1972 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLCH
Classic Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles - History, Pictures, and Information
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To keep up with the litre-bikes that Japan was offering, the Sportster got a bump in motor size in 1972. Boring the cylinders 3/16ths of an inch brought displacement from 883cc to 1000cc. The increase also gave a more optimum bore-to-stroke ratio, resulting in a smoother running motor.
Produced from 1957 to 1985, the Ironhead Sportster is arguably the loudest and meanest-sounding V-twin ever. Sales increased nearly every year of production, along with improvements in power, handling, and reliability.