite Lens with a built in magnifier section directly over the bulb. All other specifications remain basically the same as previous models. 1956 KH and KHKs were available with the following color combinations: Pepper Red with White slash, Atomic Blue with the new Champion Yellow slash, Champion Yellow with Black slash and Black with Champion Yellow slash. For an additional $5 you could order Flamboyant Metallic Green with White slash. The 1956 Ks were more refined than ever, and to recieve extra recognition the 1956KHK Models carried a special decalcomania in color carrying the `KHK` letters on a Shield with crossed Checkered Flags at the top, placed on the sides of the oil tank and tool box. "Happy and proud indeed will be the owners who ride these special KHKs in 1956" sayeth the Factory.

 

 

 

THE HISTORY OF THE SPORTSTER
contributions by: docjimbob, Tim Schumacher, Tom Riccio, & Kev Maher and Bruce's Harley Page  (check for History on all HD models).

 

1957:

  • The Sportster XL was introduced as "a modern, up-to-date power plant."
  • 55cid 7.5:1 Compression, hemi-spherical style heads, 90 degree valve angle, 4 cams
  • Production Information:
    • XL (1983), $1,103

1958:

  • XLH introduced with higher compression and larger valves
  • Camshaft gears became integrated with the camshafts, eliminating the need for a woodruff key.
  • Drive gearshaft was enlarged .125 in.
  • Drive gear and second gear support shaft was enlarged .125 in and had 8 splines (instead of 6).
  • Choke control lever moved from left side to the air cleaner.
  • Heavier clutch cover and new gasket.
  • New oil resistant clutch hub seal and gearshaft o-ring.
  • Two brush generator.
  • Optional turn signals and 1 in over suspension.
  • The XLC & XLCH (Competition/California Hot)
    • Larger ports and valves
    • High domed pistons
    • Light ended tappets
    • Magneto ignition
  • Production Information:
    • XL (579), $1,155
    • XLH (711)
    • XLC 
    • XLCH (239)

1959:

  • New dual exhaust on XLH with twin mufflers.
  • Nacelle headlamp on XLH
  • 5 ¾ in headlamp with eyebrow on XLCH
  • Trip-o-meter on XLCH
  • Nylon chain tensioner
  • Single switch ignition on left fork
  • Valanced front fender
  • End relieved connecting rod bearings
  • 14.5 sec ¼ mile (90 mph)
  • Production Information:
    • XL (42), $1,175
    • XLH (947), $1,200
    • XLCH (1059), $1,285

1960:

  • New shock absorbers.
  • Production Information:
    • Sportsters (2,765)
        XLH $1,225
        XLCH $1,310

1961:

  • Creased edge on fuel tank.
  • Production Information:
    • Sportsters (2014)
        XLH $1,250
        XLCH  $1,335

1962:

  • Aluminum upper triple tree.
  • XLR appeared for TT racing.
  • Production Information:
    • Sportsters (1998)
        XLH  $1,250
        XLCH $1,335

1963:

  • Both XLH & XLCH got 1.323:1 3rd gear ratios (were 1.381)
    • Final ratio 5.56:1 on the H
    • Final ratio 5.85:1 on the CH
  • XLCH got "shorty duals"
  • XLCH got an ignition key and improved magneto/coil
  • 14.3 sec ¼ mile (92 mph)
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (432), $1,270
    • XLCH (1,001), $1,355

1964:

  • Chrome panel for XLCH lower fork bracket.
  • New graphic for the XLH (oil tank).
  • Full width aluminum brake drum in the front.
  • Aluminum tappet guides.
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (810), $1,295
    • XLCH (1950), $1,360

1965:

  • XLH and XLCH received a 12 volt electrical system.
  • XLH got automatic spark advance.
  • Racing-type ball end levers.
  • High fidelity horn.
  • New shocks
  • 3.7 gal fuel tank
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (955)
    • XLCH (2815)

1966:

  • P Cams, race developed intake ports, jumbo valves -> 60 hp
  • Tillotson diaphragm carb
  • "Ham-can" air cleaner
  • Carb heat insulator
  • Hexagonal tank badge.
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (900) $1,415
      XLCH (3,900) $1,411
    • XLRTT (25)

1967:

  • Electric start option.
  • New shocks
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (2,000) $1,650
    • XLCH (2,500) $1,600

1968:

