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sportster_history:1957_sportster [2017/12/17 20:24]
5.9.60.241 ↷ Links adapted because of a move operation
sportster_history:1957_sportster [2021/11/15 03:56]
hippysmack [Illustrations]
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 ====== 1957 Sportster ====== ====== 1957 Sportster ======
-===== Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) =====+The Sportster XL was introduced as “a modern, up-to-date power plant.” {{  http://​www.motorcycleclassics.com/​~/​media/​Images/​MCC/​Editorial/​Articles/​Magazine Articles/​2011/​05-01/​1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL/​Sportster-1.jpg?​direct&​150}}
  
-  * The serial number is stamped on the left side of the engine case. The first 5 or 6 digits represent the year and model ((HD Parts Catalog XLH/XLCH-1000 #(99451-78) ))+ In 1952, the W models were replaced with the revered 45-cubic inch side-valve K series. The new K-models included an integrated four-cam engine ​and four-speed transmission design, along with foot shift, swingarm rear suspension, and telescopic front forks to compete with smaller, sportier motorcycles coming mainly from Great Britain. Essentially,​ the new XL motor was an updated K-model engine with larger displacement,​ overhead valves and higher compression. - Harley-Davidson Archives Copyright H-D ((http://​www.hotbikeweb.com/​harley-sportsters-paying-tribute-hot-rod-legend))
  
 +**Model Production Numbers**
 +  * XL - Number Produced: 1,983
  
-The Sportster XL was introduced as “a modern, up-to-date power plant.” {{  http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/~/media/Images/MCC/Editorial/Articles/Magazine Articles/2011/05-01/1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL/Sportster-1.jpg?​direct&​150}}+**Colors** 
 +  * Skyline Blue with Birch White tank panels((https://​www.harleykmodel.com/​technical/​colors/​index.html)) 
 +  * Pepper Red with Black tank panels. ((https://www.harleykmodel.com/technical/colors/index.html)) 
 +  * Birch White with Black tank panels. ((https://www.harleykmodel.com/technical/colors/index.html)) 
 +  * Black with Pepper Red tank panels. ((https://www.harleykmodel.com/technical/​colors/​index.html)) 
 +  * Options (no charge): ((https://​www.harleykmodel.com/​technical/​colors/​index.html)) 
 +    * Fenders to match tank panel when panel is a standard color. 
 +    * Birch White (indicate either solid or with black panels). 
 +    * Any standard color without tank panels. 
 +  * Options (extra charge): ((https://​www.harleykmodel.com/​technical/​colors/​index.html)) 
 +    * Metallic Midnight Blue with Birch White tank panels. 
 +    * Spring Special: Nugget Gold.
  
- In 1952the W models ​were replaced with the revered 45-cubic inch side-valve K series. The new K-models included an integrated four-cam engine and four-speed transmission design, along with foot shift, swingarm rear suspension, and telescopic front forks to compete with smaller, sportier motorcycles coming mainly from Great Britain. Essentially, ​the new XL motor was an updated K-model engine with larger displacement,​ overhead valves and higher compression- Harley-Davidson Archives Copyright H-D ((http://www.hotbikeweb.com/​harley-sportsters-paying-tribute-hot-rod-legend))+====== Vehicle Identification ====== 
 +==== Frame Numbers ==== 
 +There was no frame identification for purpose of ownership on 1957-1969 model Sportsters. \\ 
 +Howeverthere were stampings on the different parts of the frame combined ​with certain features that can be used to date the frame\\ [[techtalk:ih:​body01w|Click Here]] to view Ironhead Frame Identification in the Sportsterpedia\\
  
