Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson Sportster owners, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops
Competitors:
Other V-twin cruisers from Japanese manufacturers (e.g., Yamaha Virago, Honda Shadow, Kawasaki Vulcan) and American brands (e.g., Indian).
Model Identity:
The 1999 Sportster represents a continuation of Harley-Davidson's iconic entry-level cruiser, known for its distinctive V-twin rumble and customizable nature.
Manual Value:
Provides detailed, accurate, and authorized information crucial for maintaining and repairing the 1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster.
Engine:
V-Twin Evolution Engine (883cc, 1200cc variants)
Fuel System:
Carburetion (Keihin CV Carburetor), Fuel lines, Fuel tank, Petcock
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition, Ignition Coils, Spark Plugs, Ignition Module
Transmission:
5-Speed Gearbox, Clutch operation, Primary Drive, Final Drive
Brakes:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes, Brake Calipers, Master Cylinders, Brake Lines, Pads, Fluid
Electrical System:
Battery, Charging System (Stator, Regulator/Rectifier), Lighting System, Starter System, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses
Suspension:
Front Forks (Conventional), Rear Shock Absorbers, Swingarm
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel Bearings, Tire Sizes, Tire Pressure, Spoked Wheels
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, Body panels, Fenders, Fuel tank removal/installation
Exhaust System:
Mufflers, Exhaust Pipes, Heat Shields
Maintenance:
Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Chain adjustment, Brake fluid flush, Battery maintenance, Air filter cleaning/replacement
Repair:
Engine rebuilds (top-end and bottom-end), Transmission overhauls, Clutch replacement, Brake system repairs, Fork seal replacement, Electrical component diagnosis and repair, Carburetor tuning and rebuilding
Troubleshooting:
Diagnosis of starting issues, running problems, electrical faults, brake performance issues, and other common problems
Inspection:
Pre-ride inspections, regular chassis and component inspections
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable, allowing quick finding of specific topics.
Printability:
Printable, enabling users to create physical copies for workshop use.
Image Resolution:
High-resolution, suitable for clear viewing of diagrams and photos (typical of factory service manuals).
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, Evolution engine
Displacement 883:
883 cc (53.7 cubic inches)
Displacement 1200:
1200 cc (73.7 cubic inches)
Bore Stroke 883:
76.2 mm x 96.8 mm (3.00 in x 3.81 in)
Bore Stroke 1200:
88.8 mm x 96.8 mm (3.49 in x 3.81 in)
Compression Ratio 883:
8.8:1
Compression Ratio 1200:
9.0:1
Valve Train:
Overhead Valves (OHV), Pushrod actuated
Cylinder Heads:
Cast Iron
Piston Type:
Cast Aluminum
Horsepower 883 Est:
Approx. 55 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 883 Est:
Approx. 62 ft-lbs @ 3200 rpm
Horsepower 1200 Est:
Approx. 65 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1200 Est:
Approx. 70 ft-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Carburetor Model:
Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) 34mm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Fuel Tank Capacity:
3.3 US gallons (approx. 12.5 Liters)
Fuel Delivery:
Gravity feed from fuel tank to carburetor
Type:
5-speed constant mesh, sequential manual transmission
Primary Drive:
Duplex chain, 34/48 tooth (1.41:1)
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, diaphragm spring
Final Drive:
Belt drive, 32/65 tooth (2.03:1)
Gear Ratios:
Gear 1: 10.11, Gear 2: 7.00, Gear 3: 4.78, Gear 4: 3.70, Gear 5: 3.03
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ Transmission & Primary Chaincase Lubricant (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W/85W gear oil)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
24 US fl oz (0.71 Liters)
Overall Length:
Approx. 87.4 inches (2220 mm) - Varies slightly by model
Wheelbase:
Approx. 59.9 inches (1521 mm)
Seat Height Unladen:
Approx. 26.1 inches (663 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 475 lbs (215 kg) - Varies by model
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 850 lbs (386 kg)
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Motorcycles are not subject to the same standardized crash testing as passenger cars.)
Braking System:
Dual disc front, single disc rear (with hydraulic actuation).
Lighting:
Halogen Headlight, Tail/Brake Light, Amber Turn Signals
Frame Construction:
Steel frame designed for stability and rider control.
Handlebar Design:
Ergonomically designed handlebars for rider comfort and control.
Audio System:
Typically no factory-installed infotainment or audio system. Aftermarket options are common.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not a standard or common option on 1999 Sportsters.
Connectivity Features:
No factory connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, smartphone integration).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,500 miles or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specifications).
Primary Fluid Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or annually.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (or as specified by plugs used).
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage).
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson 20W50 V-Twin Motorcycle Oil (or equivalent SAE 20W50 API SG or higher).
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.0 US quarts (2.8 Liters) with filter change.
Primary Chaincase Lubricant:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ Transmission & Primary Chaincase Lubricant (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W/85W gear oil).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Cam Chain Tensioners:
Early Evolution engines (pre-2000) used plastic cam chain tensioner shoes that could wear out prematurely, potentially leading to engine damage. The manual would likely detail inspection and replacement procedures for these.
Carburetor Tuning:
Keihin CV carburetors can require periodic adjustments for optimal performance due to wear or changes in altitude/environment. Manual covers tuning procedures.
Primary Drive Belt:
Routine inspection and tension adjustment of the final drive belt are necessary.
Brand Story:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an American motorcycle manufacturer renowned for its V-twin engines and cruiser motorcycles.
Sportster Lineage:
The Sportster line, introduced in 1957, is one of Harley-Davidson's longest-running model families. The 1999 models represent the Evolution engine era, evolving from earlier Ironhead Sportsters.
Manufacturing Location:
United States
Production Period:
The Evolution Sportster engine was introduced in 1986. The 1999 model year falls within this generation.