Cruisers
1981Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster
19 fields on record
The 1981 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster is an air-cooled V-twin designed for riders seeking classic American styling with genuine performance. Known for its lightweight handling and accessible power delivery, it delivers nimble street performance while maintaining the iconic Harley character. This model represents the sweet spot between cruiser comfort and sportier agility that defined the Sportster line.
- Capacity
- 997.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 4-speed
- Wet weight
- 240.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 55.0 HP (40.5 kW) @ 5800 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- This is a classic air-cooled cruiser-sport hybrid meant for relaxed street riding, short trips, and enjoying the torque and sound of a traditional Harley V2 rather than chasing lap times.
- Built for
- It has a raw, mechanical charm with heavy low-end torque delivery, air-cooled engine vibration, and an old-school feel that prioritizes personality over refinement.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders wanting modern sportbike acceleration, long-distance touring comfort, or any kind of off-road capability.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 997.0 ccm
- Power
- 55.0 HP (40.5 kW) @ 5800 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2292 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 81.0 x 96.8 mm
- Compression
- 9.0:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 4-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 180.0 km/h (111.8 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- MJ 90-19
- Rear tyre
- MT 90-16
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1980 | 1981 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 997 cc | 997 cc | 997 cc | 997 cc | 997 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 9 L | 9 L | 8.5 L | 8.5 L | 8.5 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster?
The 1981 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster has a Capacity of 997.0 ccm (60.84 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster have?
The 1981 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster has a Power of 55.0 HP (40.5 kW) @ 5800 RPM.
How many gears does the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster have?
The 1981 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster has a Gearbox of 4-speed.
How much does the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster weigh?
The 1981 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster has a Wet weight of 240.0 kg (529.1 pounds).
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