-Number produced: 1983((&#​91;&#​91;​http:&#​47;&#​47;​www&#​46;​caimag&#​46;​com&#​47;​forum&#​47;​showthread&#​46;​php?​5757-Help-with-1957-xl-sportster&#​47;​page2|http:&#​47;&#​47;​www&#​46;​caimag&#​46;​com&#​47;​forum&#​47;​showthread&#​46;​php?​5757-Help-with-1957-xl-sportster&#​47;​page2&#​93;&#​93;​))+==== Engine Serial Numbers ==== 
 +The only numbers for the purpose of identification were on the engine case. \\ 
 +  * For 1957-1961 models, the engine serial number is stamped on the left side of the engine case between the two cylinders. \\ First 4 or 5 digits are the year and bike model followed by a series of 4 or 5 numbers that established the individual serial number for each bike. \\
  
-Original Price$1103+[[sportster_history:99xx-01a|Click Here]] for more specific information on serial numbers and VINs in the Sportsterpedia. \\
  
-===== Specifications =====+^{{techtalk:​miscres:​instruction_sheet_header_4.png?​nolink&​797|}}||| 
 +|  **Engine Serial Number for 1957 Sportsters** ​ ||| 
 +|**Model Year** \\ (first 2 digits)|**Model** \\ (next few digits) \\ (up to 4)|**Sequential** \\ **Serial#** \\ (remaining digits)| 
 +|57|XL| (example) \\ 12345| 
 +|  ||| 
 +|:::​|:::​|:::​| 
 +|**Example**:​ (57XL 12345) indicates a 1957 XL model and is stamped on the Left Engine Case Between the Cylinders ((1953-1963 HD Parts Catalog backside of front cover))||| 
 +|Example Serial Number on Engine Reads: 57XL12345||| 
 +|  57  |  XL  |  12345  |
  
