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1966 Sportster

Vehicle Identification

Frame Numbers

There was no frame identification for purpose of ownership on 1957-1969 model Sportsters.
However, there were stampings on the different parts of the frame combined with certain features that can be used to date the frame.
Click Here to view Ironhead Frame Identification in the Sportsterpedia.

Engine Serial Numbers

The only numbers for the purpose of identification were on the engine case.

  • The engine serial number is stamped on the left side of the engine case between the two cylinders.
    The first 5 or 6 digits represent the year and model 1)
    From 1962-1969, models with 4 digit production (serial) numbers have an even-numbered first digit for even years and odd numbered first digit for odd years.

Click Here for more specific information on serial numbers and VINs in the Sportsterpedia (including the 1962-1969 Even/Odd Rule).

Engine Serial Number for 1966 Sportsters
Model Year
(first 2 digits)
Model
(next few digits)
(up to 4)
Sequential
Serial#
(remaining digits)
66XLH
XLCH
(example)
12345
Example: (66XLCH 12345) indicates a 1967 XLH model and is stamped on the Left Engine Case Between the Cylinders 2)
Example Serial Number on Engine Reads: 66XLCH12345
66 XLCH 12345

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 RPM52 ft-lb / 2.191 Nm @ 3800 RPM

7)

Capacities

  • 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.)

Dimensions

  • Weight: 495 lb / 225 kg
XL, XLH XLCH
Wheelbase 56.6 in / 143.51 cm 57 in / 137.6 cm
Overall Length87 in / 221 cm 83.25 in / 211.4 cm
Overall Width 34 in / 86.36 cm 29.5 in / 75 cm
Overall Height40.5 in / 103 cm 42 in / 106.7 cm
Road Clearance2.5 in / 6.35 cm minimum4 1/8 in / 10.478 cm minimum

11)

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 SizeXL, XLHXLCH
Front3.50 X 183.25/3.50 X 19
Rear3.50 X 184.00 X 18
  • Tire pressure
    • Front: 14 psi / .96 bar
    • Rear: 18 psi / 1.24 bar

12)

Models

XLH 883

What is the Current KBB Value? 13)

XLCH 883

What is the Current KBB Value? 14)


Back to Sportster History Index

1)
HD Parts Catalog XLH/XLCH-1000 #(99451-78)
2)
1953-1963 HD Parts Catalog backside of front cover
3) , 4) , 5) , 6) , 7) , 8) , 9) , 10) , 11) , 12)
Harley-Davidson 1957 - 1969 Service Manual
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