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1971 Sportster

Model Production Numbers

  • XLH 3,950
  • XLCH 6,825
  • XR-750

Colors

  • Birch White, Hi-Fi Sparkling Blue, Sparkling America & Sparkling Burgundy.

Vehicle Identification

Frame VIN Numbers

Starting in 1970, the only numbers used for the purpose of identification are on the right neck and frame downtube.

  • The frame is stamped with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)identification.
  • There are still other stampings on the different parts of the frame combined with certain features that can be used to date the frame.
    But the only numbers used to identify the entire bike for ownership purposes is the VIN number stamped in the right side neck.
  • In addition to the neck VIN, an identification label is located on the frame giving the VIN and date of manufacture.
    This label was required by law for identification.1)
  • The serial number is the 3rd through the 7th digit. All serial numbers run consecutively regardless of model year. 2)

Click Here to view Ironhead Frame Identification in the Sportsterpedia for more information.
Click Here for more information on serial numbers and VINs in the Sportsterpedia.

VIN for 1971 Sportsters
Sportster
Model Code

(first 2 digits)
Serial Number
(next 5 digits)
Manufacturer
(second to last digit)
Model Year
(last digit)
1C = XR-750
3A = XLH
4A = XLCH
10,000 and upH = Harley Davidson1 = 1971
Example: (4A13675H1) indicates a 1971 XLCH and is stamped on the right side engine case and on the frame
with the addition of a label on the steering head showing the VIN and date of manufacture. 3)
Example VIN Reads: 4A13675H1
4A 13675 H 1

Engine Serial Numbers

The engine serial numbers were still stamped in the case but longer used for identification purpose of ownership on 1970-up model Sportsters.

  • The engine VIN is stamped on the right side of the engine crankcase between the cylinders.
    However, 1970 is a one year engine with exception of some early 1971 models with cases carried over from the 1970 batch.
    The VIN pad on those is in a different position from every other year which is between the front two lifters. 4)

Specifications

Click Here for the main technical menu in the Sportsterpedia.
Also see the “Misc Resources” section on the bottom of that page for technical docs and information.

Model Designations

  • XLH, XLCH

Dimensions

  • Wheelbase: 5)
    • XLH, 58-1/2 in / 148.59 cm
    • XLCH, 58-1/2 in / 148.59 cm
  • Overall Length:
    • XLH, 87-1/4 in / 221.61 cm
    • XLCH, 87-1/4 in / 221.61 cm
  • Overall Width:
    • XLH, 33 in / 83.82 cm
    • XLCH, 32 in / 81.28 cm
  • Overall Height:
    • XLH, 40-1/2 in / 103 cm
    • XLCH, 42 in / 106.7 cm
  • Road Clearance:
    • XLH, 6-3/4 in / 17.14 cm 6)
    • XLCH, 6-1/2 in / 17.46 cm

Engine

  • Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 7)
  • Hemi-spherical style heads
  • Displacement: 53.9 ci / 883 cc (900 cc advertised)
  • Compression Ratio: 9:1
  • Bore: 3 in / 76.2 mm
  • Stroke: 3.8125 in / 96.8 mm
  • Horsepower: 58 @ 6,800 RPM 8)
  • Taxable Horsepower: 7.2
  • Torque: 52 ft-lb @ 3800 RPM
  • 4 Cams
  • Gear driven type oil pump.
    Oil pump pressure (gauge mounted in place of oil pressure switch):
    • Minimum: 3-7 psi (idle)
    • Maximum: 15 psi (60 mph in high gear)
    • Normal riding conditions: 4-15 psi
  • XLH/XLCH Ignition: Breaker Point and Coil Ignition System (moved to the nose cone in the cam cover)
    • Point Gap: .018“
  • Dwell: 90° at 2000 RPM
  • Ignition Timing
    • Advanced: 45° (11/16”) BTDC
    • Retarded: 15° (5/64“) BTDC
  • Spark Plugs
    • #4 for break-in.
    • #5 for everyday use and hard service.
      • Gap: .025”-.030“
  • Fuel System: Tillotson HD carburetor.
  • Starter

Capacities

  • Fuel Capacity: 9)
    • XLH fuel tank 4 gal / 15.14 l
    • XLCH fuel tank 2.2 gal / 8.328 l
    • Reserve: .25 gal / .946 l
  • Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 2.83 l
  • Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l

Clutch

  • Multi-Disc wet clutch-pack with alternate steel and fiber friction plates.10)

Drivetrain

  • Constant Mesh - right side foot shift 11)
  • Speeds - 4 Forward
  • Number of Sprocket Teeth
    • XLH:
      • Engine: 34
      • Clutch: 59
      • Transmission: 20
      • Rear Wheel: 51
    • XLCH:
      • Engine: 34
      • Clutch: 59
      • Transmission: 19
      • Rear Wheel: 51
  • Standard Gear Ratios (XLH)
    • 1st: 11.16:1
    • 2nd: 8.08:1
    • 3rd: 6.11:1
    • 4th: 4.42:1
  • Standard Gear Ratios (XLCH)
    • 1st: 11.74:1
    • 2nd: 8.50:1
    • 3rd: 6.43:1
    • 4th: 4.66:1

Tires

Starting in 1970, Harley Davidson partnered with Goodyear for a new “special” tires and rims for standard “high ground clearance” Sportster models.
Standard or Low Clearance models did not have the “special” rims and use standard tires.
Click Here for the Ironhead tires and wheels page in the Sportsterpedia for more information.

Tire pressure based on 150 lb rider. When weight is exceeded by 50 lbs or more, increase the rear by 2 lbs and front by 1 lb.
Repeat for each additional 50 lbs of weight. 12)
Tires: (both the Special Goodyear and the Yokohama tire brands are all obsolete now)

  • Standard Sportster Models;
    • Front 3.25/3.50 x 19
    • Rear 4.00 x 18
  • High Ground Clearance Sportster Models: 13)
    • Front;
      • Goodyear MM90-19T (3.75×19) Sport Rib (tire pressure 18 psi / 1.24 bar) 14)
    • Rear;
      • Goodyear 4.25×18 All Traction (tire pressure 30 psi / 2.06 bar) 15)
  • Low Ground Clearance Models:
    • Front 3.25/3.50 x 19
    • Rear 3.50 x 18

Models

XLH 883

What is the Current KBB Value? 16)

XLCH 883

What is the Current KBB Value? 17)

1971 XLCH engine.


Back to Sportster History Index

1) , 2)
HD Service School service bulletin #596 dated September 16, 1969
3)
Shop Dope Service Bulletin #596 dated September 16, 1969
5) , 9)
Harley-Davidson 1970 Service Manual
6)
HD 1970 Sportster Service Manual
7)
Harley-Davidson 1957 - 1969 Service Manual
8)
Harley-Davidson 1970-1978 Service Manual
10)
1957-1969 HD FSM pg 4A-3
11)
1970-1978 HD FSM pg 1-1
12)
Harley-Davidson 1970 - 1977 Service Manual
13) , 14) , 15)
Harley-Davidson 1970 Service Manual pg 1-1
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