1958 Sportster

Introduction of the XLH (H = High Performance) an XLCH (C = stripped frame, H = High Performance) models. XLCH has been interpreted by enthusiasts as Competition Hot or California Hot.

Original Price: $1,265

• Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 ¹⁾
• Displacement: 54 ci / 883 cc
• Hemi-spherical style heads
• Bore: 3 in / 7.62 cm ²⁾
• Stroke: 3.8125 in / 9.68 cm ³⁾
• 90 Degree Valve Angle
• Horsepower: 42 @ 5,500rpm (XL) ⁴⁾

⁵⁾

• Fuel capacity: 4 gal / 15.14 l (XLCH 2.2 gal / 8.328 l)⁶⁾
• Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 2.83 l ⁷⁾
• Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l ⁸⁾
• MPG: 50mpg (est.)⁹⁾

• Weight: 495 lb / 225 kg ¹⁰⁾

¹¹⁾

• Constant Mesh - Foot shift
• Speeds - 4 Forward
• Number of Sprocket Teeth
  • Engine: 34
  • Clutch: 59
  • Transmission: 21 (XLCH 20)
  • Rear Wheel: 51
• Gear Ratios (XL,XLH)
  • 1st: 10.63 to 1
  • 2nd: 7.69 to 1
  • 3rd: 5.82 to 1
  • 4th: 4.21 to 1
• Gear Ratios (XLCH)
  • 1st: 11.16:1
  • 2nd: 8.08:1
  • 3rd: 6.11:1
  • 4th: 4.42:1

• Front and rear: 3.50 x 18
• Tire pressure
  • Front: 14 psi / .96 bar
  • Rear: 18 psi / 1.24 bar

• XL - Number Produced: 579¹²⁾
• XLH - Number Produced: 711¹³⁾
• XLCH - Number Produced: 239¹⁴⁾
• XLRTT - Number Produced: 26¹⁵⁾

• Skyline Blue / Birch White¹⁶⁾
• Calypso Red / Birch White¹⁷⁾
• Sabre Gray Metallic / Birch White¹⁸⁾
• Black / Birch White¹⁹⁾

• Both the XLC and XLCH(Competition/California Hot)had: ²⁰⁾
  • Larger ports and valves
  • High domed pistons
  • Light ended tappets
  • Magneto ignition

• Both the XLC and XLCH(Competition/California Hot)had: ²¹⁾
  • Larger ports and valves
  • High domed pistons
  • Light ended tappets
  • Magneto ignition

• In 1958, the XLH introduced with higher compression and larger valves
• Camshaft gears became integrated with the camshafts, eliminating the need for a woodruff key.
• Drive gearshaft was enlarged .125 in.
• Drive gear and second gear support shaft was enlarged .125 in and had 8 splines (instead of 6).
• Choke control lever moved from left side to the air cleaner.
• Heavier clutch cover and new gasket.
• New oil resistant clutch hub seal and gearshaft o-ring.
• Two brush generator.
• Optional turn signals and 1 in over suspension.

1958 Parts Manual²²⁾

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