Sportster History

This article covers Harley Sportsters 1967 through 1979.

Click Here for 1957-1966 Sportster History

Click Here for 1980-1985 Sportster History

Before 1967, all Sportster models were kickstart only. Starting in 1967 and until 1969, the Motor Company produced two Sportster frames and two sets of engine cases, one for the kick-start XLCH and one for the new electric-start XLH.

Longer XLH Frame

To accommodate the electric starter motor and the larger battery box, the XLH frame was 'kicked-back' just above the swing arm pivot.

Read: Electric Start Ironheads

Seat-post tubes were set 1.5" towards the rear, requiring upper shock mounts and fender rail mounts to be moved further back. The XLH swing arm was lengthened accordingly.

The kick-only XLCH continued using the original frame and engine cases to 1969.

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In 1970, the early Sportster frames and cases were discontinued. All models, including the XLCH, now shared the frame and engine cases with the XLH electric start. This is why many enthusiasts believe that 1969 was the last "real" XLCH.

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Sportster Front Forks

Sportster fork tubes, from K models up to 1972 models, (and 1971-1972 Super Glides) were 33.4mm in diameter. The bottom portion, called sliders, were steel, and accommodated drum brakes only.

Rubber fork boots ("gaiters") were seen on 1957 through 1970 Sportsters. They did a good job of protecting the fork tubes from dirt, dust, rocks, and other harmful debris. Later models had short rubber dust boots, which offered little protection.

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Cylinder Heads

For 1969, cylinder heads were slightly redesigned and fitted with larger, 1-15/16" intake valves. Whereas earlier heads were painted silver, 1969 and up heads would be painted black.

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"Then Came Bronson" Bike

From March 1969 to April 1970, 26 episodes of the American TV show "Then Came Bronson" aired on NBC.

The show starred wool-capped Michael Parks riding around the United States, finding adventure on his red 1969 Sportster XLH. Bud Ekins, the famous Hollywood stunt man, appeared in several episodes.

Although running for just one season, the show and the bike were both popular, prompting Harley-Davidson to offer a "Bronson Red" paint option for several years afterwards.

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VIN Number Change

In 1970, H-D started stamping corresponding VIN numbers on both engines and frames. Prior to this, Harley VIN numbers only appeared on engine cases.

All model Sportsters from 1970 thru 1978 had the same frame and swing arm.

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265 MPH Ironhead

The Bonneville Salt Flats in northwestern Utah has long been a mecca for high-speed competition. It was here that the Sportster-powered streamliner motorcycle of Maning/Riley/Riveria broke the world speed record in 1970.

The streamliner body, riding on a chassis built by Denis Manning, was a 15-foot-long aluminum tube, with a cross-section of only 23 inches. Inside was a small cockpit and a modified XLR motor, built by Warner Riley, which was bored and stroked to 1,480cc (89-cubic inches). The engine ran on 70 percent nitro-methane.

Although he had never been on the salt flats before, famed Harley-Davidson factory rider Cal Rayborn was brought in to pilot the purpose-built machine. His recorded speed of 265.492 mph would stand for fifteen years.

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Increased Sales

By 1971, Harley-Davidson was selling an average of 6,500 Sportsters annually, which was triple the amount from a decade ago. And in that time, the Ironhead's fan-base had widened deeply.

On one end of Sportster enthusiasts were racers, who loved it's tourquey power and the endless ways to squeeze out more. On the other end were customizers, who embraced the clean, integrated symmetry of the compact V-twin engine.

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1971 Sportster

A very unique year for Sportsters; 1971 was the last year of the 900cc engine and first year of new engine cases.

The circuit breaker (distributor) was moved from the right-side engine case to inside the gear-case, now employing an automatic advance mechanism to aid starting. The fiberglass seat and tail section, known as the 'boat-tail' was available for the second and last year.

Sportsters were converted to a wet clutch setup in 1971. As its name implies, a wet clutch sits in oil, a dry clutch does not. Wet clutches are quieter, but are a harder pull at the clutch lever.

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1000cc Ironhead Engine

To keep up with the litre-bikes that Japan was offering, the Ironhead Sportster received a bump in size in 1972. New cylinders with 3/16" bigger bore increased displacement, from 883cc to 997cc (advertised as 1000cc).

Read: Ironhead Sportster Cylinder Differences

The displacement increase also gave a more optimum bore-to-stroke ratio, resulting in a slightly smoother running engine. Power was also increased, pushing top-speeds past 110 miles-per-hour. Quarter-mile times dropped into the mid-thirteens, and by removing the stock exhaust baffles, another 1/2 second could be gained.

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1972 Sportster

The Sportster for 1972 saw several other changes. Prone to vapor lock when the engine was hot, the complex Tillotson carburetor was dropped in favor of the simpler Bendix unit. The new carb also sat closer to the motor, causing less of an obstruction to the rider's right knee.

Read: Best Carburetor For Ironhead Sportster

The magneto ignition used on previous XLCH models was gone; in it's place was the points/coil/battery system from the XLH. Seat padding was reduced to give a lower ride height. Sales for the 1972 Sportster nearly doubled from the previous year, with just under 18,000 units sold.

"The Sound is Good for the Soul"

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1973 Sportster

In 1973, the Sportster frame received minor modifications. The steel castings were eliminated, and replaced with steel straps which covered the two frame tubes having the open holes. These two holes previously held the supports for the original solo seat, which was no longer offered.

Generator Charging Problems

An Ironhead's generator really doesn't charge the battery until engine rpm is considerably higher than idle. Trips that are less than 15-20 miles are typically not enough to recharge the battery's losses from starting. Consider upgrading to a trouble-free aftermarket generator.