-{{  :​sportster_history:​1957-sportster-engine.jpg?200}}+====== Related Manuals and Documentation ====== 
 + 
 +Below are some suggestions for manuals for your ride. \\ 
 +__You should have, at minimum, a Factory Service Manual (FSM) and a Factory Parts Catalog for your year model__. \\ 
 + 
 +**Factory Service Manuals (FSM)**; \\ 
 +The FSM will have the most accurate information,​ procedures and specs. \\  
 +Clymer and Haynes make service manuals also for Sportsters but some of the information is in error to the factory FSMs. \\ 
 +And some of the information in the aftermarket manuals is vague in information or procedures but they may have more pictures. \\ 
 +So it is generally said you can get use from both an aftermarket manual and the factory service manuals but get the factory manual first. \\ 
 + 
 +**Parts Catalogs**; \\ 
 +The Parts Catalog has part numbers of course but it also has exploded parts views. \\ 
 +However, IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AN ASSEMBLY MANUAL. \\ 
 +And some of the exploded views are confusing or not related to each other on the same pages. \\ 
 +But, all in all, the exploded views do help finding what goes where. \\ 
 +Most of the fasteners listed in the relevant parts catalog individual pages have thread sizes and lengths also in case you need those. \\ 
 +**Note: ALL 1957-1978 PARTS CATALOGS LIST PARTS FOR PREVIOUS YEARS**. \\ Below is a simple list of original and "​latest edition parts catalogs. 
 +The in-between year books may show different part numbers for the same year model bike. \\ 
 +[[techtalk:​miscres:​miscres12|Click Here]] to see the Factory Parts Catalog page in the Sportsterpedia for parts catalog uses and a full list of parts catalog numbers from 1957 to present. \\ 
 +(complete list of other parts catalogs and supplement catalogs that pertain to each year model on the bottom of that page) \\ 
 +Some often acquire several year model parts catalogs and that page will help you decide which ones are right for you. \\ 
 + 
 +**Suggested Manuals**: \\ 
 + 
 +  * **Factory Service Manual (FSM)**: 
 +    * **Original**:​ None. The FSM program didn't begin until the 1959 season. \\ The 1959 FSM states "​Except for minor differences,​ it also applies to 1957-1958 model Sportsters. 
 +    * **Latest Edition**: 1959-1969 Sportster Service Manual (99484-69) 
 +  * **Factory Parts Catalogs**:​ 
 +    * **Original**:​ 1957 Spare Parts Catalog for all Sportster and K Models Catalog (99451-57) 
 +      * Issued February 15, 1957. 
 +      * Full parts catalog and lists parts available in 1957 for 1952-1957 models. 
 +      * Lists closest to original parts available for 1957 models. 
 +      * [[http://​www.harleykmodel.com/​literature/​spare-parts-catalogs/​documents/​99451-57/​99451-57.pdf|Click Here]] to download a PDF from Harley K Model site  (32.2mb) (( http:&#​47;&#​47;​www&#​46;​harleykmodel&#​46;​com&#​47;​literature&#​47;​spare-parts-catalogs&#​47;​documents&#​47;​99451-57&#​47;​99451-57&#​46;​pdf)) 
 +    * **Latest Edition**: 1954-1978 Sportster XLH/​XLCH-1000 Parts Catalog (99451-78B) 
 +      * Issued in 1989. 
 +      * Full catalog and lists parts available in 1989 for 1954-1978 models. 
 +      * Includes some parts that were not available in the -78A catalog. 
 +  * **Factory Owners Manual**: 
 +    * 1957 Sportster Rider Handbook (99466-57) 
 + 
 +**Pics of Manual Covers**. \\ 
 +Below are pics of used manual covers (original and latest editions) related to 1957 model Sportsters. \\ See the full list of pertinent catalogs in the link above. ​ \\ 
 +Click on any pic below to enlarge: \\ 
 + 
 +|  1957 Rider Handbook \\ (99466-57) ​ | 
 +|{{:​sportster_history:​l003-om-1957_edition_cover_99466-57.jpg?​direct&​150|}}| 
 + 
 + 1959 FSM (99484-59) ((pics from a collection by The French Owl of the XLFORUM)) \\ loose leaf inside and outside covers (original) ​ ||  1959-1969 FSM (99484-69) \\ book bound cover (latest) ​ |  1957-1969 FSM (no part#) \\ (few page dates of Feb. 1970)  | 
 +|{{:​sportster_history:​l001-fsm-1959_edition_cover_1st_for_1957-1964_loose_leaf_binders.jpg?​direct&​200|}}|{{:​sportster_history:​l001-fsm-1959_edition_cover_99484-59_for_1957-1959_loose_leaf_inside.jpg?​direct&​200|}}|{{sportster_history:​l001-fsm-1969_edition_cover_99484-69_for_1957-1969_book_bound.jpg?​direct&​200|}}|{{:​sportster_history:​l001-fsm-1969_edition_cover_for_1957-1969.jpg?​direct&​200|}}| 
 + 
 +|  1952-1957 \\ Parts Catalog (99451-57)  |  1954-1978 \\ Parts Catalog (99451-78B) ​ | 
 +|{{:​sportster_history:​l002-pc-1957_edition_cover_99451-57_for_1952-1957.jpg?direct&200|}}|{{:​sportster_history:​l002-pc-1978_edition_cover_99451-78b_for_1954-1978.jpg?​direct&​200|}}| 
 + 
 +===== The Ironhead Multi-Year Parts Catalog Curse ===== 
 +Below is a summary of an article on the Sportsterpedia Parts Catalogs page regarding parts book errors. \\ 
 +You can also read the full article from this link: [[techtalk:​miscres:​miscres12#​the_ironhead_multi-year_parts_catalog_curse|The Ironhead Multi-Year Parts Catalog Curse]]. \\ 
 +Due to all of the errors and non corrected editions, it's always a good idea to acquire several year parts catalogs surrounding your year model. \\ 
 +Which year catalogs you'll need will depend on many factors but the main Parts Catalog page in the Sportsterpedia will help you decide which ones you need. \\ 
 +[[techtalk:​miscres:​miscres12|Click Here]] to see the Parts Catalog page. A full chart of all the parts catalogs made for Ironheads is at the bottom of the page. \\ 
 + 
 +  * Not all multi-year catalogs will list factory installed parts on your bike. 
 +  * You may need several year catalogs to determine factory installed parts for your year model. 
 +  * Some parts first appeared or only appeared in Parts Supplements,​ Service Bulletins or other literature 
 +  * Later catalogs may show parts for older models that were never factory installed on them. 
 +  * Some catalogs have missing parts and/or missing models in some parts listings. 
 +  * Some illustrations do not have a part number listed. 
 +  * Drawings may or may not look like your part number. 
 +  * Some exploded parts diagrams show the assembly in the wrong order or missing pieces. 
 +  * There may be misleading information about parts that fit your year model. 
 +  * Fastener lengths and thread pitch may change depending on catalog used. 
 +  * The MoCo knew about and tried to correct at least some of the parts catalog mistakes. 
 + 
 +===== Search the Sportsterpedia ===== 
 +See the Navigation menu on the upper left of this page. \\ 
 +From there you can go to the main Ironhead section menu, the Reference section for general and in-depth procedures, and the Misc Resources for documentation. \\ 
 + 
 +===== Illustrations ===== 
 +The following illustrations are displayed for historic and period specific parts identification only. Refer to the original OEM documents for additional information. ((illustrations from various academic journals)) \\ 
 +Click on any illustration below to enlarge. \\ 
 + 
 +{{sportster_history:​1957_xl883_illust_engine.jpg?​300}} \\ 
 +\\ 
 + 
 +General dimension drawing for 1957-1965 XLH / XLCH frames: \\ 
 +This is a "short frame"​. Dims shown are 1957-1966 (all) and 1967-1969 XLCH. ((Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/​forums/​showpost.php?​p=4370194&​postcount=58)) \\ 
 + 
 +{{:​sportster_history:​illust_-_frame_dims_-_general_-_1957-1965_xlh_xlch_the_french_owl.png?​direct&​400|}} ((illustration from a collection by The French Owl of the XLFORUM)) \\ 
 + 
 +====== Specifications ====== 
 +[[techtalk:​menu#​ironhead_technical_categories|Click Here]] for the main technical menu in the Sportsterpedia. \\ 
 +Also see the "Misc Resources"​ section on the bottom of that page for technical docs and information. \\ 
 +==== Model Designation ==== 
 +  * XL 
 + 
 +==== Dimensions ==== 
 +  * Wheelbase: 56.5 in / 143.51 cm ((Harley-Davidson 1957 - 1969 Service Manual)) 
 +  * Overall Length: 87 in / 221 cm 
 +  * Overall Width: 34 in / 86.36 cm 
 +  * Overall Height: 40.5 in 
 +  * Saddle height 26-7/8 in to 29 in / 68.26 cm to 73.66 cm 
 +  * Road Clearance: 2.5 in to 4-5/8 in / 6.35 cm to 11.74 cm
  
