The Sportsters were transformed into a wet-clutch setup which, as the name implies, sits in oil while a dry one does not. The tail section and fiberglass seat, nicknamed “the boat-tail” was introduced for the 2nd and last year. The lineup transferred the distributor to the interior of the gear case, now using an automatic advance mechanism to help with the starting. 1971 Harley Sportsterġ971 was a special year for Sportsters, marking a transition from the 900cc to new engine cases. The engine was fueled by 70% nitro-methane and the pilot was renowned Harley Davidson rider Cal Rayborn, whose 265mph record speed lasted for 15 years! 4. There was a small cockpit inside with a customized XLR motor, stroked and bored to 1480cc. The streamliner featured a 15′-long aluminum body, with just 23 inches cross section. It is here, in 1970, that a Sportster-operated streamliner motorbike smashed the world speed record. The northwest Utah-based Bonneville Salt Flats have always been known for high speed competition. With the long frame, the seat post tubes were set 1 1/2 inches towards the back. ![]() The XLH kicked back the frame just above the arm pivot to support electric start as well as the new battery box. In 1970, all the XL models were fitted with the same engine cases. Between 19, two cases were made for the Sportster: one for the electric start bikes and the other for the kick-start models. The new model came with revised engine cases to incorporate electric start. 1967 Harley Sportster XLHīefore the 1967 XLH, all the previous models were kick-start only. Integrated within the back of the engine cases was a “unit” 4-speed transmission while the motor, which was almost hidden perfectly behind the gas tank, featured twin cylinder jugs separated by about 45 degrees. ![]() Individual valves were controlled by a separate cam to simplify the valve train geometry, while both the front and back cylinders were fed by a single carburetor. One crank pin was used for both connecting rods, and was called a “knife & fork” design. The Sportster legend began with the 1957 Harley XL Ironhead, featuring a new overhead valve motor that worked with a 3.81-inch stroke and a 3-inch bore to produce 883cc displacement.
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