The Cycle Electric generator is a complete 12V charging system with a built-in regulator, simple two-wire hookup, higher output, and longer service life. It's the last generator you will have to buy for your bike!

Front Disc Brake

A front disc brake replaced the drum brake in 1973. Fork tube diameters were increased to 35mm, manufactured first by Kayaba, and then by Showa. The 35mm forks had a "pie-slice" brake caliper and cloverleaf rotor, later to be fitted with dual-disc calipers.

Read: 1974-1977 Sportster Caliper Rebuild

Also this year, the frame was modified, with the steel casting eliminated and replaced with steel straps which covered the two upright frame tubes having the open holes. These two holes held the supports for the original solo seat. 1973 was the first year that turn-signals became mandatory on all motorcycles sold in America.

AMF-produced Harleys began rolling off the York Pennsylvania assembly line, although the AMF logo had been appearing on gas tanks since 1971. Harley-Davidson was now just one of dozens of divisions in a corporation, and quality control was becoming an issue.

Production total for 1973 Sportsters was 19,960 units.

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1974 Sportster

Under the control of AMF, build-quality seemed secondary. To increase profits, the corporation began streamlining production and cutting the workforce. This led to a 101-day strike by union workers. With the influx of quicker and cheaper Japanese bikes, Harley-Davidson's share of the 750cc and larger motorcycle market had fallen to 21 percent.

Right-Side to Left-Side Shift

In 1975, new federal regulations required all motorcycles sold in America to have left-side shift and right-side brake controls. Other bikes that switched from right to left shift were the Triumph Bonneville and Norton Commando. AMF's remedy was to continue using the existing engine cases and route the gear-shift linkage across the back of the engine, thus avoiding the expense of re-tooling. New cases were eventually fitted in 1977. Approximately 5,300 Sportsters were produced in 1975.

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1976 Sportster Bicentennial Edition

To help celebrate America's 200th Birthday, Harley-Davidson offered special Bicentennial Edition models, with commemorative decals applied to the gas and oil tanks. Later in the year, Sportster models switched from Bendix to Keihin carburetors.

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1977 Sportster

In an effort to re-capture some of its lost market, two new Sportster models were offered in 1977. The first was the XLT, set up in touring style with a thicker seat, touring handlebars, saddlebags, and windshield. It was also geared higher, and carried a larger 3.5 gallon tank. The XLT was not popular with buyers, nor was the other new model, the XLCR Cafe Racer.

Engine Upgrades

Redesigned engines cases for 1977 featured a new 'gerotor' style of oil pump, which was not interchangeable with 1957-1976 models. Another update was the pinion shaft bearing assembly. The new bearing assembly was 'caged' and a whole lot easier to install than on 1957-1976 engines, which had loose roller bearings.

Confederate Edition Sportster

The Motor Company offered a very limited amount of "Confederate Edition" Sportsters in 1977. Essentially they were decals-only in difference from standard models, with "Stars and Bars" flag adorned on gas tank and front fender.

Production numbers of Confederate Edition Harleys were very low, with reportedly 299 Confederate Sportster XL's, 45 Sportster XLCH's, and 15 Sportster XLT models sold.

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1978 Sportster

The factory brochure proclaimed the 1978 Sportster as the "quickest, most powerful, most agile yet." Electronic ignition and a solid-state voltage regulator first appeared this year, providing easier starting and less maintenance. The XLCR Cafe Racer was in its second and final year of full production.

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Other Sportster models now benefited the Cafe Racer's dual-disc front brakes and cast aluminum wheels, as well as having Siamesed exhaust pipes, boosting torque and mid-range horsepower. Longer stroke rear shocks helped increase rider and passenger comfort.

75th Anniversary Edition

To commemorate Harley-Davidson's 75th year in production, a special-edition 1978 Sportster was offered, featuring midnight-black paint highlighted by gold trim, gold cast-aluminum wheels, and limited-edition anniversary graphics. Sales for 1978 topped 17,000 units, the highest in Ironhead Sportster history.

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Neck Size

From 1957 through 1977, Sportsters had a 7/8" neck. From 1978 through 1981, Sportsters had a 15/16" neck. In 1982, Harley standardized sizes, and 1982 and up Sportsters have a 1" neck.

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1979 Sportster

All Sportster models were upgraded to the new, stronger frame and swing-arm, derived from the XLCR. The mechanical rear drum brake was replaced with a hydraulic disc brake. This would be the last year of the kick-start only XLCH Sportster. Only 141 kick-only models were sold.

Also for 1979, valve guides were changed to cast-iron to provide better lubrication to the valve stems.

XLS Sportster

Using the XLCR's frame, the new XLS model had cast wheels, extended front forks, 2-into-1 exhaust pipes and a 16" rear wheel. With a large, dual rear seat and short sissy bar, the XLS was decidedly un-Sportster like, and curiously named the "Roadster".

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Sportster VIN Numbers

The Motor Company used several different VIN codes for XL models:

"Ironhead Sportsters tend to get faster the longer you own them."

Looking back over the decade of the seventies, the Harley-Davidson Sportster had come a long way. It was still a great looking, powerful street-bike, and more reliable than ever. But at 500 pounds and sporting a 59" wheelbase, cornering was not it's strong suit.

On the plus side, the softly sprung suspension gave a firm but comfortable ride at highway speeds, and it's fairly low center of gravity made it easy to manage at slow cruising speeds. And customization was limitless.

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Related Articles:

1957-1966 Sportsters

Electric Start Ironheads

Triumph Bonneville History

Norton Commando History

Harley-Davidson XR750

Harley-Davidson Cafe Racer

1980-1985 Sportster

Read: Early Evo Sportster (1986-1995)