Harley Davidson Sportster S
In 1957, the first Harley Davidson Sportster appeared as a lightweight, versatile motorcycle with an urban bias. It turned out very successfully, and Harley still produces direct descendants of this model - still on an air-cooled V-twin. Modern environmental standards, however, are increasingly bringing modern Sportsters closer to the line of extinction due to the Evolution engine, but the new Sportster S with the Revolution Max engine is designed to extend the life of the legendary series.
Engine Harley Davidson Sportster S
The new Harley Davidson Sportster S is equipped with the Revolution Max 1250T engine, which is positioned as a version of the 150-horsepower engine from Pan America with a more basic character. Both engines produce 127.5Nm of thrust, but the 1250T version peaks at 6000rpm, 750rpm lower than the Pan America's 1250rpm. Power peaks at 7,500 rpm and redline at 9,500. The DOHC engine features variable valve timing, a 12:1 compression ratio, four valves per cylinder and hydraulic compensators that eliminate the need for valve clearance adjustments. It is very gratifying that manufacturers are increasingly thinking about the convenience (and cost) of motorcycle maintenance, and now long service intervals are in trend, and now here are hydraulic compensators.
With a curb weight of 227kg, the Sportster S's engine should provide more than enough power for spirited city driving. Power is transmitted to the wheel through a conventional clutch, a six-speed transmission and a belt-driven final drive.
Who wants Harley? Inexpensive! Choosing a used Harley-Dav >
A legend cannot cost a penny, this is an axiom. But there are exceptions. The Sportster 883 can become an entry ticket to the world of Harley-Davidson, and quite budget-friendly at that.
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Let’s try to understand whether it’s worth choosing an entry-level legend over a Japanese motorcycle, what to look for when looking for a used “sport,” and how much it will cost to purchase and maintain.
STORY. The roots of the Sportster family from Harley-Davidson go back to 1957, when a light and powerful (by then standards, of course) motorcycle with a claim to sportiness was presented to the public. The 883 cc Ironhead developed a considerable 40 hp, and fairly effective suspensions made it possible not to worry too much about the quality of the road surface. It is not surprising that the compact and dynamic Sportster, fully justifying its name, was used not only for “vegetable” movement around the city. These cars were even used off-road!
As the years passed, the Sportster evolved (from the point of view of some) and gradually lost its “realness” (from the point of view of radical Harlists). Suspensions were improved, braking systems were improved. In 1986, the cast iron Ironhead was replaced by the Evolution, an engine with aluminum cylinders and heads and hydraulic valve lash compensators.
In 2004, something completely terrible happened - the power unit was no longer rigidly installed in the frame, using silent blocks. Now, when idling, the engine bounces in the frame on its own, without forcing the entire motorcycle to actively dance to the beat. Naturally, the frame was also updated: the pipe connecting the exhaust pipes was moved down from under the air filter. At the same time, in 2004, the rear wheel thickened a little - up to 150 mm, and the height of the seat decreased. Got “sport” and new brake calipers, remote controls and steering wheel grips; they became purely “sportsster” instead of being unified with the rest of the company’s models. The Custom now has a 17-liter drop tank. In 2005, the rear axle diameter increased to 1 inch, and the swingarm changed accordingly.
2006 is another significant date. From now on, the Sportster engine is fuel-injected, and the carburetor is a thing of the past.
In 2009, in response to the global economic crisis and declining sales, Harley-Davidson introduced a new version of the 883 - the Sportster Iron. Iron differs from its counterparts in its minimalist style and noticeably lower price tag. In 2010, the engine control unit was moved, making it easier to select an aftermarket seat.
The Sportster family has many subspecies, often very different from each other: Custom, Roadster, Super Low, Iron, Hugger. Custom is characterized by an abundance of chrome in the trim. The Low and SuperLow models, as the name suggests, have a lower seat height and shorter travel suspension. The Sportster Roadster can be identified by its alloy wheels, black painted engine, tachometer on the dashboard and, of course, Harley racing graphics. Iron is the most budget version, replacing the Hugger, featuring one color option (Dark Custom), a single seat, and a shortened rear fender.
