Table of Contents
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1977 Sportster
Model Production Numbers
- XLH 1000 12,742
- XLCH 1000 4,074
- XLT 1000 1,099
- XLCR 1000 1,923
- Confederate Edition Sportsters
- XLH 1000 299
- XLCH 1000 45
- XLT 1000 15
Colors
- Birch White, Vivid Black, Vivid Blue, Vivid Brown, Charcoal Silver (Confederate Edition), Midnight Blue Metallic, Arctic White or Bright Blue.
- XLT:
Confirmed colors for XLT from TSB #M-719 are Vivid Black, Vivid Blue, Brilliant Red, Charcoal Silver and Vivid Brown.
- Confederate Edition: 1)
Charcoal Silver.
Rebel flag decal R(61650-77) and L(61651-77) on each side of the gas tank.
Front fender decal (59100-77) resembling the insignia that was on the caps of the Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.
Additionally there were a reported 44 Harley Confederate FLH motorcycles and 228 Harley Confederate Super Glide motorcycles. 2)
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.3) - The serial number is the 3rd through the 7th digit. All serial numbers run consecutively regardless of model year. 4)
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.
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VIN for 1977 Sportsters | |||
Sportster Model Code (first 2 digits) | Serial Number (next 5 digits) | Manufacturer (second to last digit) | Model Year (last digit) |
2G = XLT 3A = XLH 4A = XLCH 7F = XLCR | 10,000 and up | H = Harley Davidson | 7 = 1977 |
Example: (4A13675H7) indicates a 1977 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. 5) |
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Example VIN Reads: 4A13675H7 | |||
4A | 13675 | H | 7 |
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
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
- XL, XLH, XLCH
The 57-69 service manuals and other literature from HD cover multiple years.
And the 1957-1959 “XL” is included with the information in these manuals up through 1969.
However, the 1970-1978 FSM also includes an “XL” model in the specs but does not refer to the 57-59 XL motorcycle.
Starting in 1977, there were also XLT and XLCR models (these are both included in the “XL” verbiage).
The “XL” noted in 1970 and future literature simply refers to a street legal “Sportster” model motorcycle.
The last XLCH was made in 1979 but both “XL” and “XLH” verbiage was used in manuals and literature up through the 2003 manuals.
(referring to the same bikes).
“XLH” became the mantra for the base 883cc model but the manuals also refer to XLH1100 and XLH1200 Sportsters.
2004-up manuals dropped the “H” altogether. So 2003 is the last year the MoCo referred to a Sportster as an XLH.
Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 6)
- XL, XLH, 58-1/2 in / 148.59 cm
- XLCH, 58-1/2 in / 148.59 cm
- Overall Length:
- XL, XLH, 87-3/4 in / 222.88 cm
- XLCH, 87-3/4 in / 222.88 cm
- Overall Width:
- XL, XLH, 35 in / 88.90 cm
- XLCH, 35 in / 88.90 cm
- Overall Height:
- XL, XLH, 48 in / 121.92 cm
- XLCH, 48 in / 121.92 cm
- Road Clearance:
- XL, XLH, 7-1/4 in / 18.41 cm 7)
- XLCH, 7-1/4 in / 18.41 cm
Engine
- Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 8)
- Hemi-spherical style heads
- 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 9)
- Taxable Horsepower: 7.2
- Torque: 52 ft-lb @ 3800 RPM
- 4 Cams
- Gerotor 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 (points are in the nose cone in the cam cover)
- Point Gap: .018“
- Dwell: 140° at 2000 RPM
- Ignition Timing
- Advanced: 40° (17/32”) BTDC
- Retarded: 10° (1/32“) BTDC
- Spark Plugs
- #4 for break-in.
- #5 for everyday use and hard service.
- Gap: .025”-.030“
- Fuel System: Keihin (non-cv) Butterfly carburetor.
