XLCH 900 Sportster

1971 Harley-Davidson XLCH 900 Sportster Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by Harley-Davidson for the classic motorcycle segment, the 1971 Harley-Davidson XLCH 900 Sportster utilizes a 882 cc (53.8 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 65 HP (47.4 kW) at 6,300 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 4-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 73.7 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 XLCH 900 Sportster measures 214 kg (472 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.3 HP/kg (3.29 kg per horsepower). The 8.5-liter (2.2 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 180 km/h (112 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Harley-Davidson archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 1970 to 1971, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.