  • New forks (damping and travel) and the fork boots were canned.
  • Kick start was dropped from the XLH.
  • Restyled primary cover.
  • Peanut tank was an option on the XLH
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (1,975) $1,650
    • XLCH (4,900) $1,600

1969:

  • First use of the exhaust crossover pipe (increases hp by 5 to 58 hp) with stacked duals
  • New head castings.
  • Safety bead wheel rims.
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (2,700) $1,765
    • XLCH (5,100) $1,698

1970:

  • XLH got the headlamp eyebrow of the XLCH
  • Optional boat tail (again in 71)
  • Magneto ignition on the XLCH replaced with XLH's points/coil.
  • First year for XR-750
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (3,033)
    • XLCH (5,527)

1971:

  • Wet clutch with single spring.
  • Points and condenser moved behind plate on timing case cover.
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (3,950)
    • XLCH (6,825)

1972:

  • The 61 cid (called a 1000cc) XL replaced the 900.
  • Rated for 61 hp, 9:1 CR, 110+mph, 13.38 sec ¼ mile (97.7 mph), and 43 mpg.
  • Bendix/Zenith carb.
  • Wet clutch.
  • New oil pump.
  • Oil tank placed near chain
  • Seat is thinner w/less padding.
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (7,500) $2,120
    • XLCH (10,650)

1973:

  • First AMF production Harley
  • Mandatory turn signals.
  • New 35mm Kayaba forks, single disc front brakes.
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (9,875)
    • XLCH (10,825)

1974:

  • Throttle used return springs.
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (13,295)
    • XLCH (10,535)
    • XR (100)

1975:

  • Left hand side gear shifting, right hand side rear brake (Fed mandated)
  • New 35mm Showa forks.
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (13,515)
    • XLCH (5,895)

1976:

  • Production Information:
    • XLH (12,844)
    • XLCH (5,238)

1977:

  • New cases to accommodate the left side shifting.
  • Frame designed for removal of oil pump with engine in frame.
  • XLT (touring) became available
    • included thicker seat
    • 3.5 gallon tank
    • touring handle bars
    • saddlebags from FLH
    • geared higher
    • windshield
  • XLCR was introduced at Daytona (available again in 78).
    • cast aluminum wheels
    • fiberglass tail section w/solo seat
    • wrinkle black engine paint
    • bikini fairing
    • black siamese exhaust
    • dual disc front brakes
    • low bars
    • black paint scheme [on everything]
    • 4 gallon gas tank
    • 68 horses, 9:1 compression, 110 mph
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (12,742)
    • XLCH (4,074)
    • XLT (1,099)
    • XLCR (1,923) $3,623

1978:

  • Cast wheels option
  • Front dual disc brakes
  • Electronic ignition
  • Battery and oil tank moved inboard
  • HD 75th anniversary model XLH
    • Midnight black w/gold trim
    • anniversary graphics
    • gold aluminum wheels
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (11,271)
    • XLH Anniv model (2,323) $3,127
    • XLCH (2,758) $3,370
    • XLT (6)
       

1979:

  • All models got the XLCR frame and exhaust (Siamese).
  • XLT was dropped from the product line.
  • Kick starter was dropped.
  • Disc brakes front and rear.
  • Hugger model available for the first time.
  • Last year for XLCH
  • New model XLS appeared:
    • Extended forks
    • 16" rear wheel
    • siamese exhaust
    • drag bars on 3.5" risers
    • sissy bar w/leather pouch
    • highway pegs
    • 2 piece seat
    • chromed rear sprocket
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (6,525)
    • XLCH (141)
    • XLS -(5,123)
    • XLCR (9) (?leftover '78's?)

1980:

  • A 16 in wheel replaced the XLH 18 in.
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (11,841) $5,867
    • XLS (2,926)

1981:

  • Buy back from AMF
  • wire or cast wheels options, 16" or 18" rear wheel options
  • XLS
    • buckhorn handlebars
    • shorty dual exhaust
    • 3.3 gallon, 2.2 gallon tank optional.
  • XLH
    • shorter front forks
    • 3.3 gallon optional.
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (8,442)
    • XLS (1,660)

1982:

  • Lighter frame
  • oil tank repositioned
  • Thicker head gasket w/lower 8:1 compression
  • Larger rear disc
  • XLS repositioned the battery
  • Production Information:
    • XLH (5,015)
    • XLS (1,261)

1983:

