1971 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster

The 1971 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster was
offered in colors such as Sparkling Turquoise.
See more motorcycle pictures.

The boat-tail rear fender design that graced the Super Glide for 1971 originated on the 1970 Sportster. It didn't enjoy universal appeal, but it was offered again for 1971 Sportsters as a $60 option.

1971 harley-davidson xlh sportster motorcycle fender
The boat-tail rear fender wasn't entirely popular
with buyers.

Also optional was the red, white, and blue Sparkling America paint scheme, along with colors such as the Sparkling Turquoise worn by this example. None proved popular enough to warrant a return engagement for 1972.

1971 harley-davidson xlh sportster motorcycle engine
The 1971 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster came
equipped with an 883-cc engine.

Sportster engines still displaced 883-cc in 1971; for 1972, that would be boosted to 1,000-cc, a move prompted by the growing number of large-displacement Japanese bikes that were beginning to crowd Harley out of the big-bore sport market.

1971 harley-davidson xlh sportster motorcycle control panel
The control panel of the Harley-Davidson XLH
was similar to other Sportsters.

To learn more about Harley-Davidson and other classic motorcycles, see:

* Harley-Davidson Motorcycles