Model Production Numbers

• XLH (955)
• XLCH (2,815)
• XLRTT (25)

Colors ¹⁾

• Black and White.
• Holiday Red and White.
• Options:
  • Hi-Fi Blue and White.
  • Hi-Fi Red and White.

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 ²⁾
  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 specific information on serial numbers and VINs in the Sportsterpedia (including the 1962-1969 Even/Odd Rule).

Engine Serial Number for 1965 Sportsters
Model Year (first 2 digits)	Model (next few digits) (up to 4)	Sequential Serial# (remaining digits)
65	XLH XLCH	(example) 12345
Example: (65XLCH 12345) indicates a 1965 XLCH model and is stamped on the Left Engine Case Between the Cylinders 3)
Example Serial Number on Engine Reads: 65XLCH12345
65	XLCH	12345

Click Here for the main technical menu in the Sportsterpedia.
Also see the “Misc Resources” section on the bottom of that page for technical docs and information.

• XLH, XLCH

• Wheelbase: ⁴⁾
  • XLH, 56.5 in / 143.51 cm
  • XLCH, 57 in / 144.78 cm
• Overall Length:
  • XLH, 87 in / 220.98 cm
  • XLCH, 83.25 in / 211.45 cm
• Overall Width:
  • XLH 34 in / 86.36 cm
  • XLCH, 29.5 in / 74.93 cm
• Overall Height:
  • XLH, 40-1/2 in / 103 cm
  • XLCH, 42 in / 106.7 cm
• Saddle Height:
  • XLH, 26-7/8 in to 29 in / 68.26 cm to 73.66 cm
  • XLCH, 30-1/2 in / 77.47.2 cm
• Road Clearance:
  • XL/XLH, 2-1/2 in to 4-5/8 in / 6.35 cm to 11.74 cm
  • XLCH, 4-1/8 in to 6-1/2 in / 10.47 cm to 16.51 cm ⁵⁾

• Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 ⁶⁾
• Displacement: 53.9 ci / 883 cc (900 cc advertised)
• Compression Ratio: 9:1
• Bore: 3 in / 76.2 mm
• Stroke: 3.8125 in / 96.8 mm
• Horsepower: 55 @ 6,300rpm ⁷⁾
• Taxable Horsepower: 7.2
• Torque: 52 ft-lb @ 3800 RPM
• Weight:
  • XLCH - 188lbs.
  • XLH - 204 lbs.
• 4 Cams
• Gear driven type oil pump.
  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)
• XLH Ignition: Battery Ignition System (circuit breaker/points/timer/distributor)
  • Point Gap: .020“
• XLCH Ignition: Magneto Ignition System
  • Point Gap: .015”
• Dwell: 90° at 1000 RPM
• Ignition Timing
  • Advanced - XLH, XLCH: 45° (11/16“) BTDC
  • Retarded - XLH: 15° (5/64”) BTDC
• Spark Plugs
  • #4 for everyday use.
  • #5 for hard service.
    • Gap
      • XLH: .025“-.030”
      • XLCH: .020“
• Fuel System: Linkert DC carburetor.

• Fuel Capacity: ⁸⁾
  • XL, XLH 3.75 gal / 14.19 l ⁹⁾
  • XLCH 2.25 gal / 8.51 l
• Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 2.83 l
• Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l

• Multi-Disc dry clutch-pack with alternate steel and fiber friction plates.¹⁰⁾

• Constant Mesh - right side foot shift ¹¹⁾
• Speeds - 4 Forward
• Number of Sprocket Teeth
  • XLH:
    • Engine: 34
    • Clutch: 59
    • Transmission: 21
    • Rear Wheel: 51
  • XLCH:
    • Engine: 34
    • Clutch: 59
    • Transmission: 20
    • Rear Wheel: 51
• Standard Gear Ratios (XLH)
  • 1st: 10.63 to 1
  • 2nd: 7.69 to 1
  • 3rd: 5.82 to 1
  • 4th: 4.21 to 1
• Standard Gear Ratios (XLCH)
  • 1st: 11.16:1
  • 2nd: 8.08:1
  • 3rd: 6.11:1
  • 4th: 4.42:1

Tire pressure (based on a rider weighing app. 150 lbs or more).
For each 50 lbs of overload, increase rear tire pressure by 2 lbs, front by 1 lb ¹²⁾ but not exceeding manuf max tire pressure.

• XLH:
  • Front: 3.50 x 18 (tire pressure: 14 psi / .96 bar)
  • Rear: 3.50 x 18 (tire pressure: 18 psi / 1.24 bar)
• XLCH:
  • Front: 3.25 / 3.50 x 19 (tire Pressure: 14 psi / .96 bar)
  • Rear: 4.0 x 18 (tire pressure: 18 psi / 1.24 bar)

What is the Current KBB Value? ¹³⁾

What is the Current KBB Value? ¹⁴⁾

Click on pic to enlarge:

1965 XLCH 15)

1965 Parts Manual (40.9mb)¹⁶⁾

Back to Sportster History Index