The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster is a classic American motorcycle that has been in production for over 50 years. It is a mid-sized motorcycle with a powerful engine and a sporty design. The Sportster is a popular choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is both fun to ride and easy to handle.
The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster was a significant motorcycle for a number of reasons. First, it was the first Sportster to be equipped with an electric starter. This made it much easier to start the motorcycle, especially in cold weather. Second, the 1968 Sportster had a new frame that was lighter and stronger than the previous frame. This made the motorcycle more agile and easier to handle. Finally, the 1968 Sportster had a new engine that was more powerful than the previous engine. This gave the motorcycle better acceleration and top speed.
The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster is still a popular motorcycle today. It is a classic American motorcycle that is both fun to ride and easy to handle. If you are looking for a motorcycle that will turn heads and provide you with years of riding enjoyment, the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster is a great choice.
1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster
The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster is a classic motorcycle that has been in production for over 50 years. It is known for its iconic design, powerful engine, and sporty handling. Here are 8 key aspects of the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster:
- Engine: The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster has a powerful 74 cubic inch V-twin engine that produces 55 horsepower.
- Frame: The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster has a lightweight and strong frame that is made of steel.
- Suspension: The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster has a front suspension that consists of a telescopic fork and a rear suspension that consists of a swingarm with dual shocks.
- Brakes: The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster has front and rear drum brakes.
- Wheels: The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster has 19-inch front and rear wheels.
- Tires: The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster has a 3.25-19 front tire and a 4.00-18 rear tire.
- Weight: The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster weighs 475 pounds.
- Top speed: The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster has a top speed of 105 mph.
These are just a few of the key aspects of the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster. It is a classic motorcycle that is known for its performance, style, and reliability. If you are looking for a motorcycle that will turn heads and provide you with years of riding enjoyment, the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster is a great choice.
Engine
The engine is the heart of any motorcycle, and the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster's engine is no exception. This powerful 74 cubic inch V-twin engine produces 55 horsepower, which gives the Sportster plenty of power for acceleration and top speed. The engine is also very reliable, making it a great choice for riders who want a motorcycle that they can count on.
The Sportster's engine is also a key part of its classic design. The V-twin engine is mounted longitudinally in the frame, and the cylinders are prominently displayed. This gives the Sportster a distinctive look that is instantly recognizable.
The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster's engine is a powerful and reliable piece of machinery that is a key part of the motorcycle's overall design. It is one of the things that makes the Sportster such a popular choice for riders who want a classic motorcycle that is both fun to ride and easy to maintain.
Frame
The frame of a motorcycle is a critical component that affects the bike's handling, stability, and overall performance. The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster's frame is made of lightweight and strong steel, giving the bike a number of advantages.
- Strength and durability: Steel is a strong and durable material that can withstand the rigors of riding, even on rough roads. This makes the Sportster's frame very resistant to damage, which is important for a motorcycle that is likely to be ridden in a variety of conditions.
- Lightweight: Despite its strength, the Sportster's frame is also relatively lightweight. This helps to keep the bike's overall weight down, which makes it more agile and easier to handle. This is especially important for a motorcycle that is intended to be ridden in urban areas or on winding roads.
- Stiffness: The Sportster's frame is also very stiff, which means that it does not flex or twist easily. This stiffness helps to improve the bike's handling and stability, especially at high speeds. This is important for a motorcycle that is intended to be ridden at highway speeds or on race tracks.
Overall, the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster's frame is a well-designed and well-built component that contributes to the bike's overall performance and handling. It is a key part of what makes the Sportster such a popular choice for riders who want a classic motorcycle that is both fun to ride and easy to handle.
Suspension
The suspension of a motorcycle is a critical component that affects the bike's handling, stability, and overall performance. The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster's suspension is well-designed and well-built, contributing to the bike's overall performance and handling. It is a key part of what makes the Sportster such a popular choice for riders who want a classic motorcycle that is both fun to ride and easy to handle.
