is anybody out there able to identify the difference between a 1980 roadster and a 1980 sporty? a guy i work with says his bike is a roadster but it doesn't say it on the title nor does it say it on the bike anywhere. other than actual demensions is there any noticable difference? i think he's full of crap.

 

The 1980 Roadster ...

1. 2" extended forks
2. 3.6 gallon Roadster fuel tank; same as SuperGlide tank
3. two-part seat
4. short sissybar with pad, and tool bag facing back
5. Roadster fork decal

It is possible that most of these parts are missing after all these years. The longer front forks are most likely still there. No special VIN. Could have XLS on the title rather than XLH or any of the other designations [XLB, XLCH, etc]. You can still get the fork decals NOS on eBay.

Here's a close-up of the tank ...



Here are two official HD pics ...

 

The serial number should start with 4E if it's an XLS.

 

Good point. I missed that.