Table of Contents

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1998 Sportster

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Example: 1HD1CHP16WY201624 appears on steering head. Abbreviated VIN appears on engine crankcase - CHP16WY201624


Motorcycle Origin
Manufacturer/ Make
Motorcycle Displacement Type
Model Designation
Engine Size
Introduction Date / Special Models
VIN Check Digit
Model Year
Assembly Plant
Serial Number
Made in USA Harley Davidson 1 = 901 cc & up
4 = 351-900 cc
CA = XLH 883
CE = XLH 883 Hugger
CA= XLH 1200
CG = XL 1200C Custom
CH = XL 1200S Sport 		M = 883 CC ENGINE
P = 1200 CC ENGINE 		1 = Regular
2 = Mid Year Intro Date
3 = California Models 		Can be
0 - 9 or X 		W = 1998
Y = YORK, PA

K = Kansas City, MO
1 HD 1 CH P 1 6 W Y 201624


Engine, Drivetrain, Performance

Engine- 883

  • Air Cooled, Overhead Valve, V-twin Evolution®
  • Type: 4 Cycle, 45'V
  • Bore: 3.000 in. / 76.20 mm
  • Stroke: 3.812 in. / 96.82 mm
  • Piston Displacement: 53.9 ci / 883 cc
  • Compression Ratio: 9.0 to 1
  • Horsepower: 57 @ 6,000 rpm
  • Fuel System: Carburetor - 40 mm constant velocity with enrichener and accelerator pump
  • Carburetor Model Number:
    • 27495-96A (California models only- XLH883, XLH883 Hugger)
    • 27490-96A (Domestic XLH883 & HLH883 Hugger)
    • 27031-95A (HDI XLH883 & XLH883 Hugger)
  • Carburetor Main Jet: 160 1)(49 State), 170 2)(California), 190 3)(HDI)
  • Carburetor Slow Jet: 42 4)
  • Engine Idle Slow Speed: 1050 rpm
  • Engine speed for setting ignition timing: 1050 - 1500
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.2 US Gallons
  • Oil Tank Capacity w/Filter: 3 qt / 2.8 liters

Specifications

Drivetrain

  • Primary Drive: Triple- Row Chain
  • Primary Drive Front Gear: 35 Teeth
  • Primary Drive Rear Gear: 56 Teeth
  • Primary Drive Ratio: 1.60:1
  • Final Drive: 128 Tooth Secondary Drive Belt
  • Final Drive Transmission Sprocket: 27 Teeth 5)
  • Final Drive Rear Wheel Sprocket: 61 Teeth
  • Final Drive Ratio: 2.26 : 1
  • Transmission- Trap Door Style, Constant Mesh Type 5-speed
  • Gear Ratios (overall)- Domestic and HDI 6) - 7)
    • 1st: 9.71
    • 2nd: 7.12
    • 3rd: 5.18
    • 4th: 4.26
    • 5th: 3.61

Performance

  • Engine Torque Testing Method:
  • Engine Torque:Torque: 53 ft-lb @ 4,500 rpm 8)
  • Lean Angle, Right (deg.):
  • Lean Angle, Left (deg.):
  • Fuel Economy, Combined City/Highway:

Engine- 1200

  • Air Cooled,Overhead Valve, V-twin Evolution®
  • Type: 4 Cycle, 45'V
  • Bore: 3.498 in. / 88.85 mm
  • Stroke: 3.812 in. / 96.82 mm
  • Piston Displacement: 73.3 ci / 1201 cc
  • Compression Ratio: 9.0 to 1
  • Horsepower: 66 @ 5,200 rpm 9)
  • Fuel System: Carburetor - 40 mm constant velocity with enrichener and accelerator pump
  • Carburetor Model Number:
    • 27498-96A (California models only- XL1200, XLH1200C)
    • 27480-97A (Domestic XL1200, HL1200C)
    • 27076-95A (HDI XL1200, XL1200C)
  • Carburetor Main Jet 1200-1200C only: 170 (49 State), 185 (California), 190 (HDI- All)
  • Carburetor Slow Jet: 42
  • Engine Idle Slow Speed: 1050 rpm
  • Engine speed for setting ignition timing: 1050 - 1500
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.2 U.S. Gallons
  • Oil Tank Capacity w/Filter: 3 qt / 2.8 liters

Specifications

Drivetrain

  • Primary Drive: Triple- Row Chain
  • Primary Drive Front Gear: 35 Teeth
  • Primary Drive Rear Gear: 56 Teeth
  • Primary Drive Ratio: 1.60:1
  • Final Drive: 128 Tooth Secondary Drive Belt
  • Final Drive Transmission Sprocket: 29 Teeth 10)
  • Final Drive Rear Wheel Sprocket: 61 Teeth
  • Final Drive Ratio: 2.10:1
  • Transmission- Trap Door Style, Constant Mesh Type 5-speed
  • Gear Ratios (overall) Domestic and HDI 11) - 12)
    • 1st: 9.04
    • 2nd: 6.62
    • 3rd: 4.82
    • 4th: 3.97
    • 5th: 3.36

