There was no frame identification for purpose of ownership on 1957-1969 model Sportsters.
However, there were stampings on the different parts of the frame combined with certain features that can be used to date the frame.
Click Here to view Ironhead Frame Identification in the Sportsterpedia.

The only numbers for the purpose of identification were on the engine case.

• For 1957-1961 models, the engine serial number is stamped on the left side of the engine case between the two cylinders.
  First 4 or 5 digits are the year and bike model followed by a series of 4 or 5 numbers that established the individual serial number for each bike.
  

Click Here for more specific information on serial numbers and VINs in the Sportsterpedia.

Engine Serial Number for 1958 Sportsters
Model Year (first 2 digits)	Model (next few digits) (up to 4)	Sequential Serial# (remaining digits)
58	XL XLH XLC XLCH	(example) 12345
Example: (58XLCH 12345) indicates a 1958 XLCH model and is stamped on the Left Engine Case Between the Cylinders 1)
Example Serial Number on Engine Reads: 58XLCH12345
58	XLCH	12345

• XL, XLH, XLCH

• Weight: 495 lb / 225 kg ²⁾
• Wheelbase: ³⁾
  • XL/XLH, 56.5 in / 143.51 cm
  • XLCH, 57 in / 144.78 cm
• Overall Length:
  • XL/XLH, 87 in / 220.98 cm
  • XLCH, 83.25 in / 211.45 cm
• Overall Width:
  • XL/XLH 34 in / 86.36 cm
  • XLCH, 29.5 in / 74.93 cm
• Overall Height:
  • XL/XLH, 40-1/2“ / 103 cm
  • XLCH, 42 in / 106.7 cm
• Saddle Height:
  • XL/XLCH, 26-7/8 in to 29 in / 68.26 cm to 73.66 cm
  • XLCH, 30 in / 76.2 cm
• Road Clearance:
  • 2-1/2 in to 4-5/8 in / 6.35 cm to 11.74 cm

• Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 ⁴⁾
• Displacement: 53.9 ci / 883 cc (900 cc advertised)
• Compression Ratio:
  • XL 7.5:1
  • XLH, XLCH 9:1
• Bore: 3 in / 76.2 mm
• Stroke: 3.8125 in / 96.8 mm
• Horsepower:
  • XL 42 @ 5,500 rpm
  • XLH, XLCH 55 @ 6,300rpm ⁵⁾
• Taxable Horsepower: 7.2
• Torque:
  • XL 48 ft/lb @ 3.600 RPM
  • XLH, XLCH 52 ft-lb @ 3800 RPM
• Weight:
  • XLCH - 188lbs.
  • XL, XLH - 204 lbs.
• 4 Cams
• Oil Pump: Gear driven type oil pump. Click Here for the IH Oil Pump section of the Sportsterpedia.
• Oil pump pressure (gauge mounted in place of oil pressure switch):
  • Idle, with spark retarded (Min: 3-7 psi)
  • Normal riding conditions: 10-14 psi (6 psi at 20 mph)
• Fuel System: Linkert DC carburetor. Click Here for the main Ironhead carb page in the Sportsterpedia.
• Spark Plugs
  • #4 for everyday use.
  • #5 for hard service.

• Fuel Capacity: ⁶⁾
  • XL, XLH 4.1 gal / 15.52 l
  • XLCH 2.25 gal / 8.51 l
• Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 2.83 l
• Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l

• 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: 579⁷⁾
• XLH - Number Produced: 711⁸⁾
• XLCH - Number Produced: 239⁹⁾
• XLRTT - Number Produced: 26¹⁰⁾

• Skyline Blue / Birch White¹¹⁾
• Calypso Red / Birch White¹²⁾
• Sabre Gray Metallic / Birch White¹³⁾
• Black / Birch White¹⁴⁾

• Both the XLC and XLCH had: ¹⁵⁾
  • Larger ports and valves
  • High domed pistons
  • Light ended tappets
  • Magneto ignition

• Both the XLC and XLCH had: ¹⁶⁾
  • Larger ports and valves
  • High domed pistons
  • Light ended tappets
  • Magneto ignition

• In 1958, the XLH was introduced with: ¹⁷⁾
  • 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 XLH ¹⁸⁾

1958 Parts Manual¹⁹⁾

Back to Sportster History Index