1967 Harley Davidson XLH - Original Paint- Beautiful Running Survivor - Low Miles

1967 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster

History & Technical Specifications

The 1967 Harley-Davidson XLH represents the more refined, road-oriented version of Harley’s Ironhead Sportster line during one of the most important eras in American motorcycle development. While the XLCH was the stripped, competition-inspired version, the XLH was designed as the more comfortable everyday road machine, combining performance with improved practicality.

Historical Background

Harley-Davidson introduced the Sportster line in 1957, creating a lighter and faster motorcycle to compete with British performance bikes coming into the U.S. market. Powered by the new overhead-valve Ironhead V-twin, the Sportster quickly gained a reputation as a fast and rugged street machine.

By 1967, the Sportster had matured into two primary versions:

• XLCH – kick-start, competition-inspired, lighter trim
• XLH – electric-start equipped, more comfortable road version

The XLH was the practical choice for riders wanting everyday usability, thanks to electric start and a larger fuel tank. It was one of the earlier American motorcycles to combine V-twin character with modern rider convenience.

1967 models sit in an interesting period just before larger displacement increases and regulatory changes that reshaped motorcycles in the 1970s.

Technical Specifications — 1967 XLH

Engine

• Type: Air-cooled 45° V-Twin, OHV (Ironhead)

• Displacement: 883 cc (54 cubic inches)

• Bore x Stroke: 3.00 in × 3.8125 in

• Compression Ratio: approx. 9:1

• Horsepower: approx. 55 hp

• Carburetor: Tillotson carburetor

• Ignition: Battery & coil ignition

• Lubrication: Dry-sump oil system

Transmission & Drivetrain

• Transmission: 4-speed manual

• Clutch: Multi-plate dry clutch

• Final Drive: Chain

• Shift: Right-side foot shift

• Starter: Electric start plus kick start backup

The electric start is the defining difference from the XLCH and a major selling point at the time.

Chassis & Suspension

• Frame: Steel double cradle

• Front Suspension: Telescopic hydraulic fork

• Rear Suspension: Swingarm with dual shocks

• Wheelbase: approx. 58.5 inches

Brakes & Wheels

• Front Brake: Drum

• Rear Brake: Drum

• Front Wheel: 19 inch

• Rear Wheel: 18 inch

Disc brakes would not arrive until later years.

Dimensions & Capacities

• Fuel Capacity: approx. 3.5–4 gallons (larger than XLCH)

• Oil Capacity: approx. 3 quarts

• Weight: roughly 470–480 lb wet

Riding Character

Compared with big FL models, the XLH felt:

• Lighter

• Quicker handling

• Faster accelerating

• More responsive

Yet it still carried the unmistakable Harley V-twin feel. Riders appreciated the XLH as a bike capable of commuting, highway travel, and spirited backroad riding.

Collector & Enthusiast Appeal Today

The 1967 XLH is popular today because it represents:

• Classic Ironhead styling
• Early electric-start Sportster development
• Pre-AMF era Harley production
• A solid base for both restoration and period customs

Original paint survivors and correctly restored examples are increasingly appreciated as early Sportsters gain collector recognition.