Performance

  • Engine Torque Testing Method:
  • Engine Torque:Torque: 72 ft-lb @ 4,000 rpm 13)
  • Lean Angle, Right (deg.):
  • Lean Angle, Left (deg.):
  • Fuel Economy, Combined City/Highway:

Engine- 1200S

  • Air Cooled,Overhead Valve, V-twin Evolution®
  • Type: 4 Cycle, 45'V
  • Bore: 3.498 in. / 88.85 mm
  • Stroke: 3.812 in. / 96.82 mm
  • Piston Displacement: 73.3 ci / 1201 cc
  • Compression Ratio: 10.0 to 1 14)
  • Horsepower: 69 @ 5,500 rpm
  • Fuel System: Carburetor - 40 mm constant velocity with enrichener and accelerator pump
  • Carburetor Model Number:
    • 27732-98A (California models only- XL1200S)
    • 27731-98A (Domestic models XL1200S)
    • 27733-98 (HDI Switzerland models only- XL1200S)
    • 27734-98 (HDI models- XL1200S)
  • Carburetor Main Jet: 195 (all models)
  • Carburetor Slow Jet: 42 (all models)
  • Engine Idle Slow Speed: 1050 rpm
  • Engine speed for setting ignition timing: 1050 - 1500
  • Oil Tank Capacity w/Filter: 3 qt / 2.8 liters
  • Ignition: Single Fire Twin Plug Ignition System

Specifications

Drivetrain

  • Primary Drive: Triple- Row Chain
  • Primary Drive Front Gear: 35 Teeth
  • Primary Drive Rear Gear: 56 Teeth
  • Primary Drive Ratio: 1.60:1
  • Final Drive: 128 Tooth Secondary Drive Belt 15)
  • Final Drive Transmission Sprocket: 29 Teeth
  • Final Drive Rear Wheel Sprocket: 61 Teeth
  • Final Drive Ratio: 2.10:1
  • Transmission- Trap Door Style, Constant Mesh Type 5-speed
  • Gear Ratios (overall) Domestic 16)
    • 1st: 9.04
    • 2nd: 6.62
    • 3rd: 4.82
    • 4th: 3.97
    • 5th: 3.36

Performance

  • Engine Torque Testing Method:
  • Engine Torque:Torque: 76 ft-lb @ 4,000 rpm 17)
  • Lean Angle, Right (deg.):
  • Lean Angle, Left (deg.):
  • Fuel Economy, Combined City/Highway:

Specifications

Engine

  • Top End
  • Bottom End
  • Oiling- Lubrication
    • Engine is force fed by a dual purpose, gerotor style, oil/ scavenger pump.
    • See engine oiling cycle: Oil Cycle

Transmission

All Models

  • Clutch:
    • Wet multi-disk clutch pack
    • 6 steel plates, 8 friction fiber plates, 1 spring plate
    • Plate Order: F-ST-F-ST-F-ST-F-SP-F-ST-F-ST-F-ST-F
    • Max Warpage: Friction Plate or Steel Plate- 0.0059 in. / 0.150 mm

Troubleshooting

Wheel Options/ Accompanying Tires

  • Front- Cast- Tubeless:
    • XL883, XL883 Hugger, XL1200 and XL1200S: 18)
      • 19in.(T19 x 2.15 MT)-(Silver)- 13 Spoke
    • XL1200:
      • 19in. (T19 x 2.15 MT)-(Black)- 13 Spoke
    • All Wheels
      • Rim Valve Hole Dia.: 0.45in
      • Tire/Size: Dunlop D401 Elite S/T- 100/90-19
      • Tire/Size: Dunlop K591 S&FR ELITE- 100/90-V19
  • Front- Laced:
    • XL883, XL883 Hugger, XL1200 and XL1200S: 19)
      • 19in. (T19 x 2.50 TLA)-(Chrome)- 20 Spoke
      • Tire/ Size: Dunlop D401 Elite S/T- 100/90-19
      • Tube Size: MJ90-19
    • XL1200C:
      • 21in. (T21 x 215 TLA)-(Chrome) 20 Spoke
      • Tire/ Size: Dunlop Touring Elite II- MH90-21 56H
      • Tube Size: 3.00 x 21
  • Rear- Cast- Tubeless:
    • XL883, XL883 Hugger, XL1200S: 20)
      • 16in. (T16 X 3.00 D)-(Silver) 13 Spoke
    • XL1200:
      • 16in. (T16 X 3.00 D)-(Black) 13 Spoke
    • XL1200C:
      • Solid w/ Slots
    • All Wheels:
      • Rim Valve Hole Dia.: 0.35in
      • Tire/Size: Dunlop D401 Elite S/T- 130/90-16
      • Tire/Size: Dunlop K591 S&FR ELITE- 130/90-V16
  • Rear- Laced:
    • All Models: 21)
      • 16in. (T16 X 3.00 D)-(Chrome) 40 Spoke
      • Tire/ Size: Dunlop D401 Elite S/T- 130/90- 16 (except XL1200C)
      • Tire/ Size: Dunlop Touring Elite II- MT-90-B16 (XL1200C only)
      • Tube Size: MT90-16 (all Models)

