Cruisers
1983Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster
19 fields on record
The 1983 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster appeals to riders seeking an accessible, nimble cruiser with genuine American character. Its air-cooled V-twin engine delivers straightforward performance ideal for urban riding and weekend cruising, while the lightweight frame and manageable power output make it perfect for both experienced and newer riders exploring the Harley mystique.
- Capacity
- 997.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 4-speed
- Wet weight
- 246.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 57.0 HP (42.5 kW)
What’s new for the 1983 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster
vs the 1982| Spec | 1982 | 1983 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 6000 RPM | 57.0 HP (42.5 kW) |
| Front brakes | Dual disc | Single disc |
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
- 57.0 HP (42.5 kW)
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2317 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 81.0 x 96.8 mm
- Compression
- 8.8:1
- 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
- 170.0 km/h (105.6 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single 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 1983 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 1983 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster has a Power of 57.0 HP (42.5 kW).
How many gears does the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster have?
The 1983 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster has a Gearbox of 4-speed.
How much does the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster weigh?
The 1983 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster has a Wet weight of 246.0 kg (542.3 pounds).
Shop this bike
Affiliate linksWe may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Similar bikes
Same category, weighted similarity
More Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
1986 Harley-Davidson FLTC 1340 (with Sidecar)
2026 Harley-Davidson Street Bob 117
2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S
2026 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra
2025 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide
2026 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST
1987 Harley-Davidson FLHTC 1340 (with Sidecar)
2026 Harley-Davidson Road King Special
Please log in or register if you'd like to leave a comment.