difference between roadster and sportster

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Nov 8, 2010 | 05:46 PM

#11

rlcgun

6th Gear

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 13

Likes: 0

a roadster is a sportster.just a different trim package than a xlh or xlx

Nov 8, 2010 | 09:01 PM

#12

IronMick

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 3,179

Likes: 118

From: London, ON Canada

Roadster code is XLS. It is set up for hiway riding. It has a larger tank, 2" over extended forks, two-part seat which is more comfortable than the other seats, and a short sissy bar. Here's two pics of a 1980 Roadster ...

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Here's twp pics of a '79 [did not have the bigger tank] ...

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1982-on has an even larger tank with a console.

Jul 18, 2011 | 06:00 PM

#13

85IronHeadSportster

3rd Gear

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 7

Likes: 0

From: Excel,Al

what would mine be CBHF????

Jul 18, 2011 | 07:56 PM

#14

IronMick

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 3,179

Likes: 118

From: London, ON Canada

CA XLH
CB XLS
CC XLX
CD XR-1000

H = engine displacement, 1000cc

B 1981
C 1982
D 1983
E 1984
F 1985

CBHF = 1985 XLS Roadster

Last edited by IronMick; Jul 19, 2011 at 06:20 AM. Reason: sp

Jul 18, 2011 | 10:51 PM

#15

85IronHeadSportster

3rd Gear

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 7

Likes: 0

From: Excel,Al

thanks!!!!

Jul 19, 2011 | 04:51 PM

#16

83XLX

Road Warrior

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 1,441

Likes: 791

From: Heart of Dixie

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojo2go

CAHB would mean that yours is an XLX...

XLX serial numbers start with CCH.

Oct 13, 2015 | 02:16 PM

#17

coyotedream1

Advanced

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 85

Likes: 1

From: Louisiana/Mississippi

Does anyone know of or have a link to the history of the Roadster - something with years and details?

Oct 13, 2015 | 11:26 PM

#18

IronMick

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 3,179

Likes: 118

From: London, ON Canada

The XLS Roadster, 1979-1985: special two part seat, special low sissybar, 2" over forks, large gas tank [1979-optional, 1980-1981 , 1982-1985].

Sorry no link, best to Google it.

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Jan 25, 2020 | 04:08 PM

#19

Midpegs

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2019

Posts: 2,180

Likes: 1,125

From: Coventry , England

Well I stand well and truly corrected . I had got it into my head that the 2004 XL 1200 and 883 R's were the first to use the name Roadster . How wrong could I be ? Those 80's Roadsters are cool as f**k by the way . They seem to fit in better with the rest of the Harley Davidson range of the day . Thanks everyone for the education .