The Harley Davidson XLH 900 Sportster was introduced in 1969 with a four-stroke, 45-degree V-Twin, OHV engine providing 882cc/53.8cu in. The engine had a bore x stroke of 76.2mm x 96.8mm, 2 valves per cylinder, and an air-cooled cooling system. The compression ratio was 9.0:1 with dry sump lubrication and single 1.625 in. Williston induction. The ignition system was magnetic, with a kick starter function. Maximum power reached 65 hp/47.4kw at 6800rpm without providing information about maximum torque. The gearbox had a 4-speed setting, and the clutch was wet, with multiple discs and cable operation. The final drive was chain-driven. The weight of the XLH 900 Sportster was 214kg/471.8 lbs, and the fuel capacity was 8.5 litres/2.2 US gal. The front suspension involved a cartridge mechanism, while the rear suspension used dual shocks swinging arm fork. Braking came from 200mm drum brakes on both the front and rear wheels, while the front and rear tires were sized 3.75-19 and 4.25-18, respectively. The Harley Sportster was very popular for its simplicity, reliability, and versatility not only for cruising the highways but also for performance riding on the race tracks.
Technical specifications:
Make Model: Harley Davidson XLH 900 Sportster
| Year | 1969 – 71 |
|---|---|
| Engine | Four stroke, 45 degrees V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder. |
| Capacity | 882 cc / 53.8 cu-in |
| Bore x Stroke | 76.2 x 96.8 mm |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Lubrication | Dry sump |
| Induction | Single 1.625 in., Williston |
| Ignition | Magnetic |
| Starting | Kick |
| Max Power | 65 hp / 47.4 kW @ 6800 rpm |
| Max Torque | NA |
| Clutch | Wet, multiple discs, cable operated |
| Transmission | 4 Speed |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Front Suspension | Cartridge |
| Rear Suspension | Dual shocks swinging arm fork |
| Front Brakes | 200mm drum |
| Rear Brakes | 200mm drum |
| Front Tyre | 3.75-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 4.25-18 |
| Weight | 214 kg / 471.8 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 8.5 Litres / 2.2 US gal |