-  * Model Designation:​ XL 
 ==== Engine ====  ​ ==== Engine ====  ​
   * Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 ((Harley-Davidson 1957 - 1969 Service Manual))   * Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 ((Harley-Davidson 1957 - 1969 Service Manual))
-  * Kick start only ((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 4A-3)) +  * Hemi-spherical style heads 
-  * Displacement: ​55 ci / 883 cc (900 cc advertised) ((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3)+  * Displacement: ​53.9 ci / 883 cc (900 cc advertised) 
-  * Compression:​ 7.5:1 ((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3)) +  * Compression ​Ratio: 7.5:1 
-  * Hemi-spherical style heads  +  * Bore: 3 in / 76.2 mm 
-  * Bore: 3 in / 76.2 mm ((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3))((https://​books.google.de/​books?​id=bvwDAAAAMBAJ&​pg=PA2&​num=100&​source=gbs_toc&​cad=2#​v=onepage&​q=sportster&​f=true)) +  * Stroke: 3.8125 in / 96.8 mm 
-  * Stroke: 3.8125 in / 96.8 mm ((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3))((https://​books.google.de/​books?​id=bvwDAAAAMBAJ&​pg=PA2&​num=100&​source=gbs_toc&​cad=2#​v=onepage&​q=sportster&​f=true)) +  * Horsepower: 42 @ 5,500 rpm 
-  * 90 Degree Valve Angle +  * Taxable Horsepower: 7.2 
-  * Horsepower: 42 @ 5,500rpm ((Harley-Davidson 1957 - 1969 Service Manual)) +  * Torque: 48 ft/lb @ 3.600 RPM 
-  * Torque: 48 ft-lb @ 3600 RPM ((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3))+  * Weight: 204 lbs.
   * 4 Cams    * 4 Cams 
-  * Oil pump pressure: ​6 psi @ 20 MPH ((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 3A-11)+  * [[techtalk:​ih:​oil03|Gear driven type oil pump]]. \\ Oil pump pressure ​(gauge mounted in place of oil pressure switch): 
-  Fuel SystemLinkert DC carburetor ((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 3F-7)+    * Idle, with spark retarded ​(Min: 3-7 psi
-  * Ignition: Ignition ​spark is produced by operation of a circuit breaker, ignition coil and spark plugs. The breaking of a single set of breaker ​points ​by a double lobe cam on the timer shaft determines the spark timing. The narrow lobe times the front cylinder while the wider lobe times the rear. ((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3)) +    Normal riding conditions10-14 psi (6 psi at 20 mph)  
 +  * [[techtalk:​ih:​engctl01|Ignition]]Battery ​Ignition ​System (circuit breaker/points/timer/​distributor) 
 +    * Point Gap: .020" 
 +  * Dwell: 90° at 1000 RPM 
 +  * Ignition Timing 
 +    * Advanced: 45° (11/​16"​) BTDC 
 +    * Retarded: 15° (5/64") BTDC 
 +  * Spark Plugs 
 +    * #4 for everyday use. 
 +    * #5 for hard service. 
 +      * Gap: .025"-.030"​ 
 +  * [[techtalk:​ih:​carb01#​linkert_model_m_and_dc_carbs_1957-1965|Fuel System]]: Linkert DC carburetor. 
 +  * Starter: Kick start only
  
