Harley-Davidson Sportster in 2009

The evolution of the Harley-Davidson hot rod continues for 2009, as most Sportster models roll into the new year on retuned suspension. Five Sportster models retain the raw, soulful styling that represents the uninhibited essence of motorcycling. Responsive handling, the flat torque delivery and distinctive sound of an American V-Twin engine, and classic styling cues make Harley-Davidson Sportster a motorcycle that just keeps getting better.

When it debuted in 1957, the original Sportster projected a tough and rebellious attitude that was born on the gritty dirt tracks and drag strips of that era. That spirit lingers in every new Sportster model, from the retro-bobber Nightster to the glittering chrome of the long 1200 Custom.

Sportster models are powered by the Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) XL Evolution V-Twin powertrain, rubber-mounted in the frame to reduce vibration and tuned to deliver a flat torque curve for responsive performance. Among the most-affordable Harley-Davidson models, Sportster motorcycles offer a low, comfortable seat, smooth clutch effort, and a durable carbon fiber reinforced final drive belt.

New on Sportster for 2009

Enhanced Suspension: The suspension is upgraded on the 883 Custom, 1200 Low and 1200 Custom. Springs and dampening rates have been recalibrated and new damping devices were installed to provide superior ride quality.

New Front Fenders: All Sportster models get a new low-profile front fender that hugs the tire for a streamlined, custom look.

New Rear Wheel on Custom models: The 883 Custom and 1200 Custom models receive new rear wheels that weigh four pounds less while maintaining stiffness and durability. The lighter wheel improves ride quality by reducing unsprung weight. The 1200 Custom has a new chrome cast aluminum slotted disc rear wheel, while the 883 Custom rear is a Silver cast aluminum solid disc.

XL 1200N Sportster 1200 Nightster

Nightster
Ready to wheel its way through the alleyways and backstreets, the Nightster takes the Sportster legend in a dark direction with dead-on, rat-rod styling. Black finishes cover wheel rims and hubs, forks and handlebar, hand and foot controls. Old school style fork gaiters and a bullet-hole belt guard emphasize the original look. A low suspension puts the rider at seat height of just 25.3 inches. The new smaller front and rear fenders show more of the black laced steel wheels. The soulful 1200 Evolution engine growls through a Chrome Slash-Cut Staggered exhaust.

Nightster features:

  • · Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200cc engine
  • · Medium Gray powder-coated engine with polished covers
  • · Black laced steel wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear
  • · New low profile front fender
  • · Black low-rise handlebar
  • · Sportster Classic solo seat
  • · Chrome Slash Cut Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
  • · Black mid-mount foot controls
  • · Lowest-Profile rear shocks
  • · Lowest-Profile front forks
  • · Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
  • · Black front forks with gaiters
  • · Bullet hole belt guard and front fender supports
  • · Side-mount license plate holder
  • · Combination rear brake/tail/turn lights
  • · Lowered front and rear suspension
  • · Optional Smart Security System

 

XL 883L Sportster 883 Low

Sportster 883 Low
Featuring low profile ergonomics with a seat height of just 25.3 inches, the Sportster 883 Low offers an exciting combination of precise handling and stunning style, including a new front fender that hugs the silver cast aluminum wheel. The 883 Low inspires confident riding for those who appreciate a lighter, nimble motorcycle with signature Evolution V-Twin performance.

Sportster 883 Low features:

  • · Rubber-mounted XL 883cc Evolution engine
  • · Silver powder-coated engine with polished treatment
  • · Lowered front and rear suspension
  • · Silver 13-spoke Cast Aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear
  • · New low profile front fender
  • · Wide reduced-reach polished handlebar
  • · Reduced-reach solo seat
  • · Chrome Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
  • · Mid-mount foot controls
  • · Lowest-Profile rear shocks
  • · Lowest-Profile front forks
  • · Easy Reach sidestand
  • · Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
  • · Optional Chrome Laced Steel wheels
  • · Optional Smart Security System

 

XL 883C Sportster 883 Custom

Sportster 883 Custom
Those seeking a laid-back, two-up custom ride need look no further than the 883 Custom. With a new suspension and lighter rear wheel, a 4.5-gallon fuel tank, two-up seat, and pullback handlebar riser, the 883 Custom rolls down the road with true style, comfort and authentic American V-Twin performance.

Sportster 883 Custom features:

  • · Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 883cc engine
  • · Silver powder-coated engine and with polished rocker boxes
  • · New lighter Silver Solid Disc Cast Aluminum 16-inch rear wheel
  • · Chrome Laced Steel 21-inch front wheel
  • · New recalibrated suspension
  • · New low profile front fender
  • · Chrome low-rise handlebar on pullback riser
  • · One-piece, two-up Sportster Classic seat
  • · Chrome Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
  • · Low-Profile rear shocks
  • · Forward foot controls
  • · 4.5-gallon fuel tank
  • · Optional Smart Security System

 

XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low

Sportster 1200 Low
Offering a preferred blend of performance, agility and ergonomics, the Sportster 1200 Low adds a recalibrated suspension and tire-hugging front fender for 2009. Powered by a fuel-injected 1200cc Evolution V-Twin engine, the 1200 Low also features a pull-back handlebar, a low 26.3-inch seat height, and a 4.5-gallon fuel tank. Black 13-spoke Cast Aluminum wheels are not available on any other Sportster model sold in North America.

