I have a 1982 Sportster XLHA Special Anniversity Edition. It seems that everyone that owns a 1982 Sportster calls it an Anniversity edition. Can anyone shed some light on this model? I have been told that there were only 800 of these made and they were made by techs not on the assembly line and hand painted. Can anybody validate any of this or is it all BS.

Anything else on this model would be of interest to me.

 

The XLHA was built to the mark the 25th Anniversary for the Sportster. There were 932 built, and these had special graphics and included special history paperwork signed by Willie G. They were all assembly line bikes that had the paint and graphics added as they were ordered.

 

here is a picture of it.

 

That is one sweet looking bike. I'm gonna have to try & find one.

 

ok here's another number to throw at you. 1261, that was the exact number made. i owned one that was butchered and repainted. after talking with the Motor Company historian i was told that 1261 number was the amount of decals that were made.
no spares..... so with HD's permission i used their photocopies that were sent to me and made vinyl repops.when i traded the Sporty i made sure the buyer knew the serial number was correct,but the bike had been reproduced. i still have a few silver ones left. plus i have a brand new battery cover tha was removed at the dealership(seems a buyer wanted the live to ride cover.

 

Well I'm from 800 to 932 to 1261. I don't doubt anyone but this is what happens when I try to get info on this bike it seems there are many different stories.

 

You mention talking to the Harley Historian. How/where can I find/contact him to get documentation on this particular bike if it exists.

 

One of those '82 Anniversary tanks in pretty nice shapewas listedon eBay afew monthsago by the Wheels Through Time museum. I don't know if it sold, though.

 

The spare I have is brand new. I keep it incase I ever want to sell the bike it will have a new tank on it.

 

I got the production numbers for the Anniversary Edition from Bruce's Harley Page. This site has a lot of info. He could be wrong about the number built, but everything else I have looked up there seems to be good info. Check it out.