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1957 Sportster

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

  • The serial number is stamped on the left side of the engine case. The first 5 or 6 digits represent the year and model 1)

The Sportster XL was introduced as “a modern, up-to-date power plant.” www.motorcycleclassics.com_media_images_mcc_editorial_articles_magazine_articles_2011_05-01_1957_harley-davidson_sportster_xl_sportster-1.jpg

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 2)

Number produced: 19833)

Original Price: $1103

Specifications

1957-sportster-engine.jpg

  • Model Designation: XL

Engine

  • Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 4)
  • Displacement: 55 ci / 900 cc
  • Compression: 7.5:1
  • Hemi-spherical style heads
  • Bore: 3 in5)
  • Stroke: 3 13/16 in6)
  • 90 Degree Valve Angle
  • Horsepower: 42 @ 5,500rpm 7)
  • Torque: 48 ft-lb @ 3600 RPM
  • Fuel System: Linkert DC carburetor 8)

Capacities

  • Fuel capacity: 4 gal / 15.14 l9)
  • Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 2.83 l 10)
  • Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l 11)
  • MPG: 50mpg (est.)12)

Dimensions

  • Weight: 495 lb / 225 kg13)
  • Wheelbase: 56.5 in / 143.51 cm 14)
  • Overall Length: 87 in / 221 cm 15)
  • Overall Width: 34 in / 86.36 cm 16)
  • Overall Height: 40.5“ 17)
  • Road Clearance: 2.5 in minimum / 6.35 c minimum

Drivetrain

  • Constant Mesh - Foot shift
  • Speeds - 4 Forward
  • Number of Sprocket Teeth
    • Engine: 34
    • Clutch: 59
    • Transmission: 21
    • Rear Wheel: 51
  • Gear Ratios
    • 1st: 10.63 to 1
    • 2nd: 7.69 to 1
    • 3rd: 5.82 to 1
    • 4th: 4.21 to 1

Tires

  • Front and rear: 3.50 x 18
  • Tire pressure
    • Front: 14 psi / .96 bar
    • Rear: 18 psi / 1.24 bar

Models

  • XL

Colors

  • Pepper Red / Black Tank Panels18)
  • Skyline Blue / Birch White Tank Panels19)
  • Birch White / Black Tank Panels20)
  • Black / Pepper Red Tank Panels21)
1)
HD Parts Catalog XLH/XLCH-1000 #(99451-78)
3)
[[http://www.caimag.com/forum/showthread.php?5757-Help-with-1957-xl-sportster/page2|http://www.caimag.com/forum/showthread.php?5757-Help-with-1957-xl-sportster/page2]]
4) , 7) , 9) , 10) , 11) , 14) , 15) , 16)
Harley-Davidson 1957 - 1969 Service Manual
17)
1959-1964 HD FSM pg 1A-3
18) , 19)
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showpost.php?p=696133&postcount=6
20) , 21)
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showpost.php?p=696133&postcount=6
22)
http://www.harleykmodel.com/literature/spare-parts-catalogs/documents/99451-57/99451-57.pdf
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