2004 Harley Davidson Motorcycle Range

Sportster | Touring | Softail | Dyna | VRSC

The latest 2004 Sportster line-up continues a long tradition that can be traced back to 1947;

• 1947 Board of directors' records mention discussion of a bike in the design stage called the "Deluxe Sport Model," which was to have an "entirely new 61 cubic inch (1,000cc) overhead valve V-twin engine," and was to be 150 to 200 lbs (68 - 90 kg) less than the big twins of the time.
• 1952 Model year saw the introduction of the K model, a 750cc side-valve, V-twin.
• 1957 Model year, the XL Sportster replaced the K model. The 55 cubic inch (901cc), overhead valve bike improved upon the power and handling of the K model. The engine and transmission were all new.
• 1958 Model year, the Sportster CH (XLCH) was introduced. The CH referred to "Competition Hot," and is a more stripped-down version of the original XL. The new motorcycle also introduced the trademark "Peanut" gas tank and staggered dual exhaust.
• 1959 Model year, the Sportster H (XLH) introduced.
• 1967 The XLH Sportster received electric start.
• 1970 The XR-750 racing motorcycle was introduced. The XR-750 was driven by what is essentially a de-stroked Sportster engine.
• 1977 model year. Probably the most unique of all Sportster platform bikes, the XLCR, or Cafe Racer was introduced. The black sport motorcycle combined the classic European cafe racer with American styling and power.
• 1979 model year. The XLS Roadster was introduced, a more customised version of the traditional Sportster platform. The first of the Sportster "Hugger" Motorcycles was conceived.
• 1982 model year saw the 25th Anniversary Sportster, complete with the more classic "Sportster" gas tank logo.
• 1983 model year. The XLX-61 was introduced; a more stripped down, yet customised Sportster.
• 1986 model year. The Sportster family received the Sportster Evolution engine in 883 and 1,100cc displacements.
• 1987 model year, the 30th Anniversary Sportster.
• 1988 model year, the Sportster "Hugger" derivative joins the model line-up as a full-time member..
• 1996 model year, the first of the 1200S "Sport" and 1200C "Custom" bikes. The Sport offered race styling and power, and the Custom offered unique chrome appointments and other custom features unique to the bike.
• 1998 Sportster production moves to Harley-Davidson's factory in Kansas City, MO.
• 2002 model year, the Sportster 883R street motorcycle, patterned after the race model of the same name, and incorporating racing styling going back to 1970, was introduced.

Harley-Davidson has capped its year-long centenary celebrations with the introduction of a completely new XL Sportster line, a new VRSCB V-Rod power-cruiser, and a host of product improvements on its 2004 models. Extended service intervals across the range, add to daily practicality.

"Harley-Davidson roars into its next 100 years at full throttle," said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Director of Motorcycle Product Development. "We are turning the excitement of the past year into momentum that will carry us into the future."

Highlights of the 2004 Harley-Davidson line-up include: XL Sportster is all new with a redesigned, rubber-mounted XL Evolution engine, a stiffer frame, and lower seat heights. Four models, including the new XL1200R Roadster, acknowledge the 47 years of Sportster heritage but deliver new levels of comfort and performance. VRSCB V-Rod offers a tough, new blacked-out styling interpretation of the award-winning, liquid cooled V-Rod power-cruiser.

New Road King Custom brings new style to the Harley-Davidson Touring line.

EFI is standard on all Big Twins. All Twin Cam 88 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles on sale in Europe will have electronic fuel injection (EFI). EFI is added to the Dyna line for the first time and a new-look fuel tank and console updates the styling of Dyna Glide motorcycles.