The sportster range dates back to 1957, but the classic style which came to characterise these models was not introduced until a year later. With the introduction of the original XLCH, Harley established the small headlamp, small tank, big pipes formula which carried the range successfully through to the 1990s. At its peak in the 1960s, the Sportster really was a sporting bike, with 100mph performance. However, in ensuing years it became more of an icon than a true sporting bike, and despite increases in engine capacity it retained its original performance while rival bikes passed it by. Meanwhile, however, the Sportster had spawned the XR-750, an astonishing machine which dominated American dirt-bike racing from its introduction in 1970. From 1972, the XR-750 abandoned the cast-iron Sportster engine in favour of an all-new alloy V-twin with more performance and, crucially, greater reliability. While it never really became a noted road-racer, it nevertheless acquitted itself well on several occasions against some formidable opposition. The tests in this book were written by professionals when the bikes were new, and show how the Sportsters were received at the time. They make fascinating reading and are warmly recommended to all enthusiasts of the modern Harley-Davidson. 29 articles include road & comparison tests, touring, specifications, performance data, new model intros, owners reports. Models covered: XLH, DLCH, 833cc, 1000cc, DR-750 & XL.