Sportster History - 1957 1st Year Harley Sportster Ironhead Discuss Sportster History - 1957 1st Year in the Harley Sportster & Buell forums; I'd like to share a bit of information about the first year 1957 Sportster XL, one of the greatest bikes of its time and the first true American "musclebike." The ...

[47knuck]

I'd like to share a bit of information about the first year 1957 Sportster XL, one of the greatest bikes of its time and the first true American "musclebike."

The Sportster XL was introduced as "a modern, up-to-date power plant."
55 cubic inch, 7.5:1 compression, hemispherical style heads, 90 degree valve angle, 4 cams.

1983 XLs were built in 1957 and they listed for $1,103.

[EZE RIDER]

Thanks for the info. A worthy British invasion fighter.