“Sportsters” produced from 2004 to the present day are the most common on the Russian secondary market. We will consider them.
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FOR WHAT? This is a legend. Often, a laconic Harley-Davidson inscription on the tank is enough for the desire to own a “real motorcycle” to outweigh all other arguments. But in terms of practicality, things are not bad: the Sportster allows you to clear traffic jams (with the appropriate driver skills, of course), without lagging too far behind any of the classics.
In addition, “sport” is a good preparation for building anything. According to the owner's wishes, the 883 can be transformed into a dragster, a small tourer, a stylish cruiser or a radical bobber. But at the same time, it is self-sufficient in stock. You can just drive. More precisely, not just, but ride a Harley-Davidson.
WHERE TO LOOK? Firstly, you can find new devices from the officials of both the current and previous years of production (although it is not a fact that at the time of publication of the article there will still be such devices). The same officials also sell used motorcycles for trade-in.
Secondly, there are a number of companies on the market specializing in the supply of used Harley-Davidsons from the States and, oddly enough, from Japan. “Sprotsters” are quite common in their salons.
Thirdly, the device with the necessary (or not so much) tuning can be found “there” and delivery to Russia can be arranged.
Well, fourthly, quite a few owners are ready to part with their Harleys upon announcement. The only thing left to do is choose.
TUNING. Even to simply list all the items for tuning the Sportster from the “native” catalog and the main aftermarket ones, the rest of the magazine is unlikely to be enough. And you can build from them whatever your heart desires. Therefore, we will indicate only the main directions.
The choice of handlebars is huge: from classic options to orthodox drag bars or ape-hanger. The range of prices is appropriate - from $100 for a primitive “stick” to $300 or more for a “work of art” (or “a plumber’s nightmare,” depending on the point of view). There is no less choice of steering columns ($20–80) - for even more fine-tuning of the driver’s workplace.
The same goes for the footrests. They differ not only in appearance, the presence or absence of chrome, etc., but also in geometry, and significantly, which allows the “sport” to comfortably accommodate a person of almost any height and seating preference. Their cost ranges from $80 to $250 (all in the USA), depending on the design, the name of the manufacturer and the greed of the seller. Or you can combine business with pleasure and instead of installing “stems”, install arches with places for legs. With a modest budget ($80–150), you’ll get both protection and the ability to stretch your legs forward.
And “sport” seats - for every taste, color and budget. Prices for the same Corbin - from $299 for a simple driver's seat and $628 for a simple one (with a backrest) to over $1 thousand for a double seat with backrests for the driver and passenger. The presence of heating will add another $200–220. If the Corbin price tag confuses you, look for more modest options from manufacturers and, accordingly, at least half the price.
Also, by looking through the catalog, you can turn the Sportster into a tourer. A windshield ($65-$200 in the US for a kit with mount) will improve comfort on the trail. If that's not enough, get a wide, old-school, electric-style fairing. Corbin offers one for a measly $1,399, but you can save some money by purchasing unpainted for $1,199.
Luggage systems for “sports” - from classic leather bags to stylish hard “suitcases”. Prices range from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand “evergreens”. A pair of leather saddlebags will cost $250–$300, and bagger-style panniers from Corbin will cost $1,699 (plus a few hundred for shipping to Russia). In general, turning a Sportster into a stylish bagger is not at all difficult, the question is the availability of funds.
The exhaust systems for Evolution deserve special mention. As with everything for H.-D., the choice here is simply overwhelming, so you just have to be guided by your sense of taste and the thickness of your wallet. Guidelines - from $200–250 for an analogue of the original “pipes” to $450–700 for an issue from Vance & Hines or Akrapovic.
Despite the fact that the sportster’s engine is initially quite peppy (by the standards of the class), some may find this not enough. You can cheer it up using classic methods - by changing the exhaust, filter, carburetor. You can go further and increase its working volume to 1200, 1250 and even 1450 cm³. The asking price is $450–550 for a set of cylinders, pistons, pins and rings to convert 883 cc to 1200; kits from S&S are somewhat more expensive. You can save a little on buying cylinders and bore existing ones. But is it necessary to turn a fast “sport” into a heavy “big twin”? The question is rhetorical.
