This is an old revision of the document!


1984 Sportster

Model Production Numbers

  • XLX-61 1000 4,284
  • XLH 1000 4,442
  • XLS 1000 1,135
  • XR-1000 759

Colors 1)

  • XL: Vivid Black, Candy Red, Candy Purple. 2)
  • XLS: Vivid Black, Purple and Silver. 3)
  • XLX: Vivid Black, Candy Red. 4)
  • XR-1000: Slate Gray. 5)

Vehicle Identification

Frame VIN Numbers

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.6)

In 1981, the full VIN was expanded to include country of origin, maker, bike weight, engine displacement, introduction date, a check digit and which factory made it 7).

  • This new nationwide system is designed to provide improved theft protection and more specific vehicle information to HD and government agencies.
  • 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.8)

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.

17 Digit VIN for 1984 Sportsters

Origin

Make

Weight
Class

Model

Engine
Size

Intro Date /
Special
Models

VIN
Check Digit

Model
Year

Assembly
Plant

Serial
Number
1 =
Made
in USA
HD =
Harley
Davidson
1 =
1000cc
CA = XLH
CB = XLS
CC = XLX
CD = XR
H =
1000cc
1 = Regular
2 = Mid Year
3 = E1984
Can be
0 - 9 or X
E = 1984Y =
York, PA
6 Digits
(varies)
Example: (1HD1CAH16BY112016) designates a 1984 XLH 1000, stamped on the steering head with a sticker VIN on
the right front frame downtube. The abbreviated VIN appears on engine right case (CAHB 112016) 9)
Example VIN on Frame Reads: 1HD1CAH16EY11201
1HD1CAH16EY112016
Example Abbreviated VIN on Case Reads: CAHE112016
CAH E 112016

Engine Serial Numbers

The engine numbers are no longer stamped the same as the frame. This change was part of the 17 digit VIN system.
The serial number is stamped on the case, right side, between the cylinders but is not used for identification purpose of ownership.

  • An abbreviated version of the 17 digit VIN is stamped into the engine case. It's the exact same as the frame numbers but certain designations were left out.
    (including country of origin, maker, bike weight, intro date, check digit and plant of origin)

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, XLX-1000 (XLX-61)

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: 10)
    • XLH, 60.0 in / 152.40 cm
    • XLS, 60.0 in / 152.40 cm
    • XLX, 60.0 in / 152.40 cm
  • Overall Length:
    • XLH, 87.5 in / 222.25 cm
    • XLS, 87.5 in / 222.25 cm
    • XLX, 87.5 in / 222.25 cm
  • Overall Width:
    • XLH, 33 in / 83.82 cm
    • XLS, 33 in / 83.82 cm
    • XLX, 35 in / 88.90 cm
  • Overall Height:
    • XLH, 48.5 in / 123.19 cm
    • XLS, 47.5 in / 120.65 cm
    • XLX, 45 in / 114.30 cm
  • Road Clearance:
    • XLH, 6.75 in / 17.14 cm
    • XLS, 6.75 in / 17.14 cm
    • XLX, 6.75 in / 17.14 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: 8.8:1
  • Bore: 3.188 in / 81 mm
  • Stroke: 3.8125 in / 96.8 mm
  • 4 Cams
  • Gerotor type oil pump. Late 1983 version (gerotors not compatible with 77-E83 pump housings).
    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
  • Ignition Timing
    • Range: 10°-55° BTDC
    • Start: 10° BTDC
    • Fast Idle: 40° BTDC
    • 1800-2800 RPM: 55° BTDC
  • Spark Plugs (2):
    • #4R5 (14mm)
    • Gap: .038“-.043”
  • VOES (vacuum-operated electric switch) added for timing advance
  • Fuel System: Keihin (non-cv) Butterfly carburetor

Capacities

  • Fuel Capacity:
    • XLH, 2.25 gal / 8.517 l 11)
      Reserve: .25 gal / .946 l
    • XLS, 3.8 gal / 13.627 l
      Reserve: .40 gal / 1.514 l
    • XLH, 2.25 gal / 8.517 l
      Reserve: .25 gal / .946 l
  • Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 1.419 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.12)

Drivetrain

  • Constant Mesh 13)
  • Left Side Shifter
  • Speeds - 4 Forward
  • Number of Sprocket Teeth (XLH / XLS / XLX)
    • Engine: 34
    • Clutch: 59
    • Transmission: 21
    • Rear Wheel: 48
  • Gear Ratios (XLH / XLS / XLX)
    • 1st: 10.02:1 (E84), 10.01:1 (L84) (may be a mis-print in the FSM) 14) 15)
    • 2nd: 7.25:1
    • 3rd: 5.49:1
    • 4th: 3.97:1

Tires

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

  • XLH/XLS/XLX
    • Front:
      • For tube type 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 tube type laced or cast (contour 3.00x16D) 16” wheels: Goodyear Eagle A/T or Dunlop K181 (MT90-16).
  • XR-1000
    • Front:
      • For tubeless cast (contour 2.15×19 TL) 19“ wheels: Goodyear Eagle A/T or Dunlop K181 (MJ90-19).
    • Rear:
      • For tubeless 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? 16)

XLS 1000 Roadster

What is the Current KBB Value? 17)

XLX 1000-61

What is the Current KBB Value? 18)


Back to Sportster History Index

1)
P&A Bulletin #207
2) , 3)
1984 Painted Parts List from P&A Bulletin P&A #207
4) , 5)
1983 Painted Parts List pg 503, 10-82
6) , 8)
HD Service School service bulletin #596 dated September 16, 1969
7)
HD Service Bulletin #M-800
9)
1979-1985 HD Sportster Parts Catalog
10)
Harley-Davidson 1979-1985 Service Manual
11)
Harley-Davidson 1979 - 1985 Service Manual
12)
1979-1985 HD FSM
13) , 14)
1979-1985 HD FSM pg 6-3
15)
1979-1985 HD FSM pg 6-31
This website uses cookies for visitor traffic analysis. By using the website, you agree with storing the cookies on your computer.More information