XLS 1000 Roadster

1981 Harley-Davidson XLS 1000 Roadster Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by Harley-Davidson for the classic motorcycle segment, the 1981 Harley-Davidson XLS 1000 Roadster pairs a 997 cc (60.8 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. 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 XLS 1000 Roadster measures 245 kg (540 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.22 HP/kg (4.45 kg per horsepower). The 13.5-liter (3.6 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 170 km/h (106 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Harley-Davidson archive, this model family spans 7 indexed model years from 1979 to 1985, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.