1983 History

Main Models

83-XLX-61: 1,000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

83-XLH: 1,000cc Sportster OM/V-twin with four-speed transmission

83-XLS Roadster Custom Sport: 1,000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

83-XR-1000: 1,000ce Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

83-FLHT Ele6ra Glide: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with five-speed transmission

83-FLHTC Electra Glide Classic: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with five-speed transmission

83-FLH: 80ci Shovelhead OHV-twin with four-speed transmission

83-FLHS Electra Glide Sport: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

83-FLT Tour-Glide: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with five-speed transmission

83-FLTC Tour-Glide Classic: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with five-speed transmission

83-FXDG Dir Glide: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

83-FXE Super Glide: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

83-fxSB Low Rider: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

83-FXWG Wide Glide: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

83-FXR Super Glide II: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with five-speed transmission

83-FXRS Super Glide II: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with five-speed transmission

83-FXRT Sport Glide: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with five-speed transmission

Sidecars and Chassis

83-LE

        Model XLH: 2,230

        Model XLS: 1,616

        Model XLX: 4,892

        Model XR-1000: 1,018

        Model FXR: 60

        Model FXR: 1,069

        Model FXRS: 1,413

        Model FXRT 1,458

        Model FXE: 1,215

        Model FXWG: 2,873

        Model FXSB: 3,277

        Model FXDG: 810

        Model FLT: 1

        Model FLT: 565

        Model FLTC: 475

        Model FLTC and sidecar: 37

        Model FLH: 1,272

        Model FLHT: 1,426    

        Model FLHTC: 1,302

        Model FLHTC: 2

        Model FLHTC and sidecar: 75

        Model FLHS: 985

        Model FLHP Police Standard: 334

        Model FLHP Deluxe (Birch White): 414

        Model FLHTP (chain): 341

        Model FLHP Shrine: 11

        Model FLHP (belt): 112

        Model FLHTC (chain): 211

Paint Colors

Birch White, Vivid Black, Classic Tan, Classic Creme, Pewter, Maroon, Indigo Blue, Claret Red, or Slate Gray Metallic

Series XLH Sportster

   First Year

    High bars

    Vacuum-advance ignition

    Tank capacity is 3.3gal

    New seat

    Less restrictive exhaust system

Series XLS Roadsters

    Vacuum-advance ignition

    New, FXRS-style tank with center console

Series XLX-61 Sportsters

First Year

The Model XLX-61 Sportster is a new, stripped-down version of the Sportster, built to sell for $3,995

Solo seat

Peanut gas tank

Staggered shorty dual exhaust system

Low handlebars

Speedometer only; no tachometer

Wheels are nine-spoke cast aluminum

Vacuum-advance ignition

          Satin-finished cases

Only Year

        Clutch uses six coil springs

        156 watt generator mounted at front of the crankcases

        Transmission output shaft features loose rollers

        Output shaft oil seal secured by a bolt-on cover

        Three generator drive gears

        10in dual front disc brakes

Series XR-1000 Sportsters

The Model XR-1000 is a new model based on the XLX chassis

Aluminum, XR-style heads with intake pores on the right and exhaust ports on the left; heads ported and polished by Jerry Branch

Helicoil inserts where rocker boxes bolt to the head

High compression, 9:1, aluminum XR pistons

Light aluminum pushrods

Eccentric rocker shafts adjust valve lash

Iron cylinders with through-bolts

Vacuum-advance V-Fire III electronic breaker-less ignition

Twin 36mm Dell'Orto dual carburetors with accelerator pump

Satin-textured engine cases

Left-side, high megaphone dual mufflers

Nine-spoke cast aluminum wheels

Oiled felt air filter

New design calipers

Series FXRT Sport Glides

   First Year

The Model FXRT Spore Glide is a new sport-touring machine based on the fFXRS chassis

Aerodynamic frame-mounted Fairing

Antidive front suspension

Enclosed rear chain

Adjustable air suspension

Frame-mounted streamlined hard saddlebags

Saddlebags come with removable liners

Weight (with half tank) is 6681b

Tank capacity is 4.2gal

Wheelbase measures 64.7in

Seat height is 28.9in

Adjustable passenger pegs

Low-rise touring handlebars

Improved wider seat with thicker foam

Luggage rack/sissy bar optional

Touring box optional

Touring gauge kit optional

AM-FM stereo cassette optional

 Only Year

Shovelhead engine

Series FXDG Disc Glides

 First Year

The FXDG Disc Glide is a new model based on the FXWG Wide Glide

Aluminum disc rear wheel

Belt final drive

Black shorty dual exhaust

Leather stash pouches, front and rear

Series FXSB Low Riders

  First Year

The FXB Low Rider is a new model based on the FXS Low Riders

Gates polychain belt final drive

21in front tire

Series FLT and FLTC Tour Glides

  First Year

Improved seat shape to lower seat height 1.5in

Stiffer suspension

Series FLH Electra Glides

  First Year

          Belt final drive

Series FLHT Electra Glides

Models FLHT and FLHTC were new models that combined and FLH-style frame-mounted fairing with the chassis of the FLT

16in rear wheels

Battery placement under the seat

Saddlebags 15 percent larger

Saddlebag lids hinged and attached permanently

Motor Company Minutes, 1983

Factory-sponsored Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) is founded.

International Trade Commission levies a five-year tariff on Japanese motorcycles 700 cc and larger.

Dick O'Brien, long-time manager of H-D's factory race team, retires.

Racing Notes, 1983

Randy Goss wins the AMA Grand National Championship title.

          Gene Church wins Battle of the Twins series, Grand Prix class

Any additional information is greatly appreciated as well as any corrections   I'm no historian, I post what I can come up with, all info is appreciated.

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