Model Production Numbers

• XL 42
• XLH 947
• XLCH 1059
• XLR 5
• XLRTT 13

Colors ¹⁾

• Skyline Blue - tank top Blue, sides Birch White.
• Calypso Red - tank top Red, sides Birch White.
• Black - tank top Black, sides Birch White.
• Options (no charge):
  • Any standard solid color.
• Options (extra charge)
  • Hi-Fi Turquoise - Tank top Turquoise, sides Birch White.
  • Hi-Fi Red - Tank top Hi-Fi Red, sides Birch White.
  • Spring Special: Hi-Fi Coral and White.

There was no frame identification for purpose of ownership on 1957-1969 model Sportsters.
However, there were stampings on the different parts of the frame combined with certain features that can be used to date the frame.
Click Here to view Ironhead Frame Identification in the Sportsterpedia.

The only numbers for the purpose of identification were on the engine case.

• For 1957-1961 models, the engine serial number is stamped on the left side of the engine case between the two cylinders.
  First 4 or 5 digits are the year and bike model followed by a series of 4 or 5 numbers that established the individual serial number for each bike.
  

Click Here for more specific information on serial numbers and VINs in the Sportsterpedia.

Engine Serial Number for 1959 Sportsters
Model Year (first 2 digits)	Model (next few digits) (up to 4)	Sequential Serial# (remaining digits)
59	XL XLH XLCH	(example) 12345
Example: (59XLH 12345) indicates a 1959 XLH model and is stamped on the Left Engine Case Between the Cylinders 2)
Example Serial Number on Engine Reads: 59XLH12345
59	XLH	12345

The following illustrations are displayed for historic and period specific parts identification only. Refer to the original OEM documents for additional information. ³⁾
Click on any illustration below to enlarge.

• XL, XLH, XLCH

• Weight: 495 lb / 225 kg ⁴⁾
• Wheelbase: ⁵⁾
  • XL/XLH, 56.5 in / 143.51 cm
  • XLCH, 57 in / 144.78 cm
• Overall Length:
  • XL/XLH, 87 in / 220.98 cm
  • XLCH, 83.25 in / 211.45 cm
• Overall Width:
  • XL/XLH 34 in / 86.36 cm
  • XLCH, 29.5 in / 74.93 cm
• Overall Height:
  • XL/XLH, 40-1/2 in / 103 cm
  • XLCH, 42 in / 106.7 cm
• Saddle Height:
  • XL/XLH, 26-7/8 in to 29 in / 68.26 cm to 73.66 cm
  • XLCH, 30-1/2 in / 77.47.2 cm
• Road Clearance:
  • XL/XLH, 2-1/2 in to 4-5/8 in / 6.35 cm to 11.74 cm
  • XLCH, 4-1/8 in to 6-1/2 in / 10.47 cm to 16.51 cm

• Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 ⁶⁾
• Displacement: 53.9 ci / 883 cc (900 cc advertised)
• Compression Ratio:
  • XL 7.5:1
  • XLH, XLCH 9:1
• Bore: 3 in / 76.2 mm
• Stroke: 3.8125 in / 96.8 mm
• Horsepower:
  • XL 42 @ 5,500 rpm
  • XLH, XLCH 55 @ 6,300rpm ⁷⁾
• Taxable Horsepower: 7.2
• Torque:
  • XL 48 ft/lb @ 3.600 RPM
  • XLH, XLCH 52 ft-lb @ 3800 RPM
• Weight:
  • XLCH - 188lbs.
  • XL, XLH - 204 lbs.
• 4 Cams
• Gear driven type oil pump.
  Oil pump pressure (gauge mounted in place of oil pressure switch):
  • Idle, with spark retarded (Min: 3-7 psi)
  • Normal riding conditions: 10-14 psi (6 psi at 20 mph)
• XL/XLH Ignition: Battery Ignition System (circuit breaker/points/timer/distributor)
• XLCH Ignition: Magneto Ignition System
• Spark Plugs
  • #4 for everyday use.
  • #5 for hard service.
• Fuel System: Linkert DC carburetor.

• Fuel Capacity: ⁸⁾
  • XL, XLH 4.1 gal / 15.52 l ⁹⁾
  • XLCH 2.25 gal / 8.51 l
• Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 2.83 l
• Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l

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

• Constant Mesh - right side foot shift ¹¹⁾
• Speeds - 4 Forward
• Number of Sprocket Teeth
  • XL/XLH:
    • Engine: 34
    • Clutch: 59
    • Transmission: 21
    • Rear Wheel: 51
  • XLCH:
    • Engine: 34
    • Clutch: 59
    • Transmission: 20
    • Rear Wheel: 51
• Standard Gear Ratios (XL,XLH)
  • 1st: 10.63 to 1
  • 2nd: 7.69 to 1
  • 3rd: 5.82 to 1
  • 4th: 4.21 to 1
• Standard Gear Ratios (XLCH)
  • 1st: 11.16:1
  • 2nd: 8.08:1
  • 3rd: 6.11:1
  • 4th: 4.42:1

Tire pressure (based on a rider weighing app. 150 lbs or more).
For each 50 lbs of overload, increase rear tire pressure by 2 lbs, front by 1 lb ¹²⁾ but not exceeding manuf max tire pressure.

• XL / XLH:
  • Front: 3.50 x 18 (tire pressure: 14 psi / .96 bar)
  • Rear: 3.50 x 18 (tire pressure: 18 psi / 1.24 bar)
• XLCH:
  • Front: 3.25 / 3.50 x 19 (tire Pressure: 14 psi / .96 bar)
  • Rear: 4.0 x 18 (tire pressure: 18 psi / 1.24 bar)

• $1,175 when new with only 42 ever produced. ¹³⁾

• $1,200 when new with 947 produced ¹⁴⁾

• $1,285 when new with 1059 produced ¹⁵⁾
• New Features ¹⁶⁾
  • New dual exhaust with twin mufflers.
  • Nacelle 5 ¾ in headlamp with eyebrow on
  • Trip-o-meter

1959 Parts Manual (19.5mb)¹⁷⁾

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