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⁾

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 up	J - (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
3A	11790	J	0

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.

See the Navigation menu on the upper left of this page.
From there you can go to the main Ironhead section menu, the Reference section for general and in-depth procedures, and the Misc Resources for documentation.

Below are some suggestions for manuals for your ride.
You should have, at minimum, a Factory Service Manual (FSM) and a Factory Parts Catalog for your year model.

The FSM will have the most accurate information, procedures and specs.
Clymer and Haynes make service manuals also for Sportsters but some of the information is in error to the factory FSMs.
And some of the information in the aftermarket manuals is vague in information or procedures but they may have more pictures.
So it is generally said you can get use from both an aftermarket manual and the factory service manuals but get the factory manual first.

The Parts Catalog has part numbers of course but it also has exploded parts views.
However, IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AN ASSEMBLY MANUAL.
And some of the exploded views are confusing or not related to each other on the same pages.
But, all in all, the exploded views do help finding what goes where.
Most of the fasteners listed in the relevant parts catalog individual pages have thread sizes and lengths also in case you need those.
Click Here to see the Factory Parts Catalog page in the Sportsterpedia for parts catalog uses and a full list of parts catalog numbers from 1957 to present.
Some often acquire several year model parts catalogs and that page will help you decide which ones are right for you.
Click Here for the HD List of Ironhead Sportster Hardware P/N & Descriptions page in the Sportsterpedia.

Suggested Manuals:

• Factory Service Manual (FSM):
  • 1979-1985 XL/XR Models 1000cc 4-Speed Service Manual (99484-85)
• Factory Parts Catalogs:
  • Original: 1979-1980 Sportster XLH/XLCH/XLS-1000 Parts Catalog (99451-80)
    Written in 1979 and should have the closest list of original parts for 1980 models.
  • Updated: 1979-1985 XL Models Parts Catalog (99451-85A)
    Written in 1990 and lists parts available in 1990 for 1980 models.
  • Other: Reference the “Parts Catalog” page in the Sportsterpedia for a listing of other catalogs that pertain to your year model.
• Factory Owners Manual:
  • 1980 XLH-1000/XLS-1000 Owners Manual (99466-80)

Pics of Manual Covers.
Below are pics of used manual covers related to 1980 model Sportsters.
Click on any pic below to enlarge:

1979-1985 FSM (99484-85)	1979-1980 Parts Catalog (99451-80)	1979-1985 Parts Catalog (99451-85A)

Below is a summary of an article on the Sportsterpedia Parts Catalogs page regarding parts book errors.
You can also read the full article from this link: The Ironhead Multi-Year Parts Catalog Curse.
Due to all of the errors and non corrected editions, it's always a good idea to acquire several year parts catalogs surrounding your year model.
Which year catalogs you'll need will depend on many factors but the main Parts Catalog page in the Sportsterpedia will help you decide which ones you need.
Click Here to see the Parts Catalog page. A full chart of all the parts catalogs made for Ironheads is at the bottom of the page.

• Not all multi-year catalogs will list factory installed parts on your bike.
• You may need several year catalogs to determine factory installed parts for your year model.
• Some parts first appeared or only appeared in Parts Supplements, Service Bulletins or other literature
• Later catalogs may show parts for older models that were never factory installed on them.
• Some catalogs have missing parts and/or missing models in some parts listings.
• Some illustrations do not have a part number listed.
• Drawings may or may not look like your part number.
• Some exploded parts diagrams show the assembly in the wrong order or missing pieces.
• There may be misleading information about parts that fit your year model.
• Fastener lengths and thread pitch may change depending on catalog used.
• The MoCo knew about and tried to correct at least some of the parts catalog mistakes.

There are links to many factory service bulletins, parts and accessory bulletins plus information on part numbers and casting numbers in the Sportsterpedia.
Click Here for the Misc Resource section for more information.

The following illustrations are displayed for historic and period specific parts identification only. Refer to the original OEM documents for additional information. ⁸⁾
Click on any illustration below to enlarge.

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-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.

• Wheelbase: ⁹⁾
  • 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 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.
• Electric Start only (Prestolite): 1981-up starter (Nippon Denso) is not compatible with 67-80 models.
  • Optional kickstart kit was available for early 1980 models.

• Fuel Capacity:
  • XLH, 2.25 gal / 8.517 l ¹⁰⁾
    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

• Multi-Disc wet clutch-pack with alternate steel and fiber friction plates.¹¹⁾

• Constant Mesh ¹²⁾
• 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

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).

What is the Current KBB Value? ¹³⁾

^{14) 15)}

^{16) 17)}

Late 80 XLH ¹⁸⁾

What is the Current KBB Value? ¹⁹⁾

Back to Sportster History Index