2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S

The predecessors to the Sportster, the Model K Sport and Sport Solo motorcycles, were introduced. These models K, KK, KH, and KHK of 1952 to 1956 had a sidevalve ('flat head') engine, whereas the later XL Sportster models use an overhead valve engine.

By Harley-Davidson. Sportster models are designated in Harley-Davidson's product code by beginning with "XL". Had many of the same features of the KH including the frame, fenders, large gas tank and front suspension. The original Sportster line was discontinued in Europe Through the 2003 model year. While this system allows the bike to be somewhat lighter with more precise handling, it also transmits engine vibration directly to the rider.

All models 1979, along with the triangular frame and rear hydraulic disk brake also introduced on the XLCR. A limited edition Confederate Edition Sportster was introduced for one year only. 1979 Last year for the kickstart only XLCH, only 141 made.

And the first Sportster to have an engine not derived from the Model K. Sportster engines retained the K/KH design crankcase design, in which the transmission was contained in the same casting as the engine, and driven by the engine with a triple-row #35 chain primary drive and a multi-plate cable-o…

. The Model K, from which the Sportster evolved, was the first civilian motorcycle produced by Harley-Davidson with hydraulic shock absorbers on both wheels.

Have five speeds; 1990 and earlier models had four speeds. The engine was mounted directly to the frame

Harley Davidson produced a limited number of 100th anniversary model Sportsters. They are identified by the 100th anniversary paint schemes and plaques attached to the sheetmetal, speedometer housing, and engine.

And later use rubber isolation mounts and tie links to limit engine movement to a single plane, which greatly reduces vibration felt by the rider. Buell motorcycles built with variants of the Sportster engine have used a rubber mount system

Because the engine failed to meet the stricter Euro 5 emissions standards. An all-new model, called the Sportster S and equipped with the Revolution Max engine, was introduced

. It was the first motorcycle under the Sportster nameplate to receive a new engine ) Nightster Harley-Davidson manufactured the last Evolution Sportster, a Gunship Gray 883, on November 18, 2022. Harley-Davidson launched the completely redesigned Sportster S with the new Revolution Max 1250T stressed member engine and described it as a "sports custom motorcycle". In an independent review, UK publisher Bennetts commented that: "Despite the Sportster moniker, the new bike’s specs mean it’s got…