Another direction of either upgrading or downgrading the Sportster is installing a carburetor instead of an injection system. For what? If you don't know, then you don't need it. However, the procedure has been worked out. In addition to the carburetor (and this could be a native Keihin CV, or a Mikuni HSR40 or HSR42, or even an S&S Super-E or Super-B), an ignition will be required; Usually they install AMM-P3.
PRICES. As already mentioned, despite belonging to the H.-D. clan, the “small” Sportster on the used motorcycle market has a very humane price tag. Carburetor device from the early 2000s. will cost an average of 220–300 thousand rubles. The price for the “latest real”, that is, carburetor, “Sportsters” (2006 onwards) can reach up to 350 thousand rubles; much depends on the buyer's solvency. The happiness of becoming the owner of an injection Sportster since 2007 will cost 350–450 thousand rubles. The price is also affected by the degree of “stuffing” of a particular motorcycle.
Compared to the cost of used motorcycles, the price tag for the new Shprotster may seem suspiciously low. The most budget version of the 883, Iron, costs 486 thousand rubles in the showroom of an official dealer, and Superlow, depending on the color, will cost 508–535 thousand rubles.
CHOICE. Before you donate your hard earned money to the seller, you should decide on two essential parameters of your future Harley.
First, is it “hard” or “rubbery”? There is a difference, and how noticeable it is is directly proportional to the average daily mileage. On motorcycles before 2004 - the most “real” ones - the engine was mounted rigidly in the frame. As a result, all the fasteners tend to “run away”, and the mirrors are more of a decoration than a functional element. The “rubber” Sportster, produced since 2004, is no longer such an uncompromising vibration stand.
Secondly, carburetor or fuel injection? In 2006, the “carb” was replaced by electronically controlled injectors, which reduced appetite and improved environmental friendliness. True, some True Harley apologists are replacing the injection system with a carburetor, so you shouldn’t be surprised to see it on a motorcycle from 2006.
Also, upon careful inspection, you will find that the battery cover is secured with a plastic tie. Don’t be alarmed - this is a common “tuning” on motorcycles after 2004. The fact is that the cover is not held very firmly, and in this way many people insure against its loss.
If you buy a motorcycle from a private owner, be sure to inquire about the frequency of maintenance and what kind of oil was used. And also inspect the device for leaks of this same oil. In general, oil sweating on the engine covers is not a problem, but a characteristic feature of many Harleys, but if the choice is between a motorcycle with and without such a feature, why tempt fate?
Pay attention to the condition of the belt and pulleys. Replacing the belt will lighten your wallet by 15–17 thousand rubles. excluding the cost of work.
And further. The Sportster has one important difference from other brothers of the headash tribe - its compactness. Therefore, if nature has not deprived you of height, then before buying a “sport”, you should still try it on. The likelihood that under a two-meter rider it will look like a children's bicycle is quite high...
Frame, wheels and suspension Harley Davidson Sportster S
The Harley Davidson Sportster S is assembled on a steel cage frame, and the Revolution Max is used in it as an element of the chassis power structure , just like in the Pan America. Part of the structure is made of extruded aluminum. At the rear is a tubular steel swingarm with forged axle mounts. At the front there is a 43 inverted fork with a full range of adjustments, the rear monoshock is also fully adjustable and is mounted in a link suspension. The suspension strokes are 9 and 5 centimeters, respectively.
The Sportster S rides on 17-gauge front and 16-gauge rear alloy wheels - alas, sports tires won't fit here, but plump rubber was an element of the early Sportster S design concepts, so Harley ordered an exclusive model from Dunlop - GT503 tires, introduced at the same time with the Sportster S. With the visual effect of thick custom donuts, the Sportster S wheels provide light and responsive handling. Accordingly, Dunlop GT503 tires are currently only available in Sportster S sizes: 160/70R17 for the front wheel and 180/70R16 for the rear. For comparison, the Harley Davidson Fat Bob and Triumph Rocker 3 are equipped with 150/80 tires - so the new Sprat will be the King of Chubby Tires among production motorcycles. Both wheels are equipped with a single disc brake circuit with ABS.