  • XLH:
    • high bars
    • vacuum advance (VOES?)
    • 3.3 gallon tank option
    • new seat
    • less restrictive exhaust.
  • New model XLX-61: (built to sell for $3,995)
    • solo seat
    • peanut tank
    • staggered dual exhaust
    • speedo only
    • 9 spoke wheels
    • vacuum advance (VOES?)
    • satin finish cases. {only year}
    • six coil springs in clutch
    • 156 watt generator
    • loose output roller tranny
    • output shaft oil seal secured by a bolt on cover
    • 3 generator drive gears
    • 10" dual front disc brakes.
  • New model - XR-1000, based on XLX chassis
    • aluminum SR style heads w/intake ports on right, exhaust on left
    • polished and bored by Jerry Branch
    • helicoil inserts where rocker boxes bolt to head,
    • 9:1, XR pistons
    • light aluminum pushrods
    • eccentric rocker shafts adjust valve lash
    • iron cylinders (shortened half an inch to make room for the 'Branch' heads)- w/through bolts
    • vacuum advance-V-fire III breaker less ignition
    • twin 36mm Dell'Orto carbs
    • satin textured cases
    • 9 spoke cast wheels
    • oiled felt air filter
    • The XR-1000 had 71HP @ 5,600 rpm, 125 mph, 490 lbs
    • 2.5 gallon tank, 2.5 quart oil capacity $6,995.
  • Production Information:
    • XLX-61 (4,892) $3,995
    • XLH (2,230)
    • XLS (1,616)
    • XR-1000 (1,018) $6,995
       

1984:

  • Diaphragm spring clutch (mid year)
  • Generator replaced by the alternator. (mid year)
  • XLH used the Peanut tank again.
  • XR, improved brakes, orange/black HD racing color option
  • XLH/X/S Single (larger) front disc.
  • Production Information:
    • XLX-61 (4,284)
    • XLH (4,442)
    • XLS (1,135)
    • XR-1000 (759)
       

1985:

  • Production trimmed in anticipation of the Evo XL.
  • Production Information:
    • XLX-61 (1,824)
    • XLH (4,074)
    • XLS (616)

1986:

  • First year of the Evo Sportster
  • came in 883 and 1100cc flavors
  • XLX frame
  • Aluminum heads and cylinders
  • hydraulic lifters
  • 34mm fixed-venturi Keihin carb
  • powder coat frame paint
  • cast aluminum wheels
  • solo seat
  • low bars
  • speedo only
  • turn signals double as running lights
  • 30" seat height
  • Upgrade package=special paint and trim.
  • Production Information:
    • XLH 883 (8,026)  $3,995
      XLH 883 (2,322) (upgrade)
      XLH 1,100 (3,077)  $5,199
      XLH 1,100 (954) 'Liberty'

1987:

  • Sportsters 30th Anniversary
  • first year for the Evo Hugger:
    • The fork tubes were shortened 2"
    • revised shock angle
    • a softer seat at 26.75", (1.75" lower than standard)
  • Production Information:
    • XLH 883 (4,990)
    • XLH 883 (2,106) 'Hugger'
    • XLH 883 (2,260) (upgrade)
    • XLH 1,100 (4,018)
    • XLH 1,100 (600) 'Anniversary'
       

1988:

  • new 39mm Fork Tubes replaced the older 35mm unit
  • new 40mm constant velocity Keihin slide carb
  • first year for the 1200 (replacing the 1100)
  • Production Information:
    • XLH 883 (5,387)
    • XLH 883 (4,501) 'Hugger'
    • XLH 883 (1,893) 'Sportster Deluxe'
    • XLH 1,200 (4,752)

1989:

  • kickstand repositioned father rearward
  • price increase jumped from $3995 to $3999 for the base model 883
  • Production Information:
    • XLH 883 (6,142) 
    • XLH 883 (4,467) 'Hugger'
    • XLH 883 (1,812) 'Sportster Deluxe'
    • XLH 1,200 (4,546) 

1990:

  • new paper air filter and paint options
  • 40mm Keihin carb - constant velocity w/accelerator pump
  • Production Information:
    • XLH 883 (5,227) $4,250
    • XLH 883 (4,040) 'Hugger'
    • XLH 883 (1,298) 'Sportster Deluxe'
    • XLH 1,200 (4,598)

1991:

