c1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883cc Motorcycle
Sold: $7,000
Specifications
| Engine | V-Twin 883cc |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 4-Speed Manual |
| Colour | Black |
Description
1957 was quite a year. Sputnik 1, the first satellite, blasted into space, the Treaty of Rome established the European Economic Community, and Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard rocked and rolled from jukeboxes coast to coast. In motorcycle history, Harley-Davidson launched the Sportster.Due to the post war economic boom and the rush for transport Harley faced stiff competition against the influx of British machinery.
Aside from the engine, most of the new for 1957 XL Sportster was carried over from the K model. The frame, large fenders, touring-size tank and front suspension were straight from the KH, lightly modified to fit the taller overhead valve engine.
The 1957 Harley Sportster had iron barrels and heads, a 7.5:1 compression ratio, and made 40 horsepower at 5,500rpm. Like the predecessor K, each valve had its own camshaft and the engine was in unit with the four-speed transmission. Other carryovers from the K models included a dry clutch, drum brakes and six-volt electrics. Due to its instant success and continued popularity to this day the Sportster is still produced. List price for 1957 was $1,103.