 ==== Capacities ===== ==== Capacities =====
-  +  ​* Fuel capacity: 4.1 gal / 15.52 l((Harley-Davidson ​1960 Sportster ​Service Manual)) 
-  ​* Fuel capacity: 4 gal / 15.14 l((Harley-Davidson ​1957 - 1969 Service Manual)) +  * Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 2.83 l 
-  * Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 2.83 l ((Harley-Davidson 1957 - 1969 Service Manual)) +  * Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l
-  * Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l ((Harley-Davidson 1957 - 1969 Service Manual)) +
-  * MPG: 50mpg (est.)((http://​www.motorcycleclassics.com/​classic-american-motorcycles/​1957-harley-davidson-sportster.aspx))+
  
 ==== Clutch ==== ==== Clutch ====
   * Multi-Disc dry clutch-pack with alternate steel and fiber friction plates.((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 4A-3))   * Multi-Disc dry clutch-pack with alternate steel and fiber friction plates.((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 4A-3))
-==== Dimensions ==== 
-  * Weight: 495 lb / 225 kg((http://​www.motorcycleclassics.com/​classic-american-motorcycles/​1957-harley-davidson-sportster.aspx)) 
-  * Wheelbase: 56.5 in / 143.51 cm ((Harley-Davidson 1957 - 1969 Service Manual)) 
-  * Overall Length: 87 in / 221 cm ((Harley-Davidson 1957 - 1969 Service Manual)) 
-  * Overall Width: 34 in / 86.36 cm ((Harley-Davidson 1957 - 1969 Service Manual)) 
-  * Overall Height: 40.5" ((1959-1964 HD FSM pg 1A-3)) 
-  * Road Clearance: 2.5 in min / 6.35 c minimum, 4-5/8 in max ((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3)) 
-  * Saddle height 26-7/8“ to 29” 
-  ​ 
  
