Harley Sportster –  Fast and Stylish
The Harley Sportster is among the many prized models of the Harley Davidson motorcycles that have made their mark throughout history. First produced in the year 1957, the Harley Sportster has evolved from the K, KK, KH and KHK models that were produced between the years 1952 to 1957. Even though these models were never really considered as the Sportster, the Harley Sportster has evolved from these predecessor models of bikes.
The Harley Sportster is the first civilian bike manufactured by Harley which had hydraulic shock absorbers on both the wheels. Over the years, many new models were added to the Harley Sportster family that were improved and enhanced versions of their predecessors. The history of the evolution of the Sportster family is really quite endearing. The first member of the Sportster family was the ‘Iron Head’ produced in 1957. The Iron Head was powered by 900cc and 1000cc iron head over head valve engines. The engines have cast iron heads. The 1000cc engine replaced the 900cc engine in 1972.
Then in later years the Sportster switched to the left side gear change which was because of the DOT mandate. The year 1979 was the only year when the Sportster produces the double exhaust as opposed to a staggered exhaust. Then in the year 1986, the evolution over head engine was evolved. This engine replaces the iron head engine and the latter was not produced again. The evolution engine is also commonly called the ‘evo’.  Then the improvements in the evolution engine were made when the 1100cc engine was replaced by the 1200cc engine. In the late 1980’s the Harley Sportster’s butterfly carburetor was replaced by the constant velocity carburetor.
 All these improvements and enhancements were made to ensure that the Sportster keeps pace with growing technology and maintains its promise of delivering excellence. In continuation of these improvements, many new reforms were made in the Sportster in later years. For example, in 1991 the four-speed transmission was replaced by the five-speed transmission. Then the belt drive replaced the chain drive in all the deluxe models. In 1994 a new electrical system with chained connectors was added to the model. Next, sealed wheel bearings were introduced. In 2004 the Sportster was given a new frame with the introduction of the rubber mounted engine to reduce the vibration and the transmission trap door was totally done away with.
These improvements and enhancements have accounted for the increased popularity of the Sportster. It is said that the Sportster was born on the tracks and raised on the roads. The Sportster family continues to evolve. It has done away with the concept of the V-twin engine. It offers no excuses, and no room for disappointment. It is the perfect combination of power and agility that has become legendary over the years. It may be the longest running model produced by any bike brand over the years. The Sportster is an icon in itself.