My 1979 XLH Sportster

by john vannote
(russellville, Ar.,USA)

I am wanting to learn more about my bike and what can and can not interchange (parts from other ironhead sportys will work on my bike?) I would like to build a softtail with a wide tire kit to add to it.

Comments for My 1979 XLH Sportster

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May 17, 2010
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79 Sporty...orphan scoot!
by: Tim Spillane

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I had a 79 XLCH Sportster for several years, and I found out one major fact that goes with these otherwise fine scooters...they are a "one year" motorcycle, which means that parts that would otherwise fit either the earliset years to 1978, or likewise the 1980 to 86, do not fit these 1979 models. Exhaust systems, frames, seats, handlebars, sissybars, anything you might want to interchange...none of it works! On the plus side, they are still awesome bikes, mine was built with Andrews race cams, an S&S Shorty carb, 10:1 compression .030 over forged pistons and a set of low restriction headers, and it was the fastest bike I've ever ridden! No word of lie, when I shifted, this thing threw flames out of the headers! Sorry I couldn't give you a positive answer, but hopefully you still dig this bike for what it is, as there are several aftermarket parts suppliers that DO make stuff for this killer Sporty...and for what it's worth, I'd *love* to get my hands on another one! Enjoy it dude!

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