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1964 Sportster

Vehicle Identification

Engine Serial Numbers

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.

  • The engine serial number is stamped on the left side of the engine case between the two cylinders.
    The first 5 or 6 digits represent the year and model 1)
    From 1962-1969, models with 4 digit production (serial) numbers have an even-numbered first digit for even years and odd numbered first digit for odd years.

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

Illustrations

The following illustrations are displayed for historic and period specific parts identification only. Refer to the original OEM documents for additional information. 2)
Click on any illustration below to enlarge.



Specifications

Engine

  • Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 3)
  • Displacement: 54 ci / 883 cc
  • Hemi-spherical style heads
  • Bore: 3 in / 7.62 cm 4)
  • Stroke: 3.8125 in / 9.68 cm 5)
  • 90 Degree Valve Angle
  • Horsepower: 42 @ 5,500rpm (XL) 6)
XL XLH,XLCH
Compression 7.5:1 9.0:1
Torque 48 ft-lb / 2.023 Nm @ 3600 RPM52 ft-lb / 2.191 Nm @ 3800 RPM

7)

Capacities

  • Fuel capacity: 4 gal / 15.14 l (XLCH 2.2 gal / 8.328 l)8)
  • Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 2.83 l 9)
  • Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l 10)
  • MPG: 50mpg (est.)

Dimensions

  • Weight: 495 lb / 225 kg
XL, XLH XLCH
Wheelbase 56.6 in / 143.51 cm 57 in / 137.6 cm
Overall Length87 in / 221 cm 83.25 in / 211.4 cm
Overall Width 34 in / 86.36 cm 29.5 in / 75 cm
Overall Height40.5 in / 103 cm 42 in / 106.7 cm
Road Clearance2.5 in / 6.35 cm minimum4 1/8 in / 10.478 cm minimum

11)

Drivetrain

  • 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

Tires

Tires SizeXL, XLHXLCH
Front3.50 X 183.25/3.50 X 19
Rear3.50 X 184.00 X 18
  • Tire pressure
    • Front: 14 psi / .96 bar
    • Rear: 18 psi / 1.24 bar

12)

Models

XLH 883

What is the Current KBB Value? 13)

XLCH 883

What is the Current KBB Value? 14)

1964 XLCH 15)

Back to Sportster History Index

1)
HD Parts Catalog XLH/XLCH-1000 #(99451-78)
2)
illustrations from various academic journals
3) , 4) , 5) , 6) , 7) , 8) , 9) , 10) , 11) , 12)
Harley-Davidson 1957 - 1969 Service Manual
15)
1964 XLCH pic courtesy of the owner,Magneto Sportster, of the XLFORUM ((http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2012146&page=2
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