1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster: Beginning of an Era
Daily Slideshow: Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, there's no denying that Harley's Sportster has been a hit since day one.
Longtime Hit
People tend to have mixed feelings towards Harley's iconic Sportster. Detractors feel like it's "not a real Harley," while proponents prefer the smaller, more nimble ride to larger touring bikes and cruisers.
But there's no denying that the Sportster literally saved Harley's hide when it sorely needed to attract new customers. And to this day, the long-running model is still the brand's best seller.
Stunning Example
It's hard to believe that the Sportster has been around for 61 years, but here we are. And this first-year 1957 example that popped up in a recent Mecum auction is without a doubt one of the nicest ones you'll ever lay eyes on.
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Sleeper Collectible?
Finished in black and pepper red, this particular Sportster has received a full nut and bolt restoration. Which is rather unusual given the fact that these bikes haven't yet attracted the interest of collectors like their larger, more powerful brethren.
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Keeping It Original
Not only that, but the seller went to great lengths to keep this bike as original as possible. It features a claimed 97% original or NOS parts, which is rather impressive. And it's only traveled 7 miles since that extensive work was completed.
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Rare but There
The list of hard-to-find original parts is no less impressive. The original keys were retained, along with the correct “R” rear shocks. The Goodyear tires on the Sportster are the proper rubber, and it still sports its original Speedster handlebars.
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Instant Hit
Overall, this beautifully preserved Harley is an enduring symbol of one of the most important moments in the legendary motorcycle manufacturer's history. This was a bike that was a hit from the moment it rolled off the assembly line, after all.
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New Era
The Sportster was a replacement for the old side-valve Model K and proved to be a major technological step forward. It also handled far better than its large Big Twin brothers. That characteristic alone proved vital in winning over new customers.
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Distinctive Styling
The new Sportster also looked the part, with distinctive styling that was instantly recognizable. The small fuel tank, unit-construction engine, trimmed fenders, and paired side exhaust all stand out as a big departure from other, traditional Harley offerings.
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More Power
The Sportster also provided a big power boost over the outgoing Model K. A whopping 40% more, in fact. Much of that jump came from the use of high compression (7.5:1) pistons and 90-degree cast iron cylinder heads that utilized hemispherical combustion chambers and valves.
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Enduring Legend
That additional 12 hp proved to make a huge difference, especially since the Sportster and Model K employed the same chassis. Weighing in at just 495 pounds, this was a bike that you could toss around and have some fun in. But still, who would've guessed that the Sportster would have endured for so long all those years ago?
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For maintenance and repair guides for your Harley, browse our technical How-to articles right here on HDForums.
