MILWAUKEE (June 28, 2004) – Following an acclaimed redesign in 2004,the Harley-Davidson Sportster family moves forward in 2005 with a newmodel, the XL Sportster 883L, and an update to the rear axle of allSportster models.
For 48 years, the Sportster has been evocative of raw Harley-Davidsonperformance – a narrow, nimble motorcycle powered by a classic,torquey V-Twin engine. Five models comprise the Sportster line for2005, each powered by an XL Evolution V-Twin engine that wascompletely redesigned last year, with improved cooling, high-flowcylinder heads and lighter pistons and connecting rods. The engine isrubber-mounted in the frame to isolate the rider from vibration.Stabilizer links mate the engine to the frame to enhance overallchassis stiffness.
A key update to all Sportster models for 2005 is a series ofcomponent changes associated with the rear axle.
A new swingarmwas designed to accommodate the thicker axle. A new rear wheel andnew rear brake caliper also are fitted to accommodate the new rearaxle. The result is a 5 percent increase in total vehicle torsionalstiffness, which the rider will feel as more precise, responsivehandling in all 2005 Sportster models.
All 2005 Sportster models will also have a new headlight withclear-lens, reflector-optics for improved lighting performance. Asmall Bar & Shield cloisonné is affixed to the headlight lens. Inaddition, the '05 Sportster family offers 18 color combinations andhundreds of Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories are available.
For anyone who has been dreaming about owning a Harley-Davidsonmotorcycle, the Sportster family provides a variety of options, allat an affordable price ranging from $6,495 to $9,495.
The new XL Sportster 883L features ergonomics designed specificallyto fit smaller riders, and that make it easier to lift off itssidestand. A seat height of just 26 inches makes the 883L the lowestSportster ever. A new solo seat has a lower cushion height than theseat on the XL Sportster 883, and the seat is also positioned furtherforward. New handlebars are pulled further back and are wider thanthose on the XL Sportster 883. Mid-mount foot controls will fit awide variety of riders. Front and rear suspension is lowered andre-tuned to maintain precise handling while making it 40 percenteasier to lift off its sidestand. The Sportster 883L will be offeredin five colors, with a special tank graphic that differentiates itfrom other Sportster models.
XL Sportster 883L features:
Rubber-mounted 883cc XL Evolution engine
Silver powder-coated engine with polished covers
New 1-inch diameter rear axle and stiffer swingarm
Wide polished handlebar
>Lowered front and rear suspension
Low solo seat
New fuel tank graphics
Chrome staggered shorty dual exhaust
Mid-mount foot controls
Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
The XL Sportster 883 is the most affordable Harley-Davidson model for2005 at an MSRP of $6,495. Its rubber-mounted XL Evolution 883 enginedelivers smooth power for easy get-aways and a vibration-free ride athighways speeds. All the classic Sportster styling elements are here:the distinctive “peanut” fuel tank, staggered dual exhaust and anoval air-cleaner cover.
XL 883 Sportster 883 features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 883 engine
Silver powder-coated engine with polished covers
New 1-inch diameter rear axle and stiffer swingarm
Low-rise handlebar
Classic solo seat
Chrome staggered shorty dual exhaust
Mid-mount foot controls
Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
The Sportster 883 Custom offers a laid-back profile, with forwardcontrols and pull-back handlebars. A laced 21-inch front wheel, alonger, 4.5-gallon fuel tank and a two-up seat give this Sportster aleaner, lower look. Ten paint combinations are offered for 2005including solid, pearl and two-tone schemes.
XL 883C Sportster 883 Custom features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 883 engine
Silver powder-coated engine and covers
New 1-inch diameter rear axle and stiffer swingarm
Chrome staggered shorty dual exhaust
Chrome pull-back handlebar riser
Laced 21-inch front wheel, disc 16-inch rear wheel
One-piece, two-up seat
Forward foot controls
4.5-gallon fuel tank
The XL 1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster offers a harder-edged,performance-oriented interpretation of the Sportster legacy. Itshigh-performance XL Evolution 1200 engine delivers 70 hp and 79 ft.lbs. of torque for responsive performance across the powerband. Wide,polished handlebars give the rider great leverage in turns, and dualfront disc brakes and tachometer are standard. The 3.3-gallon fueltank features a classic Sportster graphic and a two-tone paint scheme.
XL 1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200 engine
Silver powder-coated engine and covers with blackpowder-coated cylindersand heads
High-compression, high-flow cylinder heads
High-performance cams
New 1-inch diameter rear axle and stiffer swingarm
Triple-disc brakes
Tachometer
Mid-mount foot controls
13-spoke aluminum wheels
Wide polished handlebars
Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
The Sportster 1200 Custom offers the performance of therubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200 engine with classic custom touchesincluding a laced 21-inch front wheel and slotted disc rear wheel,chrome engine covers, forward-mount controls as well as pull-backhandlebars and riser.
XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200 engine
High-compression, high-flow cylinder heads
High-performance cams
Black powder-coated engine with chrome covers
New 1-inch diameter rear axle and stiffer swingarm
Laced 21-inch front wheel, slotted 16-inch chrome disc rear wheel
Forward foot controls
Chrome pull-back handlebar riser
Chrome bullet headlight
4.5-gallon fuel tank
Harley-Davidson Motor Company's entire line of motorcycles will beintroduced on July 15, 2004.
