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1960 Sportster

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

There was no frame identification on 1957-1969 model Sportsters.
The only numbers for 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 information on serial numbers and VINs in the Sportsterpedia.

Illustrations

The following illustrations are displayed for historic and period specific parts identification only. Refer to the original OEM documents for additional information. 1)
Click on any illustration below to enlarge.

2) 3)

Specifications

Engine

  • Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 4)
  • Displacement: 54 ci / 883 cc
  • Hemi-spherical style heads
  • Bore: 3 in / 7.62 cm 5)
  • Stroke: 3.8125 in / 9.68 cm 6)
  • 90 Degree Valve Angle
  • Horsepower: 42 @ 5,500rpm (XL) 7)
XL XLH,XLCH
Compression 7.5:1 9.0:1
Torque 48 ft-lb / 2.023 Nm @ 3600 RPM52 ft-lb / 2.191 Nm @ 3800 RPM

8)

Capacities

  • Fuel capacity: 4 gal / 15.14 l (XLCH 2.2 gal / 8.328 l)9)
  • Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 2.83 l 10)
  • Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l 11)
  • MPG: 50mpg (est.)

Dimensions

  • Weight: 495 lb / 225 kg
XL, XLH XLCH
Wheelbase 56.6 in / 143.51 cm 57 in / 137.6 cm
Overall Length87 in / 221 cm 83.25 in / 211.4 cm
Overall Width 34 in / 86.36 cm 29.5 in / 75 cm
Overall Height40.5 in / 103 cm 42 in / 106.7 cm
Road Clearance2.5 in / 6.35 cm minimum4 1/8 in / 10.478 cm minimum

12)

Drivetrain

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

Tires

  • Front and rear: 3.50 x 18
  • Tire pressure
    • Front: 14 psi / .96 bar
    • Rear: 18 psi / 1.24 bar

Models

  • New shock absorbers were added. 13)
  • Production is up with 2,765 models being made. 14)

XLH 883

$1,225 (when new) What is the Current KBB Value? 15)

1960 XLH 16)

XLCH 883

$1,310 (when new). 17) What is the Current KBB Value? 18)


Back to Sportster History Index

1)
illustrations from various academic journals
2) , 3)
illustration from a collection by The French Owl of the XLFORUM
4) , 5) , 6) , 7) , 8) , 9) , 10) , 11) , 12)
Harley-Davidson 1957 - 1969 Service Manual
16)
photo courtesy of Magneto Sportster of the XLFORUM
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