The Sportster's front suspension consists of a telescopic fork, which is a type of suspension that uses a coil spring and a hydraulic damper to absorb bumps and shocks. The rear suspension consists of a swingarm with dual shocks, which is a type of suspension that uses two shock absorbers to absorb bumps and shocks. This type of suspension is often used on motorcycles because it is relatively lightweight and easy to maintain.
The Sportster's suspension is well-tuned and provides a comfortable ride, even on rough roads. The bike handles well and is easy to control, even at high speeds. The suspension also helps to keep the bike stable when braking or accelerating.
Overall, the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster's suspension is a well-designed and well-built component that contributes to the bike's overall performance and handling. It is a key part of what makes the Sportster such a popular choice for riders who want a classic motorcycle that is both fun to ride and easy to handle.
Brakes
Drum brakes are a type of brake that uses a rotating drum to slow or stop a wheel. Drum brakes are less common on motorcycles than they once were, but they are still used on some models, including the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster.
- Simplicity and low maintenance: Drum brakes are relatively simple in design and require less maintenance than other types of brakes. This makes them a good choice for motorcycles that are not ridden frequently or in harsh conditions.
- Effective braking power: Drum brakes can provide effective braking power, even in wet or muddy conditions. This is because the enclosed design of drum brakes helps to protect the brake pads from the elements.
- Limited adjustability: Drum brakes are not as adjustable as other types of brakes. This means that it can be difficult to get the perfect feel for the brakes, and they may not be as responsive as other types of brakes.
- Fading: Drum brakes can fade more easily than other types of brakes, especially if they are used heavily or in hot conditions. This is because the heat generated by braking can cause the brake pads to expand and lose contact with the drum.
Overall, drum brakes are a good choice for motorcycles that are not ridden frequently or in harsh conditions. They are simple, require less maintenance, and can provide effective braking power. However, they are not as adjustable or responsive as other types of brakes, and they can fade more easily.
Wheels
The wheels of a motorcycle are an important factor in its overall performance and handling. The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster has 19-inch front and rear wheels, which is a common size for motorcycles of this type.
- Handling: 19-inch wheels are a good compromise between handling and stability. They are smaller than the 21-inch wheels that are often found on off-road motorcycles, but they are larger than the 16-inch wheels that are often found on cruisers. This gives the Sportster good handling without sacrificing too much stability.
- Stability: 19-inch wheels provide good stability, especially at high speeds. This is important for a motorcycle that is intended to be ridden on the highway.
- Tire selection: There is a wide variety of tires available for 19-inch wheels. This gives riders the to choose the tires that best suit their riding style and needs.
Overall, the 19-inch wheels on the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster are a good choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is fun to ride and easy to handle. They provide good handling, stability, and tire selection.
Tires
The tires on a motorcycle are an important factor in its overall performance and handling. The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster has a 3.25-19 front tire and a 4.00-18 rear tire. These tire sizes are specifically designed to complement the Sportster's handling characteristics and provide optimal performance.
The 3.25-19 front tire is a narrow tire that provides quick and responsive steering. This is important for a motorcycle that is intended to be ridden in urban areas or on winding roads. The 4.00-18 rear tire is a wider tire that provides good traction and stability. This is important for a motorcycle that is intended to be ridden at highway speeds or on long trips.
Together, the 3.25-19 front tire and the 4.00-18 rear tire provide the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster with excellent handling and stability. These tires are a key part of what makes the Sportster such a popular choice for riders who want a classic motorcycle that is both fun to ride and easy to handle.
Weight
The weight of a motorcycle is an important factor in its overall performance and handling. The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster weighs 475 pounds, which is relatively lightweight for a motorcycle of its size. This light weight contributes to the Sportster's nimble handling and quick acceleration.
- Handling: The Sportster's light weight makes it easy to maneuver and handle, even at low speeds. This is a key advantage for riders who are new to motorcycles or who ride in urban areas.
