| MODEL | HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 1000 XLH 1979 |
| Year | 1979 |
| Engine Type | Air-cooled 45° V-twin, Ironhead, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 997 cc / 60.8 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 81.0 x 96.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 41.6 kW / 57 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Max Torque | — |
| Ignition | Electronic |
| Induction | Single 34 mm Keihin carburettor |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 4-speed |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Revised steel frame with rectangular oil tank |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic hydraulic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Swingarm with dual shock absorbers |
| Front Brakes | Single 285 mm disc |
| Rear Brakes | Single hydraulic disc |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | — |
| Wheelbase | — |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | — |
| Wet Weight | 231 kg / 509 lb |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 3.75-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 4.25-18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.5 Litres / 1.8 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | — |
The 1979 XLH 1000 brought the biggest chassis update since 1972: a revised frame with a rectangular oil tank, a side-mounted battery, moved footpegs and a new exhaust, plus a rear disc brake. It remained the electric-start, touring-oriented Sportster while the kick-start XLCH ended that year. The 1000 cc Ironhead engine and four-speed gearbox carried over.
