1978 Sportster - Sportsterpedia

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====== 1978 Sportster ======
====== 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.((HD Service School service bulletin #596 dated September 16, 1969))
  * The serial number is the 3rd through the 7th digit. All serial numbers run consecutively regardless of model year. ((HD Service School service bulletin #596 dated September 16, 1969))
[[techtalk:ih:body01w|Click Here]] to view Ironhead Frame Identification in the Sportsterpedia for more information. \\
[[sportster_history:99xx-01a|Click Here]] for more information on serial numbers and VINs in the Sportsterpedia. \\

^{{techtalk:miscres:instruction_sheet_header_4.png?nolink&797|}}||||
^  **VIN for 1978 Sportsters**  ||||
|**Sportster \\ Model Code** \\ (first 2 digits)|**Serial Number** \\ (next 5 digits)|**Manufacturer** \\ (second to last digit)|**Model Year** \\ (last digit)|
|1C = XR-750 \\ 2G = XLT \\ 3A = XLH \\ 4A = XLCH \\ 4E = XLS \\ 7F = XLCR|10,000 and up|H = Harley Davidson|8 - 1978|
|  ||||
|:::|:::|:::|:::|
|**Example**: (3A13675H8) indicates a 1978 XLH 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. ((Shop Dope Service Bulletin #596 dated September 16, 1969))||||
|Example VIN Reads: 3A13675H8||||
|  3A  |  13675  |  H  |  8  |

===== 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.

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====== Specifications ======
==== 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: ((Harley-Davidson 1970 Service Manual))
    * 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 ((HD 1970-1978 Sportster Service Manual))
    * XLCH, 7-1/4 in / 18.41 cm

==== Engine ====  
  * Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2
  * 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: 59.5 @ 6,400 RPM ((Harley-Davidson 1970-1978 Service Manual))
  * Taxable Horsepower: 7.2
  * Torque: 52 ft-lb @ 3800 RPM
  * 4 Cams 
  * Oil Pump: Gerotor type oil pump. [[techtalk:ih:oil03|Click Here ]] for the IH Oil Pump section of the Sportsterpedia.
  * 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 
  * Fuel System: Keihin "butterfly" carburetor. [[techtalk:ih:carb01#bendix_zenith_i6p12_carb_1972-early_1976|Click Here]] to reference the main Ironhead carb page in the Sportsterpedia
  * Spark Plugs
    * #4 for break.
    * #5 for everyday use and hard service.

==== Capacities =====
  * Fuel Capacity: ((Harley-Davidson 1970-1978 Service Manual))
    * 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.((1957-1969 HD FSM pg 4A-3))

==== Drivetrain ====
  * Constant Mesh ((1970-1978 HD FSM pg 1-1))
  * Left Side Shifter
  * Speeds - 4 Forward
  * Number of Sprocket Teeth (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

===== Models =====


==== XLCR 1000 Cafe Racer ====
What is the Current KBB Value? ((http://www.kbb.com/motorcycles/harley-davidson/xlcr-cafe-racer/1978-harley-davidson-xlcr-cafe-racer/trade-in/))
  * 
  * 
  * 


| {{:sportster_history:1978_xlcr_by_moon_wolf.jpg?direct&300|}} |
|1978 XLCR 1000 - Last year in production - click to enlarge. \\ (Original California model with one state only mufflers.)((Photo courtesy of Moon Wolf of the XLFORUM))|
==== XLH 1000 ====
What is the Current KBB Value? ((http://www.kbb.com/motorcycles/harley-davidson/xlh-sportster-1000/1978-harley-davidson-xlh-sportster-1000/trade-in/))

  * 
  * 
  * 
  *   

==== XLH 1000 Anniversary ====
What is the Current KBB Value? ((http://www.kbb.com/motorcycles/harley-davidson/xlh-sportster-1000-anniversary/1978-harley-davidson-xlh-sportster-1000-anniversary/trade-in/))

  * 
  * 
  * 
  *  
 
==== XLCH 1000 ====
What is the Current KBB Value? ((http://www.kbb.com/motorcycles/harley-davidson/xlch-sportster-1000/1978-harley-davidson-xlch-sportster-1000/trade-in/))

  * Dual Sport
  * 
  * 
  * 

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Trace: • 1978 Sportster • 1997 Sportster • 1964 Sportster • 2016 Sportster
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