  • 5 speed tranny replaced the 4 speed
  • belt drive replaced chain on 883 deluxe and 1200 models
  • hydraulic lifters were replaced with automotive type units
  • oil pump given internal cast feed lines
  • breather system moved from the crankcase to the heads (umbrella valves)
  • alternator moved from behind clutch to the crankshaft
  • primary cover redesigned
  • new foot peg mounts
  • old Dunlop k-291 tires replaced with K402's
  • Self canceling signals
  • right side timing hole
  • tappet blocks, rear motor mount, oil filter integrated with case
  • one piece push rod tubes
  • Production Information:
    • XLH 883 (4,922) $4,359
    • XLH 883 (3,487) 'Hugger'
    • XLH 883 (3,034) 'Sportster Deluxe'
    • XLH 1,200 (6,282)  $6,245

1992:

  • Hugger model made even lower
  • standardized hand controls
  • Production Information:
    • XLH 883 $4,499
    • XLH 883 'Hugger'  $5,075
    • XLH 883 'Sportster Deluxe'  $5,559
    • XLH 1,200 $6,400

1993:

  • belt drive now on all Sportster models
  • Production Information:
    • XLH 883 $4,775
    • XLH 883  'Hugger'  $5,420
    • XLH 883  'Sportster Deluxe'  $5,820
    • XLH 1,200  $6,800

1994:

  • Oil tank revised (visually identified by relocated oil drain line which now runs to the frame instead of nipple on underside of battery tray)
  • Derby cover revised from small cover over center of clutch to large 4-bolt cover (with this came a new quick-release clutch cable)
  • Revised rear struts with chromed steel covers.
  • New electrical system (wiring harness/weatherproof electrical connectors, new electrical component tray under the seat)
  • 883s got an aluminum lower triple clamp which was previously stock on only the 1200’s


1995:

  • New Larger standard gas tank (3.25 gal) on 1200 models
  • Vacuum operated petcock added to Sportster line
  • Ignition switch moved to steering column (because of petcock)
  • Switched to electric speedo
  • Production Information:
    • XLH 883 $4,995
    • XLH 883 'Hugger'  $5,700
    • XLH 883 'Sportster Deluxe'  $6,120
    • XLH 1,200  $7,200

1996:

  • Switchgear revised, more rounded style
  • First year for 1200 Custom and Sport models
  • Production Information:
    • XLH 883 $5,095
    • XLH 883  'Hugger'  $5,760
    • XLH 1,200 $7,360
    • XLH 1,200 '1200C Custom' $7,910
    • XLH 1,200 '1200S Sport' $8,360

1997:

  • New Larger standard gas tank (3.25 gal) on 883 models

1998:

  • Revised ignition system (single fire)
  • 1200S gets dual-plug heads (along with hotter cams)

1999:

  • First year of the 883C

2000:

  • First year for sealed wheel bearings
  • First year for 4-piston calipers
  • Pressed together flywheel assembly (supposed to be stronger and hold it's trueness better)

2001:

2002:

  • First year for the 883R
  • Introduction of the bullet-style turn signals across the line

2003:

  • Final year for solid mount models
  • New style mirrors.
  • Special Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary paint/badges

2004:

  • Engine is rubber mounted
  • Trap door transmission eliminated (cases must now be split to access transmission).
  • Oil tank is mounted further under the seat
  • Seat height is lowered by an inch
  • Rear tire width increased to 150 mm
  • Custom models get 4.5 gallon gas tanks
  • New air cleaner cover
  • Brake calipers, master cylinder, switch housings and handgrips replaced, now exclusive to Sportster models.

2005:

  • Swing arm & rear wheel re-designed to accommodate 1" rear axle.

 

Please contact me if you would you like to contribute to this page.

 

1956 KHK

1957 XL

1960 XLH

1964 XLCH

1965 XLH

1977 XLCR

1981 XLH

1987 XLH

1996 XL1200S

2002 XL883R

2003 XLH

2005 XL1200C

Have professional quality photos you would like to see here?  Do these photos belong to you?  Please contact me if so, so I can add more years to the list and give credit where it is due.

 
All text and images Copyright © 1995-2006 D. Mansfield. All rights reserved. Absolutely no reproduction allowed without prior permission from the author.  Disclaimer: This page is not associated with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in any way other than a fondness of their products. Harley-Davidson, HD, Harley, and Sportster are among the trademarks and service marks of Harley-Davidson that may appear in this Web Site and that are registered in the United States and other countries.