Category:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson Sportster owners, independent repair shops, mechanics
Competitors 2007:
Other cruiser motorcycles from brands like Indian, Victory, Japanese manufacturers (e.g., Honda Shadow, Yamaha V-Star, Kawasaki Vulcan)
Sportster Identity:
Known for its nimble handling, V-twin engine character, and customizable nature. Represents Harley-Davidson's entry-level and more accessible platform.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to perform maintenance, diagnose issues, and undertake repairs, potentially saving significant costs and extending the life of the motorcycle.
Engine:
Complete engine teardown, rebuild, timing, lubrication, cooling (air-cooled), fuel and exhaust systems
Transmission:
5-speed transmission overhaul, clutch operation, primary drive, final drive
Electrical:
Comprehensive electrical diagnostics, wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, starting and charging systems, battery, gauges, sensors
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front fork and rear shocks), steering, wheels, tires, brakes (front and rear), final drive belt
Bodywork:
Fuel tank, fenders, seat, handlebars, controls, body panels, fasteners
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, drive belt adjustment, chain maintenance (if applicable to specific sub-models), brake fluid service, tire pressure checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system fault finding
Repair Rebuild:
Complete teardown and reassembly of all major components, engine internals, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical components
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Special Tools:
Identification of Harley-Davidson specific tools and their usage
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers from basic maintenance and adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Evolution V-twin
Engine Displacement:
Commonly 883cc (XL883) and 1200cc (XL1200) for the 2007 model year. Specific models will dictate exact displacement.
Bore X Stroke 883Cc:
76.2 mm x 96.8 mm (3.00 in x 3.81 in)
Bore X Stroke 1200Cc:
88.9 mm x 96.8 mm (3.50 in x 3.81 in)
Compression Ratio 883Cc:
Approximately 8.8:1
Compression Ratio 1200Cc:
Approximately 9.7:1
Valve Train:
Overhead valves (OHV), two valves per cylinder
Horsepower 883Cc:
Estimated 55-60 HP (at crankshaft)
Horsepower 1200Cc:
Estimated 65-70 HP (at crankshaft)
Torque 883Cc:
Estimated 50-55 lb-ft (at crankshaft)
Torque 1200Cc:
Estimated 60-65 lb-ft (at crankshaft)
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (Keihin CV 40mm for most models) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) depending on specific model variant. Manual will detail both if applicable.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane or higher recommended.
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson recommends their proprietary oil or a high-quality SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil meeting specifications like API SG or higher. Check manual for exact specs.
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approximately 3.0 US quarts (2.8 liters) for 883cc, 3.5 US quarts (3.3 liters) for 1200cc. Verify with manual.
Type:
5-speed constant mesh
Primary Drive:
Duplex chain, 34/48 tooth (34/48 ratio = 1.41:1)
Final Drive:
Belt drive, 29/61 tooth (29/61 ratio = 2.10:1)
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Gear Ratios:
1st: 10.336, 2nd: 7.015, 3rd: 5.013, 4th: 3.888, 5th: 3.154 (Approximate, verify with manual)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission Lubricant or equivalent SAE 80W-90 gear oil meeting specifications. Check manual for exact specs.
Length Approx:
85.6 inches (2174 mm)
Seat Height Laden Approx:
26.3 inches (668 mm)
Ground Clearance Approx:
4.5 inches (114 mm)
Dry Weight 883Cc Approx:
545 lbs (247 kg)
Dry Weight 1200Cc Approx:
550 lbs (250 kg)
Gvwr Approx:
930 lbs (422 kg)
Fuel Capacity:
3.1 US gallons (11.7 L)
Wheelbase Approx:
59.8 inches (1520 mm)
Tire Size Front:
MH90-21 54H
Tire Size Rear:
150/80B16 71H
Wheel Type:
Spoke or Mag/Cast Alloy, depending on model variant (e.g., XL Custom, XL Low, XL Roadster)
Wheelbase Codes:
Various models like XL883, XL883C, XL1200C, XL1200L, XL1200R will have slightly different dimensions and features.
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is not typically rated by organizations like NHTSA or IIHS in the same manner as automobiles.)
Brakes Front:
Single 292mm (11.5 inch) disc, 4-piston caliper. ABS optional on some models/markets.
Brakes Rear:
Single 292mm (11.5 inch) disc, 2-piston caliper.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED tail/stop lamp, incandescent turn signals.
Security:
Factory installed security system with H-D Smart (Optional) Remote and immobilizer for some models.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer, tachometer (optional/model dependent), odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, indicator lights. Some models may have basic digital displays.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on select 2007 Sportster models and markets.
Diagnostic Ports:
Data link connector for diagnostic tools (e.g., Harley-Davidson Digital Technician) allowing for reading fault codes and monitoring sensor data.
First Service:
1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (typically includes oil change, filter change, primary chain adjustment, inspection).
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months thereafter (includes oil change, filter change, inspection of various components). Check manual for detailed schedule.
Drive Belt Tension:
Check and adjust at specified intervals (e.g., every 2,500 miles). Specific tension values provided in the manual.
Brake Fluid:
Inspect and replace as needed, typically every 2 years or as per manual recommendations.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil (refer to manual for specific Harley-Davidson recommendations and API service categories).
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission Lubricant or equivalent SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Check manual for exact specifications and capacity.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid (for models without ABS). ABS equipped models may require specific DOT 5.1 or other fluids; consult the manual.
Fork Oil Viscosity:
Typically SAE 15W, though specific Sportster models and front suspension types may vary. Manual will specify.
Carbureted Models:
Carburetor adjustment, intake manifold seal leaks, fuel petcock issues.
Efi Models:
TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) issues, crank position sensor errors, minor electrical gremlins (often solvable with diagnostic tools detailed in the manual).
Common Wear Items:
Drive belt wear, clutch cable adjustment, brake pad wear, wheel bearings, fork seals.
Harley Davidson Founding:
Founded in 1903, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Evolution Engine Introduction:
The Evolution V-twin engine was introduced in 1984 for Big Twin models and in 1986 for Sportster models, replacing the Shovelhead and Ironhead engines, respectively. The 2007 models feature the refined Evolution engine.
Sportster Lineage:
The Sportster line has been in continuous production since 1957, making it one of the longest-running motorcycle models in the world. The 2007 models represent a significant evolution of this iconic platform.
Key Changes Leading To 2007:
The 2007 Sportster line saw the introduction of fuel injection across the range for many markets, alongside continued use of carburetors on some specific models. Braking systems were updated over the years, with 2007 models featuring improved braking components.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Kansas City, Missouri facilities were primary manufacturing sites for this era).