Unlike Harley Big-Twins, you can't ignore the transmission when doing bottom end work on a Sportster engine. The fiberglass seat and tail section, known as the 'boat-tail' was available for the second and final year. The external distributor was moved from the top of the right-side engine case to inside the engine case, now employing an automatic advance mechanism to aid starting. The last year of the 900cc Ironhead engine was 1971, and it was the first year of new engine cases. In 1970, Harley-Davidson started stamping corresponding VIN numbers into both engines and frames.īefore this, only the engines had VIN numbers, making early engines easy to swap in and out of whatever frame you choose. Up through 1969, the XLCH Sportster had the early, shorter frame, so 1969 is considered the last 'real' XLCH.Īll Sportster models from 1970 through 1977 would use same, longer frame. This was the first Sportster with electric start.

To accommodate a bigger battery box and electric starter, the 1967 XLH received a new frame and redesigned engine cases. It was also the last year for the DC Linkert carb and the 'horseshoe' oil tank.įrom 1957 to 1966, all Sportster models had the same frame and engine cases.

It was the first year of 12-volt electrics, and had the wider front drum that came out the year before. Many Sportster enthusiasts rate the 1965 XLCH as one of the best.

Ironhead sportster chopper