XLH 1000 Sportster

1981 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by Harley-Davidson for the classic motorcycle segment, the 1981 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster relies on a 997 cc (60.8 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 55 HP (40.1 kW) at 5,800 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 4-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 55.2 HP per liter, the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the XLH 1000 Sportster measures 240 kg (529 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.23 HP/kg (4.36 kg per horsepower). The 9-liter (2.4 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 14 indexed model years from 1972 to 1985, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.