Sportster History
#1
11-16-2007, 08:00 AM
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Sportster History
I'm suremost of you already know this stuff, but it might be an interesting read for some of the newcomers:
http://www.sportster.org/history/
http://www.sportster.org/history/
#4
11-16-2007, 05:19 PM
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RE: Sportster History
ORIGINAL: TUNDRA_schumacher
I'm always surprised there's a lot of people that don't realize the Sportster was an 883 (called 900)for quite some time before it got bigger.
I'm always surprised there's a lot of people that don't realize the Sportster was an 883 (called 900)for quite some time before it got bigger.
There was what was called a 900cc Ironhead, but it was actually slightly larger (around 902cc or something like that). I'd have to dig out my notes to get the exact size.
In 1972 the so called '900cc' Ironhead was increased in size, and was then known as the '1000cc' Ironhead.
The EVO and Ironhead engines are completely different, and they aren't even the same size (883cc vs 902cc). Even if the cc's were the same, it wouldn't make any more sense in comparing the two engines as it would to compare a 1200cc Shovelhead and a 1200cc EVO. Completely different animals.
But one true thing that is interesting was that when the EVO engines replaced the Ironhead's they came in 883cc and 1100cc flavors. After a year or so the 1100cc EVO was increased in size to 1200cc's.
#6
12-08-2007, 03:34 PM
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RE: Sportster History
ORIGINAL: OldFenderGuy
There was never a 883cc Ironhead Sportster engine...
There was what was called a 900cc Ironhead, but it was actually slightly larger (around 902cc or something like that). I'd have to dig out my notes to get the exact size.
In 1972 the so called '900cc' Ironhead was increased in size, and was then known as the '1000cc' Ironhead.
The EVO and Ironhead engines are completely different, and they aren't even the same size (883cc vs 902cc). Even if the cc's were the same, it wouldn't make any more sense in comparing the two engines as it would to compare a 1200cc Shovelhead and a 1200cc EVO. Completely different animals.
But one true thing that is interesting was that when the EVO engines replaced the Ironhead's they came in 883cc and 1100cc flavors. After a year or so the 1100cc EVO was increased in size to 1200cc's.
ORIGINAL: TUNDRA_schumacher
I'm always surprised there's a lot of people that don't realize the Sportster was an 883 (called 900)for quite some time before it got bigger.
I'm always surprised there's a lot of people that don't realize the Sportster was an 883 (called 900)for quite some time before it got bigger.
There was what was called a 900cc Ironhead, but it was actually slightly larger (around 902cc or something like that). I'd have to dig out my notes to get the exact size.
In 1972 the so called '900cc' Ironhead was increased in size, and was then known as the '1000cc' Ironhead.
The EVO and Ironhead engines are completely different, and they aren't even the same size (883cc vs 902cc). Even if the cc's were the same, it wouldn't make any more sense in comparing the two engines as it would to compare a 1200cc Shovelhead and a 1200cc EVO. Completely different animals.
But one true thing that is interesting was that when the EVO engines replaced the Ironhead's they came in 883cc and 1100cc flavors. After a year or so the 1100cc EVO was increased in size to 1200cc's.
Piston Displacement 1970-71 - 53.9 cu. in. (883 c.c.)
Piston Displacement 1972 and later - 60.9 cu. in. (997.5 c.c.)
#7
12-12-2007, 06:10 PM
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#8
12-21-2007, 01:24 AM
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#9
12-27-2007, 02:28 AM
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RE: Sportster History
I have an 08 sporty and have heard lots about its great history, but the sportster.org history page doesnt really give me a sense of its history in terms that I understand (I am not mechanical in any way shape or form). I bought my bike because to me thats what an old school bike looks like, and whilst I appreciate baggers and fatboys etc, I wanted the older look because thats what I remember of bikes my dad and uncles had when I was growing up - sportys represent that look very well (in my opinion).
If there is some cool history of these bikes I would like to know and understand it.
If there is some cool history of these bikes I would like to know and understand it.
#10
12-27-2007, 03:20 AM
Outstanding HDF Member
RE: Sportster History
i have a 1.5 inch thick book detailing every aspect of Harleys company history and detail into every model of bike and the development history of every engine built, its a good read, the first sportsters and the k bikes were 883cc though.
the book is titled "The Harley-Davidson Motorcycle." covers everything up to 2003 and includes a history of buell and some info on hells angels and the companies ups and downs in detail.
the sportster section of the book is a real proper history rather than that site. but its neat to know what changes happened in which years.
the book is titled "The Harley-Davidson Motorcycle." covers everything up to 2003 and includes a history of buell and some info on hells angels and the companies ups and downs in detail.
the sportster section of the book is a real proper history rather than that site. but its neat to know what changes happened in which years.