Table of Contents
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1963 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)
Illustrations
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.
Specifications
Engine
- 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)
| XL | XLH,XLCH | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | 7.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Torque | 48 ft-lb / 2.023 Nm @ 3600 RPM | 52 ft-lb / 2.191 Nm @ 3800 RPM |
Capacities
Dimensions
- Weight: 495 lb / 225 kg
| XL, XLH | XLCH | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 56.6 in / 143.51 cm | 57 in / 137.6 cm |
| Overall Length | 87 in / 221 cm | 83.25 in / 211.4 cm |
| Overall Width | 34 in / 86.36 cm | 29.5 in / 75 cm |
| Overall Height | 40.5 in / 103 cm | 42 in / 106.7 cm |
| Road Clearance | 2.5 in / 6.35 cm minimum | 4 1/8 in / 10.478 cm minimum |
Drivetrain
- 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
Tires
| Tires Size | XL, XLH | XLCH |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 3.50 X 18 | 3.25/3.50 X 19 |
| Rear | 3.50 X 18 | 4.00 X 18 |
- Tire pressure
- Front: 14 psi / .96 bar
- Rear: 18 psi / 1.24 bar
Models
XLH 883
XLCH 883
$1,355 (when new) with 1,001 produced 17) What is the Current KBB Value? 18)
- 1.323:1 3rd gear ratios (were 1.381) 19)
- Final ratio 5.85:1
- “Shorty Duals” Exhaust
- An ignition key and improved magneto/coil
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