Capacities
- Fuel Capacity: 10)
- XL / 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.11)
Drivetrain
- Constant Mesh 12)
- Left Side Shifter
- Speeds - 4 Forward
- Number of Sprocket Teeth (XL / XLH / XLCH)
- Engine: 34
- Clutch: 59
- Transmission: 21
- Rear Wheel: 51
- Gear Ratios (XLH / XLCH)
- 1st: 10.63:1
- 2nd: 7.70:1
- 3rd: 5.82:1
- 4th: 4.22:1
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. 13)
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: 14)
- Low Ground Clearance Models:
- Front 3.25/3.50 x 19
- Rear 3.50 x 18
Models
XLT 1000 Touring
Dimensions
Drivetrain
- Primary Drive: Triple- Row Chain
- Primary Drive Front Gear: 34 Teeth 23)
- Primary Drive Rear Gear: 59 Teeth 24)
- Primary Drive Ratio:
- Final Drive: Secondary Drive Chain
- Final Drive Transmission Sprocket: 21 Teeth 25)
- Final Drive Rear Wheel Sprocket: 51 Teeth 26)
- Final Drive Ratio:
- Transmission- Trap Door Style, Constant Mesh Type 4-speed 27)
- Gear Ratios (overall)
- Performance
- Engine Torque Testing Method:
- Engine Torque: 52 ft-lb @ 3,800 rpm 32)
- Lean Angle, Right (deg.):
- Lean Angle, Left (deg.):
Ignition
- Circuit Breaker Points: Gap .018” 33)
- Spark Plugs: Break-in - HD #4, HD #5 afterwards with hard service 34)
- Spark Timing: Retard 10° (1/32“) BTDC / Advance 40° (17/32”) BTDC 37)
What is the Current KBB Value? 38)
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1977 XLT-1000 39) |
XLCR 1000 Cafe Racer
What's the Current KBB Value? 40)
XLH 1000
What is the Current KBB Value? 41)
1977 Sporster 1000 Confederate Edition
- Confederate Edition Sportsters were sold for the 1977 season only.
- This was a limited edition paint scheme sold on select standard XLH/XLCH and XLT models.
- There were reportedly no changes mechanically speaking for this special limited addition to the lineup.
There is very little documentation on the Confederate Edition which is accepted as due to it's controversial overtones. - Paint scheme: 42)
- Charcoal Silver.
- Rebel flag decal R(61650-77) and L(61651-77) on each side of the gas tank.
- Front fender decal (59100-77) resembling the insignia that was on the caps of the Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.
- Additionally there were a reported 44 Harley Confederate FLH motorcycles and 228 Harley Confederate Super Glide motorcycles. 43)
- The Sportster parts catalogs only list the Confederate decals for the XLH and XLCH.
- However, the total Confederate model production numbers are listed here as: 44)
- XLH 1000 (299)
- XLCH 1000 (45)
- XLT 1000 (15)
- Claimed power: 61hp @ 6,200rpm
- Top speed: 115 mph
- Engine type: 997cc (1000) OHV, air-cooled V-twin
- Weight: (wet) 220kg (485 lbs)
- Price then: $3,127
- MPG: 44
Disavowed by the factory for years, and unknown even to most Harley riders, 1977’s Confederate Editions are a fascinating footnote in the history of Harley-Davidson. 1977 was an interesting time in America. The year before, citizens had been giddy with patriotic pride as the entire population settled into a year-long celebration of the country’s bicentennial. Patriotic expressions were the order of the day, and naturally, manufacturers got into the act as well. Harley-Davidson introduced special “Liberty Editions” of it's bikes featuring red, white and blue detailing, while Ford marketed a special red, white and blue Pinto. As it happens, it was also the heyday of “Southern Rock.” Bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, Black Oak Arkansas and Marshall Tucker were the new cultural vogue, regularly showcasing their roots in visual shorthand with large confederate flags as backdrops for their stages. The rise of Southern Rock gave the South a new cultural cachet, while also unfortunately spawning Billy Beer, Hee Haw and, in 1979, The Dukes of Hazzard. So what’s this have to do with motorcycles? For Harley-Davidson, it was the motivation behind the most unknown model in the company’s history. In 1976, motorcycle sales were booming, thanks in large measure to a continuing oil crisis. The lion’s share of product came from Japan, the once-great British bike industry limping to a self-inflicted death from outdated technology, short-sighted management and recurring labor strikes. But the Big Four — Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki — were enjoying unparalleled success with their less expensive, technologically superior twins and fours. Harley-Davidson, which held 21 percent of the over-700cc market in the U.S., was already charging Japan with “dumping” — selling motorcycles cheaper in the states than other markets. That’s what John Davidson, then-president of Harley-Davidson, alleged in the early 1970s when the motorcycle business was doing well world-wide. “The Japanese established production schedules that were much higher than mid-Seventies demand for their products,” he contended. “They chose the U.S. to unload their excess production.” (Following strong lobbying from H-D, on April 1, 1983, the International Trade Commission imposed new tariffs on all Japanese motorcycles 700cc and above.) Harley-Davidson was still in an unhappy alliance with American Machine and Foundry (AMF) that would continue until a company buyback in 1981. The 1969 merger with AMF had brought engineering and marketing experience, as well as a generous influx of cash. Unfortunately, federal mandates meant much of the engineering money was directed toward safety and anti-pollution features, not new product development.
More on this article here at the Motorcycle Classics Website
What is the Current KBB Value? 46)
Links to more reading material on the Confederate Editions: