2014 Harley-Davidson XL1200cc Sportster Custom Motorcycle

Description

Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer, founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1903. Since then, the company has survived numerous ownership changes and poor economic health, to become one of the world's most popular motorcycle brands. Dating back to 1957, the Sportster remains Harley-Davidson's longest running model, evolving from dirt track racers into a series of popular road-going bikes. All Sportster derivatives came with a V-twin engine mounted rigidly in the frame until 2003, the early K-series models being the original ‘Flathead’ engine design while later X-series versions employed overhead valves. The X-series Sportsters remained in production until 1985, using both 900cc and 1000cc overhead-valve engines with cast iron heads, hence the nickname “Ironheads”. Although somewhat dated by the 1980s, the Sportster perfectly embodied the Harley-Davidson spirit - a simple, raw machine that communicated every facet of the riding experience directly to the rider. From 1986 onwards the latest XL series employed a new generation of 883cc and 1100cc engines with alloy heads; the 1200cc unit came along in 1988, followed by a five-speed gearbox and belt drive. An entirely new frame with the engine isolated by rubber mounts was adopted in 2004, while Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection finally replaced the carburettors in 2007 across the model range. As the Sportster rolled into the 21st century, a myriad of improvements continued to move the bike up the technology scale. For example, in 2000 engine and transmission internals got important upgrades, as did front brake calipers and wheel bearings, while improved intake and exhaust flow resulted in better power. Through the 2000s the Sportster species continued to evolve with new sophistication and edgy design like that of the XR1200 introduced in 2007. Many sub-models were also introduced including the XL1200X which featured a small peanut tank, bobbed rear fender, front fork gaiters, wire wheels, forward controls, a 130 mm front tyre, and super small single seat.