Table of Contents
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1973 Sportster
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 1973 Sportsters | |||
Sportster Model Code (first 2 digits) | Serial Number (next 5 digits) | Manufacturer (second to last digit) | Model Year (last digit) |
3A = XLH 4A = XLCH | 10,000 and up | H = Harley Davidson | 3 = 1973 |
Example: (4A13675H3) indicates a 1973 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: 4A13675H3 | |||
4A | 13675 | H | 3 |
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.
Specifications
Model Designations
- XLH, XLCH
Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 4)
- 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, 7-1/4 in / 18.41 cm 5)
- XLCH, 7-1/4 in / 18.41 cm
Engine
- Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 6)
- Displacement: 60.9 ci / 997.5 cc (1,000 cc advertised)
- Compression Ratio: 9:1
- Bore: 3.188 in / 81 mm
- Stroke: 3.8125 in / 96.8 mm
- Horsepower: 61 @ 6,200 RPM 7)
- Taxable Horsepower: 7.2
- Torque: 52 ft-lb @ 3800 RPM
- 4 Cams
- Oil Pump: Gear driven type oil pump. Click Here for the IH Oil Pump section of the Sportsterpedia.
- 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
- Fuel System: Bendix/ Zenith I6P12 carburetor. Click Here to reference the main Ironhead carb page in the Sportsterpedia
- Spark Plugs
- #4 for break.
- #5 for everyday use and hard service.
Capacities
- Fuel Capacity: 8)
- 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.9)
Drivetrain
- Constant Mesh 10)
- Right Side Shifter
- Speeds - 4 Forward
- Number of Sprocket Teeth (XLH / XLCH)
- Engine: 34
- Clutch: 59
- Transmission: 20 / 21
- There is an overlap in 1973 in that the FSM(s) state a 21T and a 20T for 1973 11)
- Rear Wheel: 51
- Gear Ratios (XLH / XLCH with 20 teeth trans sprocket)
- 1st: 11.16:1
- 2nd: 8.08:1
- 3rd: 6.11:1
- 4th: 4.42:1
- Gear Ratios (XLH / XLCH with 21 teeth trans sprocket)
- 1st: 10.63:1
- 2nd: 7.70:1
- 3rd: 5.82:1
- 4th: 4.22:1
Models
XLH 1000
What is the Current KBB Value? 12)
XLCH 1000
3)
Shop Dope Service Bulletin #596 dated September 16, 1969
4)
Harley-Davidson 1970 Service Manual
5)
HD 1970-1978 Sportster Service Manual
6)
Harley-Davidson 1957 - 1969 Service Manual
9)
1957-1969 HD FSM pg 4A-3
10)
1970-1978 HD FSM pg 1-1
11)
The Doctor71 of the XLFORUM