Cruisers
1985Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster
19 fields on record
The 1985 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster is a lightweight, agile cruiser ideal for riders seeking classic American styling with nimble handling. Its air-cooled V-twin engine delivers accessible performance through a 4-speed chain drive, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced riders who value customization and retro appeal.
- 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
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 6000 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
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 6000 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2033 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
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 1985 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 1985 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster has a Power of 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 6000 RPM.
How many gears does the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster have?
The 1985 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster has a Gearbox of 4-speed.
How much does the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster weigh?
The 1985 Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster has a Wet weight of 246.0 kg (542.3 pounds).
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