 ==== Drivetrain ==== ==== Drivetrain ====
-  * Constant Mesh - Foot shift+  * Constant Mesh - right side foot shift ((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3))
   * Speeds - 4 Forward   * Speeds - 4 Forward
   * Number of Sprocket Teeth   * Number of Sprocket Teeth
-    * Engine: 34 ((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3)) +    * Engine: 34  
-    * Clutch: 59 ((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3)) +    * Clutch: 59 
-    * Transmission:​ 21 ((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3)) +    * Transmission:​ 21 
-    * Rear Wheel: 51 ((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3)) +    * Rear Wheel: 51 
-  * Gear Ratios +  * Standard ​Gear Ratios 
-    * 1st: 10.63:​1 ​((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3)) +    * 1st: 10.63:1 
-    * 2nd: 7.69:​1 ​((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3)) +    * 2nd: 7.69:1 
-    * 3rd: 5.82:​1 ​((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3)) +    * 3rd: 5.82:1 
-    * 4th: 4.21:​1 ​((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 1A-3))+    * 4th: 4.21:1
  
 ==== Tires ==== ==== Tires ====
-  * Front and rear: 3.50 x 18 +Tire pressure (based on a rider weighing app. 150 lbs or more). \\ 
-  * Tire pressure (based on a rider weighing app. 150 lbs or more) +For each 50 lbs of overload, increase rear tire pressure by 2 lbs, front by 1 lb ((1959-1964 HD FSM pg 1A-3)) but not exceeding ​manuf max tire pressure. ​\\ 
-  ​* ​For each 50 lbs of overload, increase rear tire pressure by 2 lbs., front by 1 lb((1959-1964 HD FSM pg 1A-3))but not exceeding max tire pressure. ​    +
-    * Front: 14 psi / .96 bar +
-    * Rear: 18 psi / 1.24 bar +
- +
- +
-===== Models ===== +
- +
-  * XL +
- +
-===== Colors =====+
  
-  * Pepper Red / Black Tank Panels((http:&#​47;&#​47;​xlforum&#​46;​net&#​47;​vbportal&#​47;​forums&#​47;​showpost&#​46;​php?​p=696133&​postcount=6)) +  * XL
-  Skyline Blue / Birch White Tank Panels((http:&#​47;&#​47;​xlforum&#​46;​net&#​47;​vbportal&#​47;​forums&#​47;​showpost&#​46;​php?​p=696133&​postcount=6)+    Front: 3.50 x 18 (tire pressure14 psi / .96 bar
-  Birch White / Black Tank Panels(http:&#​47;&#​47;​xlforum&#​46;​net&#​47;​vbportal&#​47;​forums&#​47;​showpost&#​46;​php?​p=696133&​postcount=6)) +    Rear: 3.50 x 18 (tire pressure18 psi 1.24 bar)
-  * Black Pepper Red Tank Panels(( http:&#​47;&#​47;​xlforum&#​46;​net&#​47;​vbportal&#​47;​forums&#​47;​showpost&#​46;​php?​p=696133&​postcount=6))+
  
-===== External Links ===== 
  
-[[http://​www.harleykmodel.com/​literature/​spare-parts-catalogs/​documents/​99451-57/99451-57.pdf|1957 Parts Manual]](( http:&#​47;&#​47;​www&#​46;​harleykmodel&#​46;​com&#​47;​literature&#​47;​spare-parts-catalogs&#​47;​documents&#​47;​99451-57&#​47;​99451-57&#​46;​pdf))+----
  
-Back to [[sportster_history:​99xx-03|Sportster History Index]]+Back to [[sportster_history:​99xx-01|Sportster History Index]]