From Classic To Custom, Seven Great Sportsters For 2008
Two 105th Anniversary Edition Harley-Davidson Sportsters Also Available
By Paul James with Photos from the Factory and the Bob T. Collection

XL1200N

For 2008, Harley-Davidson offers its most diverse line of Sportster models in the 51-year history of the legendary XL platform. From the minimalist, retro-chic styling of the XL 1200N Nightster to the affordable performance of the XL 883 Sportster 883 and the glamorous power of the XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom, there’s a model to match the desires of any rider.

68

As the original American hot-rod motorcycle, the 1957 Sportster brought raw-boned aggression from the flat track to the street with an irresistible combination of power and agility. Over more than a half-century, the Sportster has evolved technologically while staying to its roots, offering riders no-nonsense V-Twin performance and nimble handling in a motorcycle that’s always a cool, fun ride.

80

All Sportster models are powered by the Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) XL Evolution V-Twin powertrain, rubber-mounted in the frame to reduce vibration and tuned to deliver a broad powerband for outstanding street performance. The transmission and engine share a common die-cast case. Final drive is via a clean, quiet and durable belt reinforced with carbon fiber. The Harley-Davidson Smart Security System is an available option on all Sportster models.

tank

New on Sportster for 2008

New Graphics: New tank graphics are featured on the XL 883, XL 883 Low, XL 883C Custom, XL 1200R Roadster and XL 1200C Custom.

XL1200CAE

105th Anniversary Edition: A limited-edition, serialized XL 1200C Custom 105th Anniversary Edition and XL 1200L Low 105th Anniversary Edition will be available in 2008 (see separate release for details on the 105th Anniversary package).

XL1200Nstill

XL 1200N Nightster

Stripped down and gritty, the Nightster reinterprets the Sportster legend with rugged, retro-rod styling. A solo seat and lowered suspension puts the rider just 25.3 inches above the pavement. Clipped front and rear fenders expose chunky tires. Wheel rims and hubs, forks and handlebar, hand and foot controls are finished in basic black. Fork gaiters and a bullet-hole belt guard come from the old-school book of style. Combination rear turn indicators/tail/stop lights and a side-mount license plate clean up the rear fender. The classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank is topped with a simple silver-satin cap. Muscular 1200 Evolution engine barks through new slash-cut chrome Staggered mufflers.

XL 1200N Nightster features:

Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200 cc engine
Medium Gray powder-coated engine with polished covers
Black laced steel wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear
Black low-rise handlebar
Sportster Classic solo seat
Chrome Slash Cut Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
Black mid-mount foot controls
Lowest-Profile rear shocks
Lowest-Profile front forks
Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
Black front forks with gaiters
Bullet hole belt guard and front fender supports
Side-mount license plate holder
Combination rear brake/tail/turn lights
Lowered front and rear suspension
Optional Smart Security System

883

XL 883 Sportster 883

This most-affordable Harley-Davidson model offers the distinctive sound and performance of American V-Twin power in a package that’s narrow and easy to handle. From the classic “peanut” fuel tank to the chrome Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust, the XL 883 maintains Sportster tradition.

XL 883 Sportster 883 features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 883 cc engine
Silver powder-coated engine with polished treatment
Silver 13-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear
NEW tank graphics
Low-rise handlebar
Sportster Classic solo seat
Chrome Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
Mid-mount foot controls
Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
Optional Smart Security System

oldflier
Here’s the new Sportster for 1970.

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