Sportster 1200 Low features:

  • · Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200cc engine
  • · Black powder-coated engine with chrome covers
  • · Black 13-spoke Cast Aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear
  • · Wide handlebar on pull-back risers
  • · New recalibrated suspension
  • · New low profile front fender
  • · One-piece, two-up Sportster Classic seat
  • · Chrome Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
  • · Low-Profile rear shocks
  • · Low-Profile front forks
  • · Mid-mount foot controls
  • · Integrated chrome gauge housing and handlebar clamp
  • · Black fender strut covers
  • · 4.5-gallon fuel tank
  • · Optional Steel Laced wheels
  • · Optional Smart Security System

 

XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom

Sportster 1200 Custom
Packing plenty of power and just the right mix of chrome, the Sportster 1200 Custom stays true to its name. With a new lighter-weight chrome Slotted Disc Cast Aluminum rear wheel, chrome Laced Steel 21-inch front wheel with new fender, chrome engine highlights, chrome handlebar and headlight, and a polished fuel tank console, the 1200 Custom shimmers with style. Forward controls and a pull-back handlebar riser give the rider a cool-for-cruising position in the saddle.

Sportster 1200 Custom features:

  • · Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200cc engine
  • · Black powder-coated engine with chrome covers
  • · New lighter Chrome Slotted Disc Cast Aluminum 16-inch rear wheel
  • · Chrome Laced Steel 21-inch front wheel
  • · Chrome Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
  • · Chrome bullet headlight
  • · Wide polished handlebar on chrome pull-back risers
  • · New recalibrated suspension
  • · New low profile front fender
  • · One-piece, two-up Sportster Classic seat
  • · Low-Profile rear shocks
  • · Forward foot controls
  • · Polished fuel tank console
  • · 4.5-gallon fuel tank
  • · Optional Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced wheels
  • · Optional Smart Security System

 

SPORTSTER TIMELINE

1947     Board of Directors' records mention discussion of a bike in the design stage called the "Deluxe Sport Model," which was to have an "entirely new 61 cubic inch overhead valve V-Twin engine," and was to be 150 to 200 pounds less than the Big Twins of the time.
 
1952 The K model is introduced, a 750cc side-valve, V-Twin driven model. The K model is the direct ancestor of the XL Sportster.
 
1957 The XL Sportster replaces the K model. This 55 cubic-inch, overhead valve bike improves upon the power and handling of the K model. The engine and transmission were all new.
 
1958 The Sportster CH (XLCH) is introduced. The CH stands for "Competition Hot," and is a more stripped-down version of the original XL. The new motorcycle also introduces the trademark "Peanut" gas tank and staggered dual exhaust.
 
1959 Introduction of the Sportster H (XLH).
 
1967 The XLH Sportster receives electric start.
 
1970 The XR-750 racing motorcycle is introduced. The XR-750 is driven by what is essentially a de-stroked Sportster engine.
 
1976 The XLCR or Cafe Racer is introduced and is one of the most unique of all Sportster platform bikes. The black sport motorcycle combines the classic European cafe racer with American styling and power.
 
1979 The XLS Roadster is introduced, a more customized version of the traditional Sportster platform.
 
1982 The 25th Anniversary Sportster, complete with the more classic "Sportster" gas tank logo, is introduced. 
 
1983 The XLX-61 is introduced, a more stripped down, yet customized Sportster.
 
1986 The Sportster family receives the Sportster Evolution engine in 883 and 1100cc displacements.
 
1987 The 30th Anniversary Sportster is introduced.
 
1988 Introduction of the first of the Sportster Hugger Motorcycles, which offered a lower seat height.
 
1996 The first 1200S "Sport" and 1200C "Custom" bikes are introduced. The Sport offers race styling and power, and the Custom offers unique chrome appointments and other custom features unique to the bike.
 
1998 Sportster production moves to Harley-Davidson's factory in Kansas City, MO.
 
2002 Patterned after the race model of the same name, the new Sportster 883R street motorcycle, incorporates racing styling going back to 1970.
 
2003 Harley-Davidson's 2003 model year line-up included Sportsters with 100th Anniversary accoutrements.
 
2004 Completely redesigned XL Sportster family is introduced with a redesigned, rubber-mounted Sportster XL Evolution powertrain, a stiffer frame, and a lower seat height.
 
2005 XL Sportster 883 Low is introduced with ergonomics designed specifically to fit smaller riders, and that make it easier to lift off its sidestand. A seat height of just 26 inches makes the 883 Low the lowest Sportster ever.