1959 Sportster

• 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 following illustrations are displayed for historic and period specific parts identification only. Refer to the original OEM documents for additional information. ²⁾
Click on any illustration below to enlarge.

• Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 ³⁾
• Displacement: 54 ci / 883 cc
• Hemi-spherical style heads
• Bore: 3 in / 7.62 cm ⁴⁾
• Stroke: 3.8125 in / 9.68 cm ⁵⁾
• 90 Degree Valve Angle
• Horsepower: 42 @ 5,500rpm (XL) ⁶⁾

⁷⁾

• Fuel capacity: 4 gal / 15.14 l (XLCH 2.2 gal / 8.328 l)⁸⁾
• Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 2.83 l ⁹⁾
• Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l ¹⁰⁾
• MPG: 50mpg (est.)

• Weight: 495 lb / 225 kg

¹¹⁾

• Constant Mesh - Foot shift
• Speeds - 4 Forward
• Number of Sprocket Teeth
  • Engine: 34
  • Clutch: 59
  • Transmission: 21 (XLCH 20)
  • Rear Wheel: 51
• Gear Ratios (XL,XLH)
  • 1st: 10.63 to 1
  • 2nd: 7.69 to 1
  • 3rd: 5.82 to 1
  • 4th: 4.21 to 1
• Gear Ratios (XLCH)
  • 1st: 11.16:1
  • 2nd: 8.08:1
  • 3rd: 6.11:1
  • 4th: 4.42:1

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

• $1,175 when new with only 42 ever produced. ¹²⁾

• $1,200 when new with 947 produced ¹³⁾

• $1,285 when new with 1059 produced ¹⁴⁾
• New Features ¹⁵⁾
  • New dual exhaust with twin mufflers.
  • Nacelle 5 ¾ in headlamp with eyebrow on
  • Trip-o-meter

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