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GSB_77_XL
9th June 2005, 05:05
Quick question concerning the difference between XLH and XLCH
Can anyone tell me what the difference between the two are.
I just got my 77 about a week ago and the title said N/A for the model, and the tag was painted over on the frame. Just wondering if anyone could shed some light on this for me.

TX :D
flskevin
9th June 2005, 05:24
go to this site to find out exactly what model you have.

sportster site (http://www.sportster.org/home.html)

there is a page on the site where you can break down your vin number to find out exactly what your bike was when it rolled off the assembly line.
Takingabreak
9th June 2005, 05:28
Hi.

OK, I'll give it a go.....

The original "H" was for high compression modles, since all the XL's by 77 were at the higher compression it was just standard for all to be XL modles.
Then the "H" was used later to denote the Hugger modle, a standard XL with a lower suspention and seat hight
The Original "C" was for the off road modle the California dealers wanted, basicly stripped for off road use. In 77 the "CR" was for the now much sought after Cafe Racer.
Later on the "C" was changed to mean Custom.
I soursed this from the book, "Harley Davidson Sportster by Allan Girdler, it's a very good resourse, and I highly recommend it.
GSB_77_XL
9th June 2005, 05:35
cool i was wondering about that. Huh off road Harleys? I have seen a few enduro bikes by Harley, One of them I had a chance to buy but opted to pass on.
Thanks for the info
Jesse_Bolt
9th June 2005, 06:21
As a previous owner of a 1976 XLCH, I always heard it meant Competition Hot.

JB
Moved On
9th June 2005, 07:24
If you guys ever see Buzz Buzzelli's Sportster Performance book in your local bookstore take a look through the last few chapters on the history of the Sportster... fascinating stuff!

He brings up the CH = "Competition Hot" (unofficial rumor) vs. "High Compression" (official rumor) in the early history chapter. He also has a few pictures of Sporties doing enduro races during the 50's & 60's.

Gazza
Briank
9th June 2005, 08:55
I have read that the CH is for competition highway and only had kick start and no electeric start.

Brian
1976 XLCH
79iron
9th June 2005, 14:22
yeah, an xlch doesn't have electric start.
Y2K
9th June 2005, 15:16
yeah, an xlch doesn't have electric start.

That's the only real difference in the later years of production.Kicker only :smoke
flathead45
9th June 2005, 15:29
BUT, you can put a button on a xlch and have both

xlh stood for "high compresion"

xlch was "competition hot" or as the late Hal Robinson called it "charley horse" for he way it would kill your leg
79iron
9th June 2005, 21:36
[QUOTE=flathead45]BUT, you can put a button on a xlch and have both

a button and a starter, and a starter relay, and a selenoid.
did the earlier xlh's have a kicker and a starter?
Y2K
9th June 2005, 21:51
The XLCH has a much smaller battery and the Bosch type regulator( looks like an old VW bug regulator)
The XLH has a bigger Battery and Delco type regulator(like an old Chevy)and a different oil tank to make room for the bigger battery.Putting a kicker on an XLH may be a better option than a button on an XLCH.
Just my 2cts. :smoke
Jesse_Bolt
9th June 2005, 23:03
The XLCH has a much smaller battery and the Bosch type regulator( looks like an old VW bug regulator)
The XLH has a bigger Battery and Delco type regulator(like an old Chevy)and a different oil tank to make room for the bigger battery.Putting a kicker on an XLH may be a better option than a button on an XLCH.
Just my 2cts. :smoke

My 1976 XLCH was kick only. I couldn't imagine putting an electric starter on it. With all the electrical problems I had along with the many generators I replaced, I'm not sure it would handle another strain on the electrical system. One thing for sure, it makes me appreciate the technological advancements of the new bikes.

I guy I sold the bike to still has it. He doesn't ride much.

JB
GSB_77_XL
14th June 2005, 04:56
my battery is about the size of a lawnmower battery, and the oil tank is way out on the right side of the bike. when I am at a stand still the battery pokes me in the left leg, and the oil tank hits me in my right leg. I wonder why they decided to use that big of a battery. Any who thanks for the info.
dabronco
14th June 2005, 05:29
Hey Flatty! Is it possible to get Sportster THUMB?
Y2K
14th June 2005, 15:48
Hey Flatty! Is it possible to get Sportster THUMB?

Bwahahahaha! :laugh :laugh :D
Y2K
14th June 2005, 15:49
I wonder why they decided to use that big of a battery. Any who thanks for the info.

bigger battery for e-start :smoke
GSB_77_XL
16th June 2005, 02:54
my buddy has a 89 1200 and his batt is half the size as mine...... as long as it starts and runs down the road I dont care how big the battery is
Chris B.
17th June 2005, 15:06
Mine is a 73' XLCH, we put the starter kit on it to avoid it throwing me over the bars, thus making it an XLH. I'm only 155 lbs... I can say I have kick started it, and also a 72'. But, of course, the starter is much easier.
Sleevedfreak
18th June 2005, 20:53
I have to say I think that the starter conversion is the best thing I did.
I added the electric start this year, it was a pain because of cheap faulty parts that came with the kit...but I have it figured out..I think...

If anyone is going to get the kit...TRASH all the wires they give you...go out and buy some better ones, Trash the stock push button and get yourself an old "harley horn/starter button"