Harley-Davidson Shows 2005 Sportster Motorcycles, Including 883L with Lowest Seat Ever

Conspicuous in its absence when the all-new rubber-mounted 2004 Sportster line was announced last year was the low-saddle Hugger model. That motorcycle, with its low saddle and tightened up ergonomic relationships, catered to shorter riders. Now, with its announcement of its 2005 Sportster line, Harley has remedied that with a new motorcycle designated the Sportster 883L. The 883L features shortened suspension to lower the chassis and a thin-cushion solo saddle to get the seat height down to a claimed 26 inches (Harley's seat-height specifications are usually measured with a rider aboard). Harley says it is the lowest Sportster seat height ever. The 883L also gets its own handlebar bend, which brings the grips back closer to the rider, and a "mid-set" footpeg position.

In addition, the full Sportster range gets a larger rear axle, now 1.00-inch in diameter instead of the original's .75-inch size. All the related parts—rear wheel, swingarm, brake components, etc.—are also changed to accommodate the new axle. In addition, all Sportster family members get a reflector-type headlight, which Harley says provides better lighting.

Except for the Sportster 1200 Custom, which rose by $70 for 2005, all Sportster prices are the same for 2005 as they were in 2004. The suggested prices shown here are for "vivid black" bikes without freight (which adds $195). If you want actual colors, a single color adds $180, and two-tones, where available, raise the MSRP by $375. There is a $120 emissions equipment charge for California models, and laced wheels and security systems each add $270 ($320 for the wire wheels on some models).

The Sportster models are being shipped to dealers now. The rest of Harley's 2005 models will be announced on July 15.

Harley's complete release on the new models follows.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES EARLY RELEASE OF 2005 SPORTSTERS
New Model Introduced Offering Lower Seat Height and Ergonomics

MILWAUKEE (June 28, 2004) - Following an acclaimed redesign in 2004, the Harley-Davidson Sportster family moves forward in 2005 with a new model, the XL Sportster 883L, and an update to the rear axle of all Sportster models. To keep up with the high demand for the new 2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster models, shipments of 2005 models will begin early, with 2005 Sportsters shipments starting June 28, 2004.

For 48 years, the Sportster has been evocative of raw Harley-Davidson performance - a narrow, nimble motorcycle powered by a classic, torquey V-Twin engine. Five models comprise the Sportster line for 2005, each powered by an XL Evolution V-Twin engine that was completely redesigned last year, with improved cooling, high-flow cylinder heads and lighter pistons and connecting rods. The engine is rubber-mounted in the frame to isolate the rider from vibration. Stabilizer links mate the engine to the frame to enhance overall chassis stiffness.

A key update to all Sportster models for 2005 is a series of component changes associated with the rear axle. The diameter of the rear axle is increased to 1.00 inch from 0.75 inch. A new swingarm was designed to accommodate the thicker axle. A new rear wheel and new rear brake caliper also are fitted to accommodate the new rear axle. The result is a 5 percent increase in total vehicle torsional stiffness, which the rider will feel as more precise, responsive handling in all 2005 Sportster models.

All 2005 Sportster models will also have a new headlight with clear-lens, reflector-optics for improved lighting performance. A small Bar & Shield cloisonne is affixed to the headlight lens. In addition, the '05 Sportster family offers 18 color combinations and hundreds of Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories are available.

For anyone who has been dreaming about owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the Sportster family provides a variety of options, all at an affordable price ranging from $6,495 to $9,495.

XL Sportster 883L

The new XL Sportster 883L features ergonomics designed specifically to fit smaller riders, and that make it easier to lift off its sidestand. A seat height of just 26 inches makes the 883L the lowest Sportster ever. A new solo seat has a lower cushion height than the seat on the XL Sportster 883, and the seat is also positioned further forward. New handlebars are pulled further back and are wider than those on the XL Sportster 883. Mid-mount foot controls will fit a wide variety of riders. Front and rear suspension is lowered and re-tuned to maintain precise handling while making it 40 percent easier to lift off its sidestand. The Sportster 883L will be offered in five colors, with a special tank graphic that differentiates it from other Sportster models.

XL Sportster 883L features:

XL 883 Sportster 883

The XL Sportster 883 is the most affordable Harley-Davidson model for 2005 at an MSRP of $6,495. Its rubber-mounted XL Evolution 883 engine delivers smooth power for easy get-aways and a vibration-free ride at highways speeds. All the classic Sportster styling elements are here: the distinctive "peanut" fuel tank, staggered dual exhaust and an oval air-cleaner cover.

XL 883 Sportster 883 features:

XL 883C Sportster 883 Custom

The Sportster 883 Custom offers a laid-back
profile, with forward controls and pull-back handlebars.
A laced 21-inch front wheel, a longer, 4.5-gallon fuel
tank and a two-up seat give this Sportster a leaner,
lower look. Ten paint combinations are offered
for 2005 including solid, pearl and two-tone
schemes.

XL 883C Sportster 883 Custom features:

XL 1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster

The XL 1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster offers a harder-edged, performance-oriented interpretation of the Sportster legacy. Its high-performance XL Evolution 1200 engine delivers 70 hp and 79 ft. lbs. of torque for responsive performance across the powerband. Wide, polished handlebars give the rider great leverage in turns, and dual front disc brakes and tachometer are standard. The 3.3-gallon fuel tank features a classic Sportster graphic and a two-tone paint scheme.

XL 1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster features:

XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom

The Sportster 1200 Custom offers the performance
of the rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200 engine
with classic custom touches including a laced
21-inch front wheel and slotted disc rear wheel,
chrome engine covers, forward-mount controls as
well as pull-back handlebars and riser.

XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom features:

Harley-Davidson Motor Company's entire line of motorcycles will be introduced on July 15, 2004.