| MODEL | HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 1000 XLS ROADSTER 1979 - 1981 |
| Year | 1979 - 1981 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, 45° V-twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 998 cc / 60.8 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 81 x 96.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 41.7 kW / 57 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 74 Nm / 55 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Ignition | Transistorized |
| Induction | 38 mm Keihin carburettor |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 4 Speed |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Steel single downtube cradle |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Swingarm with dual shocks |
| Front Brakes | Dual 254 mm discs |
| Rear Brakes | Single 292 mm disc |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | — |
| Wheelbase | — |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | — |
| Wet Weight | 245 kg / 540 lbs |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | MJ90-19 |
| Rear Tyre | MT90-16 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.5 Litres / 3.5 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | — |
The XLS Roadster gave the Sportster a cruiser stance: more rake, a longer wheelbase, a 16-inch rear wheel, a stepped seat and taller bars. It used the familiar 1000 cc Ironhead V-twin and four-speed chain drive. Contemporary tests praised its low-speed pull and highway stability but found it heavy, vibey and short on braking.
