Positioned in Harley-Davidson's classic motorcycle lineup, the 1975 Harley-Davidson XLCH 1000 Sportster pairs a 1000 cc (61 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 61 HP (44.5 kW) at 6,200 rpm while maximum torque reaches 70.5 Nm (52 lb-ft) at 3,800 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through chain final drive. With a specific output of 61 HP per liter and a 2,400 rpm working window between peak torque (3,800 rpm) and peak power (6,200 rpm), the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.
On the scales, the XLCH 1000 Sportster measures 244 kg (538 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.25 HP/kg (4 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 1,486 mm (58.5 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 8.32-liter (2.2 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 4.7 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 177 km (110 miles) between fill-ups.
Within MotoLibrary's Harley-Davidson archive, this model family spans 6 indexed model years from 1973 to 1978, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Specific Output
61 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.25 HP/kg (4 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
3,800–6,200 rpm
Theoretical Range
~177 km (110 mi)
Engine
Displacement1000.0 ccm (61.02 cubic inches)
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailsIronhead Sportster engine
Power61.0 HP (44.5 kW)) @ 6200 RPM
Torque70.5 Nm (7.2 kgf-m or 52.0 ft.lbs) @ 3800 RPM
Compression9.0:1
Bore x Stroke81.0 x 96.8 mm (3.2 x 3.8 inches)
Valves/Cylinder2
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Bendix 16P12
Fuel ControlOverhead Valves (OHV)
IgnitionPoints
LubricationForce-Feed (Pressure) Oil pump.
CoolingAir
Transmission
Final DriveChain (final drive)
ClutchWet-multiple disk
Performance
Fuel Consumption4.70 litres/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50.05 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, double cradle. Swing arm.
Rake29.6°
Front SuspensionTelescopic forks, 175mm wheel travel
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
