Sportster XLCH

1961 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLCH Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by Harley-Davidson for the sport motorcycle segment, the 1961 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLCH features a 883 cc (53.9 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 55 HP (40.1 kW) at 6,300 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through chain final drive. With a specific output of 62.3 HP per liter, the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the Sportster XLCH measures 218 kg (481 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.25 HP/kg (3.96 kg per horsepower). The 7.2-liter (1.9 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 185 km/h (115 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Harley-Davidson archive, this model family spans 11 indexed model years from 1958 to 1968, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.