Market Segment:
Entry-level to mid-range cruiser motorcycle market, popular for customization and a wide range of rider experience levels.
Key Competitors:
While Harley-Davidson has a unique market position, comparable motorcycles in terms of displacement and cruiser styling could include models from brands like Indian Motorcycle (though typically at a higher price point), and some Japanese cruisers like Yamaha V-Star series, Honda Shadow series, and Kawasaki Vulcan series.
Sportster Appeal:
The Sportster line is known for its iconic styling, relatively accessible price point, and a vast aftermarket support for customization. The 2007 models represent a significant evolution of the platform with fuel injection becoming standard on many variants.
Value For Owner:
This manual is invaluable for owners seeking to perform their own maintenance, understand their motorcycle's systems, or troubleshoot issues, leading to significant cost savings and a deeper understanding of their Harley-Davidson.
Engine Systems:
Engine assembly, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system (if applicable), ignition system, fuel injection system (EFI).
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch operation and adjustment, transmission gears and shafts, final drive belt, primary drive, gear shifting mechanism.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, starter, alternator, lighting system (headlight, taillight, turn signals), ignition system wiring, sensor data, instrument panel functions, wiring diagrams.
Chassis Suspension Brakes:
Frame inspection and repair, front fork (telescopic), rear shock absorbers, wheel bearing service, brake caliper service, brake fluid flush, master cylinder maintenance, brake pad replacement, rotor specifications.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug service, clutch and brake lever adjustment, chain/belt tensioning, tire pressure checks, battery maintenance.
Component Repair:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, fork seal replacement, brake system bleeding and component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Identification of common symptoms, diagnostic flowcharts, troubleshooting steps for engine performance issues, electrical faults, and driveability problems.
Technical Data Specifications:
Torque values for fasteners, engine compression testing, fluid capacities, electrical system specifications, emissions data, tire pressure recommendations.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures for most systems.
Format Details:
Digital download, typically a PDF file. Enables searching, zooming, and printing of specific pages. Quality is generally good for clarity of text and illustrations.
Illustration Clarity:
High. Expect clear, step-by-step illustrations and diagrams to aid in repair and maintenance tasks.
Binding Style:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Evolution V-Twin
Displacement Cc:
883cc (XL883 models) or 1200cc (XL1200 models)
Bore X Stroke Inches:
XL883: 3.00 x 3.47 in. (76.2 x 88.4 mm); XL1200: 3.497 x 3.125 in. (88.8 x 79.4 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Varies by model, typically around 8.8:1 for XL883 and 9.7:1 for XL1200
Horsepower Hp:
Approximately 55-75 HP (varies by specific model and tuning)
Torque Ft Lbs:
Approximately 52-70 ft-lbs (varies by specific model and tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) for most models in 2007.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane (R+M)/91 recommended
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with spark plug fouling diagnostics.
Lubrication System:
Dry-sump, oil circulated by a two-lobe pump. Separate oil tank.
Exhaust System:
Dual exhaust system, tunable and customizable.
Transmission Type:
5-speed constant mesh, sequential manual gearbox
Primary Drive:
46/65 silent chain, 2.070:1 ratio
Final Drive:
Belt drive, 32/66 ratio (3.077:1)
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson Syn3 (or equivalent SAE 20W-50 synthetic motorcycle oil) for engine/transmission/primary drive.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 2.8 U.S. quarts (2.65 liters) for combined engine/transmission/primary.
Overall Length Inches:
Approx. 88-90 inches (depending on model variant)
Seat Height Unladen Inches:
Approx. 26-28 inches (depending on model and suspension)
Dry Weight Lbs:
Approx. 520-560 lbs (depending on model variant)
Gvwr Lbs:
Typically around 900-1000 lbs
Fuel Capacity Gallons:
Approx. 3.1 - 4.5 gallons (depending on tank size/model)
Front Tire Size:
Commonly 100/90-19 or 110/90-18
Rear Tire Size:
Commonly 150/80-16
Wheel Type:
Spoked or cast aluminum wheels
Safety Certifications:
Meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for motorcycles in the US. CE marking for European markets.
Braking System:
Hydraulically actuated front and rear disc brakes. Typically single disc front, single disc rear for 2007 models, though some higher-spec models may have dual front discs.
Anti Lock Brakes:
ABS was generally an optional feature on select 2007 Sportster models, not standard across all variants.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight/brake light, amber incandescent turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel frame and swingarm designed for stability and handling.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog speedometer, tachometer (on some models), odometer, trip meter, engine diagnostics (ECU), indicator lights for turn signals, oil pressure, high beam, neutral, and hazard.
ABS Availability:
Optional on select 2007 models.
Diagnostic Port:
Serviceable via a diagnostic port, allowing connection to Harley-Davidson's Digital Technician tool for advanced diagnostics and tuning.
ECU Function:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) manages fuel injection, ignition timing, and other engine parameters based on sensor inputs.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,500 - 5,000 miles (or 6 months), refer to specific manual for exact interval based on oil type and usage.
Primary Chain Tension Check:
Every 2,500 miles. Adjustment may be needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 miles.
Belt Drive Inspection:
Inspect for wear and proper tension every 5,000 miles. Replacement interval varies greatly based on usage and maintenance, often 30,000-50,000 miles or more.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (SAE 20W-50) or equivalent synthetic motorcycle oil. Capacity: ~2.8 quarts for combined engine/transmission/primary.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid (for ABS equipped models, check manual for specific fluid if different).
Fork Oil:
Specific viscosity and quantity per fork leg (refer to manual, typically a ~5W or 10W fork oil).
Cam Chain Tensioner Wear:
Earlier Evolution engines (pre-2007) had hydraulic cam chain tensioners that could wear out. 2007 models often used improved, but still wear-prone, composite tensioners. This manual will cover inspection and replacement.
Rear Shock Leaks:
Stock rear shocks can sometimes develop leaks or lose damping over time. Manual will detail their inspection and potential replacement.
Efi Related Issues:
While generally reliable, EFI systems can sometimes present issues related to sensors (e.g., throttle position sensor, crank position sensor) or fuel pump performance. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Commonly 63796-77A or equivalent (check specific model).
Harley Davidson Legacy:
Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a history dating back to 1903. Known for its V-twin engines and cruiser styling.
Sportster Line Origin:
The Sportster line, introduced in 1957, is one of Harley-Davidson's longest-running models. It has evolved significantly over the decades, transitioning from earlier OHV engines to the Evolution engine (popularly known as 'Evo') introduced in 1984.
2007 Model Significance:
The 2007 model year is notable as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Sportster line. It also saw further refinement of the Evolution engine, including the widespread adoption of Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) across many of its variants, improving performance, emissions, and cold-weather starting.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (primarily Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Kansas City, Missouri for the Evolution engine models).