1957 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster

The 1957 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster motorcycle introduced the Sportster name, and a welcome upgrade in performance, to the Harley lineup. The 1957 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster motorcycle looked very similar to the Harley-Davidson KH model, but it was somewhat quicker

Like the slower, older K-series motorcycles, the 1957 Harley-Davidson XL Sportsters had their shifters and drive chains on the right-hand side.

With the K series introduced in 1952 getting a lukewarm reception -- not to mention regularly beaten by smaller British twins -- Harley-Davidson had good reason to introduce the Sportster.

With overhead valves topping a 55-cubic-inch V-twin, the Sportster lived up to its name, proving somewhat quicker than its predecessor.

Save for its overhead-valve engine, the Sportster looked similar to the final KH models -- because it was. Telescopic front forks and swingarm rear suspension carried over, as did most styling elements save the two-tone paint treatment and tank badge.

Even the engine's primary case looked familiar, the new one differing only in that it had "SPORTSTER" cast into its side.

Like the K-series bikes, Sportsters had their shifters and drive chains on the right, whereas Harley's big FLs had them on the left.

In the case of the shifters in particular, this might seem odd, as riders moving up would have to learn to shift with the other foot. But the XL was mimicking British makes, which were its intended target.

Continue to the next page to see more 1957 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster pictures.

1965 Harley-Davidson FL Electra-Glide

The 1965 Harley-Davidson FL Electra-Glide motorcycle was the last Harley fitted with the venerable Panhead engine and the first big Harley with electric start. That combo has made it a highly coveted collectible.

The 1965 Harley-Davidson FL Electra-Glide was the last model fitted with the venerable Panhead engine.

For Harley-Davidson, 1965 marked the end of an era. The Electra-Glide, with its electric starter, made its debut, but it would be the last year for the famous "Panhead" V-twin that was introduced in 1948.

That engine had received some modifications over the years, a significant one coming in 1963 with external oil lines that improved lubrication to the cylinder heads.

Along with the electric starter came 12-volt electrics to replace the previous 6-volt system, which in turn brought a bigger battery hidden beneath a large battery case on the right side. That, along with the bold "Electra Glide" script on the front fender, makes it easy to distinguish this model from earlier FLs.

The Electra-Glide pictured in this article has the standard exhaust system that had both cylinders exhausting to the right into a single muffler; optional was a dual-muffler system where the exhaust from the front cylinder exited to the right, while that from the rear cylinder exited to the left, both terminating in their own distinctive "fishtail" muffler.

Also optional was the old hand-shift/foot-clutch arrangement that was so popular with police departments.

Though a curb weight of more than 700 pounds restricted performance somewhat, the Electra-Glide was a popular touring mount in its day, as the electric starter alleviated the problem of having to kickstart the big V-twin -- which had become no easy task.

Continue to the next page to see more 1964 Harley-Davidson FL Electra-Glide motorcycle pictures.