Daily Slideshow: Nothing But Love for the Sporty

60 Years!

The Harley-Davidson Sportster is, arguably, one of the most loved and also disliked motorcycle in the H-D stables.  The XL line first came about in 1957/1958 and has been in continuous production and development for 60 years!  If we were to include the K Model lineup, which was similar, the lineage would go back another six years to 1952.  

This is no small feat for a single model production line.  The Sportster has the distinction of being the longest continuously produced motorcycle.  Harley Davidson continues to have a successful run of the XL line, and in part due to the classic looks, reasonable performance, relatively lightweight, and decently priced.  

>>Join the conversation about the Sportster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Recipe for Success

Part of the reason the Sportster / XL line has done so well is that it started out with a great base and continued to build upon that.  The early years of the Sporty were some of the first bikes to incorporate both front and rear (dual) hydraulic suspension.  Furthermore, it also included the hand clutch and foot gear shifter, which was configured in what we consider to be a modern arrangement: shifter on the left, brake on the right.

Another part of the recipe includes continuous improvements. Just a few of the many improvements include:

The Sportster used the Ironhead engine up until 1985 when it was replaced with the Evolution engine in 1986. 

Electric start was first offered for the 1967 year model, saving countless knees and shins!  In 1970, the kickstart option was removed entirely.

Displacement was increased to 1000cc in 1972.  In 1988, the 883 and 1200 Evo engines were introduced.

2006 was the first year an XL saw fuel injection.

>>Join the conversation about the Sportster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Starters

Some of the biggest complaints I've heard about the Sportster is that it is not a starter bike. The naysayers state that the Sportster is too heavy, too small, or too slow.

If you intend on riding a Harley, it's not too heavy.  I've picked my old Sporty a time or two, and it wasn't too heavy.  I've seen ladies much smaller than the typical rider pick up a Sportster.  While a Honda 250 Rebel is lighter, it's not American metal.  That theory is kaput.

Saying that the Harley is too small varies from person to person.  There are available options for forward controls and different seats.  Being almost six feet tall, the Sportster wasn't an issue for me.  I've known large guys who ride Sportsters comfortably.  However, if one is too tall, then maybe they should look for a touring bike (which I would not recommend for a starter bike).

Sportsters are not slow bikes.  While they will not beat most Japanese and European in top speed, the torque provides sufficient power around town and on the highways.  When I was in my late teens, I had an '84 XLX-1000 (XLX-61) that had been mildly tuned and I gave the local 600 and 750 ricer bikes fits at the stop lights.  It was quick, obnoxiously loud, vibrated horribly, was hot, and had a horrible range of about 44 miles with the 2.2-gallon peanut tank...and I LOVED IT!  My girlfriend's dad hated it!

>>Join the conversation about the Sportster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

What are the costs?

Part of the appeal about the Sportster is the cost. While the price has climbed a bit in favor of the lower priced Street 500 and Street 750, the Sportster is still an obtainable motorcycle for those on a budget.

Being that many used Sportys are hovering in the $3,000-$5,000 range, there are plenty of other bikes that can be had for a fraction of the price... but it wouldn't be a Harley.  Maintenance costs are reasonable for the Sportster.  Furthermore, Sportsters are easy enough to work on allowing riders to save a little for their wallet.

While the  Street 500 or 750 may be cheaper than a new Sportster, there are many on the used market.  If starting out, it's best to get a used bike.  At that point, with plenty of Sportys on the market, a good deal can be achieved.  

>>Join the conversation about the Sportster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Keep Riding the Sportsters

If you ride a Sportster, enjoy it!  Some think you'll get tired of it and may want to upgrade.  That may be the case for some, but the Sporty still has a special place in my garage.  While I've upgraded to a Road Glide and a Road King that are enjoyable, I still miss riding my XLX-1000.  That's why my next project is an early 60's Sporty hardtail sitting in the corner awaiting some love.


Do you have a story about your favorite Sportster?  Tell us about it.

>>Join the conversation about the Sportster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.