SPRUNG - Harley-Davidson® Springer Enthusiast

HD tidbits from 1957

Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/04/06
Subject: HD tidbits from '57

HD tidbits from '57

Enter the Sportster. Basically a K-model with a new top end.
Aluminum rocker boxes, aluminum pistons w/chrome plated top compression ring & nonplated center compression ring & lower U-Flex oil control ring, Stellite faced exhaust valves, 4 cams w/ramps on open and close sides, aluminum alloy pushrods, roller valve lifters called "High Speed Racing Tappets", double tapered Timken roller bearings, engine ID numbers on pad located on left side between cylinders, right side foot shift 4 speed, 7 plate clutch w/left handlebar lever, 2 brush generator w/2 unit regulator, optional windshield and saddlebags.
Other 1957 XL specs: 53.9ci, (883cc), 3.0" x 3.81" bore/stroke, 7.5:1 compression, 40hp @ 5,500rpm, Linkert carb, duplex chain primary, 57" wheelbase, 495lbs, 3 qts oil, 4.4 gallon fuel.

New tank emblem is round Lucite disc, with 2 red and 2 silver quadrants with red "Harley Davidson" name.

Main Models, (Production #'s):

ST Lightweight, 165cc single Flathead, 3 speed, (2401), $445
STU Lightweight, 165cc, restricted intake, 3 speed, $445

XL Sportster, 883cc, medium compression, 4 speed, (1983), $1,103

Servi-Cars, 45ci Flatheads, 3 speed and reverse.
G Servi-Car, w/tow bar, (518), $1,367
GA Servi-Car, w/o tow bar, (674), $1,352

Panheads: Hydra-Glides, 74ci, 4 speed, (production #'s):

FL Sport Solo, (1579), $1,167
FLF Sport Solo, foot-shift, (1259), $1,167
FLH Super Sport Solo, (164), $1,243
FLHF Super Sport Solo, foot-shift, (2614), $1,243

Specialty Models (Flatheads):
KR 45ci, Track Racer, (16)
KRTT 45ci, TTR, (9)
KHRTT 55ci, TTR, (4)

Sidecar and Chassis:
LE - right hand sidecar
M - Package Truck w/cover
MC - chassis for M

Paint:
Twins: Pepper red w/black tank panels & pepper red fenders,
Black w/pepper red tank panels and black fenders,
Skyline blue w/birch white tank panels and blue fenders,
Birch white w/black tank panels and birch white fenders,
(police- Silver).
No extra cost:
Birch white, solid or black panels and matching fenders,
Metallic Midnight Blue (and fenders), w/birch white tank panels.

Singles: Pepper red, high fire, skyline blue, birch white.

Servicars: Pepper red, skyline blue, black, (police silver).
At extra cost - Metallic Midnight Blue.

Panhead changes:
Steel alloy valve guides-(midyear), polished aluminum rocker covers,
shorter pushrods w/longer adjusters, thinner speedo cable.

MoCo Minutes:
-New tank logo is designed by Willie G., (who has not yet joined the
company).
-Dick O'Brien named racing director.
-Royal Canadian Mounted Police receives a Model FLH.

Racing:
-Joe Leonard wins AMA Grand National Championship and wins Daytona
200-Mile Expert, w/record 98.52mph.
-Gerald McGovern on a Sportster, wins Jack Pine endurance run.

Tidbits taken from various sources. Exceptions may apply.

Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.

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