The seat height of the new Harley Davidson Sportster S is 73 cm , and the angles of inclination are 34 degrees in both directions. The Sportster S is equipped with front running boards as standard, but according to the options catalog, mid-mounted running boards are available for it, as well as a set of passenger seat and running boards for the second number.
Harley Davidson Sportster S
Men's Health. Magazine
Over the 60 years of its existence, the Sprat managed to take part in races and many exhibitions and, of course, converted thousands of riders who value the Sportster for the technical and design innovations implemented in the model year after year. It appeared on the wave of competition with British motorcycle manufacturers and its platform, which received the XL index, turned out to be very successful in terms of sales and modification possibilities. It is this factor that has allowed us to make changes for 60 years according to the ever-increasing demands of the market. Look how the legend has changed:
1957 Sportster
In the 60s, the Sportster acquired pronounced custom features. But the XR750, released in the 70s, became truly world famous.
1958 Sportster XLCH Competition Hot
The "CH" in its name stood for "Competition Hot". This hot motorcycle still stings the eye: off-road tires, a shortened rear fender, a small gas tank. It looks, I agree, interesting.
1970 Sportster XR750
Legend. The road version of the XR750 (under the symbol XR1000) went on sale in 1983. Subsequently, the model continued to change and improve according to market demands. In 1976, the gearshift pedal moved to the left side of the motorcycle, and the rear brake pedal moved to the right. The XR 750 modification won a whole bunch of cups at dirt track competitions, and the motorcycle of this model, which once belonged to the famous stuntman Evel Knievel, is part of the “The Art of the Motorcycle” exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum.
1977 Sportster Cafe Racer
Everything new is well forgotten old. In the case of the fashion for cafe racers, here it is, the prototype: almost unnoticed by the market, but which later became an object of worship for collectors, the first. It was given sportiness by a lightweight frame, a single seat, a double front brake, a fairing and other pleasant little things.
1987 Sportster XLH883 Hugger
1987 also saw the release of the XLH883 Hugger, aimed at smaller riders and women as motorcycles grew in popularity among women during those years. Here it is, 80s style! A chic girl in a leather jacket, boots and a shock of hair spilling out from under her helmet should be cutting through this!
1995 Sportster XL883R
"R" stands for Roadster. This is the first roadster from HD. It received a chic tank trim, a blackened engine and other cosmetic updates.
2000 Sportster XL1200S Sport
Despite the fact that this model is considered by many to be unsuccessful, it set the style for an entire generation of post-millennial “sports”.
2010 Sportster XR1200
“European” sportster, built specifically for winding roads and serpentines.
Iron, Fourty-Eight, Seventy-Two, Roadster
In 2010, the XL883N Iron became the base model of the modern Sportster family.
. and there was also the XL1200X Forty-Eight bobber with its famous peanut tank from the 1948 Model-5 (hence the model's name).
Two years later, the XL1000V Seventy-Two brought chopper elements to the Sportster family. In 2016, Iron 883 and Forty-Eight were equipped with an improved suspension and ABS system. These motorcycles combine authentic old-school styling with modern ride performance.
The 2022 XL1200CX Roadster brings the Sportster's anniversary model to a close, but certainly not the end. 60 years is a long time, and throughout its history, Harley-Davidson models have kept up with the times.
Technologies and assistants
The Sportster's smart technologies communicate through the round TFT display, which displays speedometer, gear number, odometer, fuel level, temperature, low temperature warning, stand down warning, fall warning, range, tachometer and so on. The display also supports wireless communication with a smartphone, allowing you to control calls, music and display navigation tips in conjunction with the HD application on it. In addition, the motorcycle is equipped with a USB-C socket for charging your smartphone on the go.
The Harley Davidson Sportster S is equipped with three riding modes: Sport, Road and Rain , as well as the ability to create custom modes by setting your own combination of traction character, engine braking level, as well as the intervention of tilt ABS and tilt traction control.
