Immaculate '68 Harley Sportster Is the Nicest of Its Breed

Raising the Bar

Harley's Sportster has enjoyed decades of unprecedented success, that much is common knowledge. But while there are quite literally millions of these small, sporty bikes in existence, you rarely see older ones. Especially any as nice as this incredibly restored 1968 example we found over at Mecum Auctions. 

Underrated

So why don't we see more of these classic Sportsters? After all, the big-frame Harleys from this era enjoy rabid collector interest. The same can't be said for these smaller bikes, at least for now. But we're betting that they'll eventually catch on with that notoriously stingy crowd. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1968 Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Total Perfection

Thus, if you're going to jump in before everyone else, this '68 is a good way to go. Completely restored and looking absolutely perfect, there truly aren't any bones to pick here. Just perfectly polished chrome and stunning paintwork everywhere you look. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1968 Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Successful Formula

The Sportster has been in constant production since 1957, which is a credit to the bike's incredible success. Not to mention the enduring interest of riders. Of course, the model has changed a great deal over that time. But the basic, highly successful formula has remained the same. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1968 Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Long Lasting

One thing that didn't change for some time, however, was the original Ironhead engine Harley lumped in its Sportster. The 45 degree, four-stroke, V-Twin engine survived the test of time from 1957 all the way to 1986, when it was replaced with the new Evo.

>>Join the conversation about this 1968 Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

End of an Era

It took even longer, however, for Harley to stop directly mounting its engines to the Sportster frame. It wasn't until after the 2003 model year, in fact, that this monumental change occurred. To mark the end of that era, Harley produced a limited number of 100 year anniversary Sportsters.

>>Join the conversation about this 1968 Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Welcome Change?

Some folks appreciate the reduction in vibration that happened after that switch, of course. But hardcore, old school bikers don't seem to care about those sorts of things. Plus, the frame-mounted models like this '68 were a little lighter and featured tighter handling as a result. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1968 Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Same Old, Same Old

Big changes like that one aren't common with the Sportster, however. In its second year of production, Harley rolled out the XLH and XLCH variants, which were sportier, competition models. But that was pretty much it for the better part of a decade. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1968 Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Long-Term Carryover

In 1967, Harley rolled out its first-ever electric start for the Sportster, albeit on the XLH model only. Otherwise, this '68 is pretty much a long-term carryover for the model. It also sports the 900cc Ironhead, which remained in the bike until it was replaced with a 1,000cc version in 1972. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1968 Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Don't Sleep

But you certainly can't blame Harley for sleeping at the wheel during these times. They had a hit on their hands with the Sportster, and they certainly knew it. Now, if only collectors would jump on the vintage Sportster bandwagon, perhaps the world would appreciate them for their beauty as well as their historical significance! 

>>Join the conversation about this 1968 Sportster right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

 For help with service and maintenance of your Harley, check out the how to section of HDForums.com