Models

XLH 883

Dimensions

  • Wheelbase: 60.2 in. / 1,529 mm
  • Overall Length: 87.6 in. / 2,225 mm
  • Overall Width: 33 in. / 838 mm
  • Overall Height: 47.5 in. / 1,207 mm
  • Road Clearance: 6.70 in. / 170.2 mm
  • Weight: 488 lb. / 221 kg (as shipped from factory)
  • GVWR is printed on a label on the frame steering head
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings;
  • GVWR: 948 lb. / 430 kg
  • GVWR-Front: 353 lb. / 160 kg
  • GVWR-Rear: 595 lb. / 270 kg
  • Fuel Capacity: 3.30 US gal. / 12.5 liters
  • Oil Tank capacity with filter: 3 US qt.

XLH 883 Hugger

Dimensions

  • Wheelbase: 59.0 in. / 1,499 mm
  • Overall Length: 87.25 in. / 2,216 mm
  • Overall Width: 35 in. / 889 mm
  • Overall Height: 49.75 in / 1,264 mm
  • Road Clearance: 4.50 in. / 114.3 mm
  • Weight: 485 lb. / 220 kg (as shipped from factory)
  • GVWR is printed on a label on the frame steering head
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings;
  • GVWR: 948 lb. / 430 kg
  • GVWR-Front: 353 lb. / 160 kg
  • GVWR-Rear: 595 lb. / 270 kg
  • Fuel Capacity: 3.30 US gal. / 12.5 liters
  • Oil Tank capacity with filter: 3 US qt.

XLH 1200

Dimensions

  • Wheelbase: 60.2 in. / 1,529 mm
  • Overall Length: 87.6 in. / 2,225 mm
  • Overall Width: 35 in. / 889 mm
  • Overall Height: 47.5 in. / 1,207 mm
  • Road Clearance: 6.70 in. / 170.2 mm
  • Weight: 494 lb. / 224 kg (as shipped from factory)
  • GVWR is printed on a label on the frame steering head
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings;
  • GVWR: 948 lb. / 430 kg
  • GVWR-Front: 353 lb. / 160 kg
  • GVWR-Rear: 595 lb. / 270 kg
  • Fuel Capacity: 3.30 US gal. / 12.5 liters
  • Oil Tank capacity with filter: 3 US qt.

XL 1200C Custom

Dimensions

  • Wheelbase: 59.0 in. / 1,499 mm
  • Overall Length: 87.25 in. / 2,216 mm
  • Overall Width: 35 in. / 889 mm
  • Overall Height: 49.75 in. / 1,264 mm
  • Road Clearance: 6.70 in. / 170.2 mm
  • Weight: 483 lb. / 219 kg (as shipped from factory)
  • GVWR is printed on a label on the frame steering head
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings;
  • GVWR: 948 lb. / 430 kg
  • GVWR-Front: 353 lb. / 160 kg
  • GVWR-Rear: 595 lb. / 270 kg
  • Fuel Capacity: 3.30 US gal. / 12.5 liters
  • Oil Tank capacity with filter: 3 US qt.

XL 1200S Sport

Dimensions

  • Wheelbase: 60.2 in. / 1,529 mm
  • Overall Length: 87.6 in. / 2,225 mm
  • Overall Width: 35 in. / 889 mm
  • Overall Height: 49.75 in. / 1,264 mm
  • Road Clearance: 6.70 in. / 170.2 mm
  • Weight: 497 lb. / 225.6 kg (as shipped from factory)
  • GVWR is printed on a label on the frame steering head
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings;
  • GVWR: 948 lb. / 430 kg
  • GVWR-Front: 353 lb. / 160 kg
  • GVWR-Rear: 595 lb. / 270 kg
  • Fuel Capacity: 3.30 US gal. / 12.5 liters
  • Oil Tank capacity with filter: 3 US qt.

Back to Sportster History Index

1) , 2) , 8) , 9) , 13) , 14) , 17)
1998-2003
3)
1998 only
4)
all models
5) , 10)
1993-2003 final drive trans/rear wheel sprocket-final drive ratio
6) , 11)
Domestic 1995-2003
7)
HDI 1993-2003
12)
HDI 1997-2003
15)
1996-2003 final drive trans/rear wheel sprocket-final drive ratio
16)
Domestic 1996-2003
18)
Harley Davidson Parts Manual, pg 53, Item 8,13
19)
Harley Davidson Parts Manual, pg 55, Item 10
20)
Harley Davidson Parts Manual, pg 57, Item 8
21)
Harley Davidson Parts Manual, pg 59, Item 10
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Trace: • 1998 Sportster