Motorcycle XLCH 1000 Sportster (1973): technical specifications, photos, videos
new collection 1
| basic information | |
| Model: | Harley-Davidson XLCH 1000 Sportster |
| Year: | 1973 |
| Type: | Classic |
| Motor and drive | |
| Working volume: | 997 cm 3 |
| Type: | V2 |
| Bars: | 4 |
| Power: | 57.00 hp (41.6 kW)) @ 6000 rpm |
| Compression: | 9.0:1 |
| Bore x Stroke: | 81.0 x 96.8 mm (3.2 x 3.8 inches) |
| Valves: | 2 |
| Bore x Stroke: | 81.0 x 96.8 mm (3.2 x 3.8 inches) |
| Fuel control: | OHV |
| Cooling: | Air |
| Transmission: | 4 speeds |
| Drive unit: | Chain |
| Speed and acceleration | |
| Max. speed: | 185.0 (115.0 mph) |
| Other | |
| Gas tank capacity: | 15 l. |
| Front tire: | 3.75-19 |
| Rear tire: | 4.25-18 |
| Front brake: | One disk |
| Rear brake: | Drum |
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Sorry, but this section is under construction, please check back later
Sorry, but this section is under construction, please check back later
Sorry, but this section is under construction, please check back later
Men's Health. Magazine
Over the 60 years of its existence, the Sprat managed to take part in races and many exhibitions and, of course, converted thousands of riders who value the Sportster for the technical and design innovations implemented in the model year after year. It appeared on the wave of competition with British motorcycle manufacturers and its platform, which received the XL index, turned out to be very successful in terms of sales and modification possibilities. It is this factor that has allowed us to make changes for 60 years according to the ever-increasing demands of the market. Look how the legend has changed:
1957 Sportster
In the 60s, the Sportster acquired pronounced custom features. But the XR750, released in the 70s, became truly world famous.
1958 Sportster XLCH Competition Hot
The "CH" in its name stood for "Competition Hot". This hot motorcycle still stings the eye: off-road tires, a shortened rear fender, a small gas tank. It looks, I agree, interesting.
1970 Sportster XR750
Legend. The road version of the XR750 (under the symbol XR1000) went on sale in 1983. Subsequently, the model continued to change and improve according to market demands. In 1976, the gearshift pedal moved to the left side of the motorcycle, and the rear brake pedal moved to the right. The XR 750 modification won a whole bunch of cups at dirt track competitions, and the motorcycle of this model, which once belonged to the famous stuntman Evel Knievel, is part of the “The Art of the Motorcycle” exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum.
1977 Sportster Cafe Racer
Everything new is well forgotten old. In the case of the fashion for cafe racers, here it is, the prototype: almost unnoticed by the market, but which later became an object of worship for collectors, the first. It was given sportiness by a lightweight frame, a single seat, a double front brake, a fairing and other pleasant little things.
1987 Sportster XLH883 Hugger
1987 also saw the release of the XLH883 Hugger, aimed at smaller riders and women as motorcycles grew in popularity among women during those years. Here it is, 80s style! A chic girl in a leather jacket, boots and a shock of hair spilling out from under her helmet should be cutting through this!
1995 Sportster XL883R
"R" stands for Roadster. This is the first roadster from HD. It received a chic tank trim, a blackened engine and other cosmetic updates.
2000 Sportster XL1200S Sport
Despite the fact that this model is considered by many to be unsuccessful, it set the style for an entire generation of post-millennial “sports”.
2010 Sportster XR1200
“European” sportster, built specifically for winding roads and serpentines.
Iron, Fourty-Eight, Seventy-Two, Roadster
In 2010, the XL883N Iron became the base model of the modern Sportster family.
. and there was also the XL1200X Forty-Eight bobber with its famous peanut tank from the 1948 Model-5 (hence the model's name).
Two years later, the XL1000V Seventy-Two brought chopper elements to the Sportster family. In 2016, Iron 883 and Forty-Eight were equipped with an improved suspension and ABS system. These motorcycles combine authentic old-school styling with modern ride performance.
The 2022 XL1200CX Roadster brings the Sportster's anniversary model to a close, but certainly not the end. 60 years is a long time, and throughout its history, Harley-Davidson models have kept up with the times.
