Market Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle, Classic American V-Twin
Competitors:
Indian Scout, Japanese V-twins (e.g., Yamaha Virago, Honda Shadow), British Twins (Triumph Bonneville)
Design Philosophy:
Simple, robust V-twin platform, customizable, iconic Harley-Davidson styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the iconic Evo Sportster, preserving its performance and longevity.
Years Covered:
1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Estimated Page Count:
500+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (Evolution V-Twin), Transmission (5-speed constant mesh), Drivetrain (Belt/Chain)
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (Front Fork, Rear Shocks), Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Disc), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Ignition System, Lighting, Charging System, Starter Motor, Wiring Diagrams, Instruments
Fuel System:
Carburetion (Keihin CV), Fuel Tank, Fuel Lines, Fuel Pump (if applicable)
Bodywork:
Body panels, Fenders, Seat, Handlebars, Controls
Maintenance:
Oil change, Filter replacement, Spark plug service, Chain/belt adjustment, Brake fluid flush, Clutch adjustment
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, Symptom-based troubleshooting, Electrical fault finding
Repair:
Engine rebuild, Transmission overhaul, Suspension repair, Brake caliper service, Carburetor rebuilding, Electrical component replacement
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Harley-Davidson specific tools
Depth:
Comprehensive - covers routine maintenance, in-depth diagnostics, and complete unit overhauls. Suitable for professional technicians and skilled DIY mechanics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Evolution V-twin
Displacement 883:
883 cc (53.9 cubic inches)
Displacement 1200:
1199 cc (73.2 cubic inches)
Bore Stroke 883:
76.2 mm x 96.8 mm (3.00 x 3.81 in)
Bore Stroke 1200:
88.8 mm x 96.8 mm (3.49 x 3.81 in)
Compression Ratio 883:
8.4:1
Compression Ratio 1200:
9.0:1
Horsepower 883:
Approx. 50-55 hp (varies by year and tuning)
Horsepower 1200:
Approx. 60-65 hp (varies by year and tuning)
Torque 883:
Approx. 60-65 ft-lbs (varies by year and tuning)
Torque 1200:
Approx. 70-75 ft-lbs (varies by year and tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (Keihin CV 34mm for 883, Keihin CV 40mm for 1200)
Ignition System:
Electronic, Magneti Marelli or Harley-Davidson proprietary (dual spark plugs per cylinder from '94)
Spark Plugs:
Champion RC22PR (or equivalent, dual plug heads require two)
Type:
5-speed, constant mesh
Primary Drive:
Duplex chain
Final Drive:
Belt drive (from '89 onwards, earlier models used chain)
Gear Ratios:
Varies by model year and transmission, detailed in manual
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ (or equivalent 80W-90 GL-1 gear oil)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 2.6 U.S. quarts (2.5 liters)
Safety Features Design:
Designed for stability and rider control in its class. ABS not available on this generation.
Brakes:
Dual-piston front caliper with 11.5" disc, single-piston rear caliper with 10" disc.
Tires:
Standard sizes: Front 100/90-19, Rear 130/90-16 (may vary by model/year).
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, taillight, brake light, turn signals.
First Service:
1,000 miles (1600 km) or 6 months
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months thereafter
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson 20W-50 motorcycle oil (or equivalent V-twin specific oil)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3 U.S. quarts (2.8 liters) with filter change
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ (or equivalent 80W-90 GL-1 gear oil)
Primary Chain Case Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.8 U.S. quarts (0.75 liters)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (for most models)
Fork Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Type E or Type B fork oil (or equivalent 10W or 15W)
Fork Oil Capacity:
Varies by year and fork type, refer to manual (e.g., approx. 10 oz per leg for standard forks)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, battery, rear shock bushings, wheel bearings, carburetor diaphragms.
Potential Problems:
Oil leaks (especially around pushrod tubes), stator failure (less common on later Evo models), starter solenoid issues.
Carburetor Tuning:
Keihin CV carburetors can require adjustment and cleaning for optimal performance, especially with aftermarket modifications.
Brand Identity:
Harley-Davidson, iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a legacy of V-twin engines and rider culture.
Sportster Lineage:
The Sportster platform dates back to 1957, evolving significantly over the decades. The Evo Sportster ('86-'03) represented a major modernization.
Key Changes 1986:
Introduction of the Evolution engine, rubber mounting for reduced vibration, new frame design.
Key Changes 1994:
Introduction of dual spark plugs per cylinder for improved combustion, electric start standard on all models.
Model Discontinuation:
The Evo Sportster line was succeeded by the fuel-injected Evolution Sportster (2004 onwards).
Manufacturing Location:
York, Pennsylvania, USA