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1980 Sportster

Model Production Numbers

  • XLH 1000 11,841
  • XLS 1000 2,926
  • XR-750 180 1)

Colors 2)

  • XLH: Vivid Black, Bright Blue, Saddle Brown, Candy Red. 3)
  • XLS: Fuel tank: Black/Charcoal. Fenders: Black/Gray. 4)

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.5)
  • The serial number is the 3rd through the 7th digit. All serial numbers run consecutively regardless of model year. 6)

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.

9 Digit VIN for 1980 Sportsters
Sportster Model
(first 2 digits)
Serial Number
(next 5 digits)
Manufacturer
(2nd to last digit)
Model Season
(last digit)
3A - XLH
4E - XLS
1C - XR-750
10,000 and upJ - (1980 HD)0 - (1980)
Example (3A 11790 J0) designates a 1980 XLH 1000, stamped on the engine right case and right side of the steering head on the frame 7)
Example VIN on Frame Reads: 3A 11790 J0 indicating a 1980 XLH, appearing
3A11790J0

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

  • Model Designations: XLH-1000, XLS-1000

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.
1979-1985 service manual is titled for XL/XR models and the specs in are listed for XLH, XLCH and XLS models.
2004-up manuals dropped the “H” altogether. So 2003 is the last year the MoCo referred to a Sportster as an XLH.

Dimensions

  • Wheelbase: 8)
    • XLH, 58.5 in / 148.59 cm
    • XLS, 59.6 in / 151.38 cm
  • Overall Length:
    • XLH, 88 in / 223.52 cm
    • XLS, 89.6 in / 227.58 cm
  • Overall Width:
    • XLH, 33.8 in / 85.85 cm
    • XLS, 29.2 in / 74.16 cm
  • Overall Height:
    • XLH, 46.5 in / 118.11 cm
    • XLS, 42.5 in / 107.95 cm
  • Saddle Height:
    • XLH, 29.7 in / 75.43 cm
    • XLS, 29.7 in / 75.43 cm
  • Road Clearance:
    • XLH, 6.9 in / 17.52 cm
    • XLS, 6.8 in / 17.27 cm

Engine

  • Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2
  • 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
  • 4 Cams
  • Gerotor type oil pump.
    Oil pump pressure (gauge mounted in place of oil pressure switch):
    • Minimum: 4-7 psi (idle)
    • Maximum: 10-20 psi (3500 rpm)
    • Normal riding conditions: 4-15 psi
  • Ignition: Magnavox Electronic Ignition System (full electronic advance with no mechanical advance mechanism to adjust)
    • Timer Air Gap (not adjustable)
  • Ignition Timing
    • Retarded: 8° BTDC
    • Idle Advance (600-800 RPM): 26° BTDC
    • Full Advance (above 1600 RPM): 40° BTDC
  • Spark Plugs (2):
    • #4-5 or #4R5 (14mm)
    • Gap: .038“-.043”
  • Fuel System: Keihin (non-cv) Butterfly carburetor.
  • Starter (all) Electric start only (Prestolite).
    1981-up (Nippon Denso) starter is not compatible with 67-80 models.
    • Optional kickstart kit was available for early 1980 models.

Capacities

  • Fuel Capacity:
    • XLH, 2.25 gal / 8.517 l 9)
      Reserve: .25 gal / .946 l
    • XLS, 3.6 gal / 13.627 l
      Reserve: .30 gal / 1.13 l
  • Oil Capacity: 4 qts. / 2.83 l (quoted from -85 FSM)
  • Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l

Clutch

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

Drivetrain

  • Constant Mesh 11)
  • Left Side Shifter
  • Speeds - 4 Forward
  • Number of Sprocket Teeth (XLH / XLS)
    • Engine: 34
    • Clutch: 59
    • Transmission: 21
    • Rear Wheel: 51
  • Gear Ratios (XLH / XLS)
    • 1st: 10.63:1
    • 2nd: 7.70:1
    • 3rd: 5.82:1
    • 4th: 4.22:1

Tires

Rim size and contour are cast or stamped into the exterior surface of the rim.

  • Front:
    • For laced (contour 2.50×19 TLA) or cast (contour 2.15×19 TL) 19“ wheels: Goodyear Eagle A/T or Dunlop K181 (MJ90-19).
  • Rear:
    • For laced or cast (contour 3.00x16D) 16” wheels: Goodyear Eagle A/T or Dunlop K181 (MT90-16).
  • Tire pressure based on overall weight.
    • Up to 300 lb load including rider, passenger and cargo:
      • Front 26 psi / 1.79 bar
      • Rear 30 psi / 2.06 bar
    • Up to GVWR maximum load:
      • Front 26 psi / 1.79 bar
      • Rear 32 psi / 2.20 bar
    • Caution: Maximum cold inflated pressure, Front (32psi), Rear (40 psi).

Models

XLH 1000

What is the Current KBB Value? 12)

13) 14)

15) 16)

Engine

Late 80 XLH 17)

XLS 1000 Roadster

What is the Current KBB Value? 18)


Back to Sportster History Index

1)
1972-2003 HD XR750 Service Manual XR 750 Production Schedule pg 69
2)
1980 Painted Parts List
3) , 4)
1980 Painted Parts List pg 505, 1-82
5) , 6)
HD Service School service bulletin #596 dated September 16, 1969
7)
1979 Harley Davidson XLH/XLCH/XLS-1000 Parts Catalog
8)
Harley-Davidson 1979-1985 Service Manual
9)
Harley-Davidson 1970 - 1978 Service Manual
10)
1979-1985 HD FSM
11)
1979-1985 HD FSM pg 6-3
13) , 14) , 15) , 16)
photos courtesy of Ebay seller, Robison Motorcycles Link to Ebay Store
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