Harley-Davidson Sportster

harley davidson 1200 sportster

Harley davidson 1200 sportsterThe Harley Davidson Sportster is a line of motorcycles produced continuously since 1957 by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Harley Davidson Sportster models are designated in Harley-Davidson’s product code by beginning with “XL”. In 1952, the predecessors to the Harley Davidson Sportster, the Model K Sport and Sport Solo motorcycles, were introduced. The Harley Davidson Sportster became nationally famous in the United States in 1968 with the hit TV series Then Came Bronson, starring Michael Parks

Construction
The Harley Davidson Sportster, the 45″ R, D, G & W Models 1929-73 side-valve motors, and the ‘Big Twin’ side-valve motors, which were: the flathead 74 cubic-inch (1,213 cc) Models V , VL etc. (1930-36), Models U and UL (1937-48), and the 80 cubic-inch (1,311 cc) Models VH and VLH 91935-36), Models UH and ULH (1937-41) have four separate cams, sporting one lobe per cam.
The Harley Davidson Sportster line of motorcycles has gone through three general stages, identified by the engine model used to power the motorcycles.

Model K series

This is developed from the earlier 45 W model, but with the revised engine and new 4-speed transmission contained in the same castings as would become the Harley Davidson Sportster. Model K and KK 1952-1953: 750 cc side-valve engines, using the 45 model bore and stroke
Model KR (racing only) 1953-1969: 750 cc side-valve engines
Model KH and KHK 1954-1956: 885 cc side-valve engines, using the 45 model bore, but with the stroke increased to 4.5625″ (115.89mm).

X series Harley Davidson Sportsters

2002 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Custom
XL, Ironhead, 1957-1985: 900 cc and 1000 cc Ironhead overhead-valve engines with cast iron heads
XR750 (racing only)1970-1971: 750 cc overhead-valve engines, iron heads
XR750 (racing only)1972-1985: 750 cc overhead-valve engines, alloy heads
XLCR Sportster (cafe racer)1977-1978: 1000 cc overhead-valve engines, iron heads
XR1000 (racing only)1983-1984: 1000 cc street model using XR racing cylinder head and other XR engine parts.
XLR (racing only): 883 cc overhead-valve engines, iron heads
XL, Evolution (known to many as the “Evo”), 1986-present: 883 cc, 1100 cc and 1200 cc Evolution overhead-valve engine, alloy heads

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