The Sportster XL was introduced as “a modern, up-to-date power plant.”

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 ¹⁾

Number produced: 1983²⁾

Original Price: $1103

There was no frame identification on 1957-1969 model Sportsters.
The only numbers for 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.
  

Click Here for more information on serial numbers and VINs in the Sportsterpedia.

• Model Designation: XL

• Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 ³⁾
• Kick start only ⁴⁾
• Displacement: 55 ci / 883 cc (900 cc advertised) ⁵⁾
• Compression: 7.5:1 ⁶⁾
• Hemi-spherical style heads
• Bore: 3 in / 76.2 mm ⁷⁾⁸⁾
• Stroke: 3.8125 in / 96.8 mm ⁹⁾¹⁰⁾
• 90 Degree Valve Angle
• Horsepower: 42 @ 5,500rpm ¹¹⁾
• Torque: 48 ft-lb @ 3600 RPM ¹²⁾
• 4 Cams
• Oil pump pressure: 6 psi @ 20 MPH ¹³⁾
• Fuel System: Linkert DC carburetor ¹⁴⁾
• 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. ¹⁵⁾

• Fuel capacity: 4 gal / 15.14 l¹⁶⁾
• Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 2.83 l ¹⁷⁾
• Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l ¹⁸⁾
• MPG: 50mpg (est.)¹⁹⁾

• Multi-Disc dry clutch-pack with alternate steel and fiber friction plates.²⁰⁾

• Weight: 495 lb / 225 kg²¹⁾
• Wheelbase: 56.5 in / 143.51 cm ²²⁾
• Overall Length: 87 in / 221 cm ²³⁾
• Overall Width: 34 in / 86.36 cm ²⁴⁾
• Overall Height: 40.5“ ²⁵⁾
• Road Clearance: 2.5 in min / 6.35 c minimum, 4-5/8 in max ²⁶⁾
• Saddle height 26-7/8“ to 29”

• Constant Mesh - Foot shift
• Speeds - 4 Forward
• Number of Sprocket Teeth
  • Engine: 34 ²⁷⁾
  • Clutch: 59 ²⁸⁾
  • Transmission: 21 ²⁹⁾
  • Rear Wheel: 51 ³⁰⁾
• Gear Ratios
  • 1st: 10.63:1 ³¹⁾
  • 2nd: 7.69:1 ³²⁾
  • 3rd: 5.82:1 ³³⁾
  • 4th: 4.21:1 ³⁴⁾

• Front and rear: 3.50 x 18
• 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. ³⁵⁾but not exceeding max tire pressure.
  • Front: 14 psi / .96 bar
  • Rear: 18 psi / 1.24 bar

• XL

• Pepper Red / Black Tank Panels³⁶⁾
• Skyline Blue / Birch White Tank Panels³⁷⁾
• Birch White / Black Tank Panels³⁸⁾
• Black / Pepper Red Tank Panels³⁹⁾

1957 Parts Manual⁴⁰⁾

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