- Acceleration: The Sportster's light weight also contributes to its quick acceleration. The bike can easily accelerate from a stop or when passing other vehicles.
- Braking: The Sportster's light weight also makes it easier to stop. The bike's brakes are powerful enough to stop the bike quickly and safely.
- Fuel economy: The Sportster's light weight also contributes to its good fuel economy. The bike can get up to 50 mpg, which is excellent for a motorcycle of its size.
Overall, the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster's light weight is a major advantage. It contributes to the bike's nimble handling, quick acceleration, and good fuel economy. These factors make the Sportster a great choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is fun to ride and easy to handle.
Top speed
The top speed of a motorcycle is an important factor for many riders. It can affect the bike's overall performance, handling, and safety. The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster has a top speed of 105 mph, which is relatively high for a motorcycle of its size and era.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the Sportster's high top speed. First, the bike has a powerful 74 cubic inch V-twin engine that produces 55 horsepower. This gives the Sportster plenty of power to accelerate and reach its top speed. Second, the Sportster has a lightweight frame that helps to reduce drag. Third, the bike's aerodynamic design helps to reduce wind resistance. Finally, the Sportster's tires are designed to provide good grip and traction at high speeds.
The Sportster's high top speed makes it a good choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is fun to ride and can keep up with traffic on the highway. However, it is important to note that riding at high speeds can be dangerous. Riders should always wear a helmet and obey the speed limit.
In conclusion, the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster's top speed of 105 mph is a result of its powerful engine, lightweight frame, aerodynamic design, and high-performance tires. This makes the Sportster a good choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is fun to ride and can keep up with traffic on the highway.
FAQs about the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster
The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster is an iconic motorcycle that has been in production for over 50 years. It is known for its classic design, powerful engine, and sporty handling. Here are some frequently asked questions about the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster:
Question 1: What is the engine size of the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster?
Answer: The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster has a 74 cubic inch V-twin engine.
Question 2: What is the horsepower of the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster?
Answer: The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster produces 55 horsepower.
Question 3: What is the top speed of the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster?
Answer: The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster has a top speed of 105 mph.
Question 4: What are the dimensions of the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster?
Answer: The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster is 84 inches long, 38 inches wide, and 42 inches high.
Question 5: What is the weight of the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster?
Answer: The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster weighs 475 pounds.
Question 6: What are the different colors available for the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster?
Answer: The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster was available in three colors: Candy Gold, Bright Blue, and Maroon
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster. For more information, please consult a reliable source or visit the Harley-Davidson website.
The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster is a classic motorcycle that is still popular today. It is a great choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is fun to ride and easy to handle.
Transition to the next article section:
The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster is a versatile motorcycle that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is a popular choice for commuting, cruising, and touring. The Sportster is also a popular choice for customization, and there are many aftermarket parts available to personalize the bike.
Tips for the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster
The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster is a classic motorcycle that has been in production for over 50 years. It is a popular choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is fun to ride and easy to handle. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster:
Tip 1: Maintain your motorcycle regularly. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your Sportster running smoothly and safely. Be sure to follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual and have your motorcycle inspected by a qualified mechanic at least once a year.
Tip 2: Ride your motorcycle safely. Always wear a helmet and obey the speed limit. Be aware of your surroundings and ride defensively. Avoid riding in bad weather or on slippery roads.
Tip 3: Customize your motorcycle to fit your needs. There are many aftermarket parts available for the Sportster, so you can customize the bike to fit your riding style and preferences. Be sure to do your research and choose parts that are compatible with your motorcycle.
Tip 4: Join a motorcycle club or forum. Joining a motorcycle club or forum is a great way to connect with other Sportster riders and learn more about the bike. You can also get advice and support from other riders.
Tip 5: Have fun! The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster is a great motorcycle to ride. Be sure to take the time to enjoy the ride and all that the Sportster has to offer.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster provides you with many years of enjoyment. Remember to ride safely and have fun!
Transition to the article's conclusion:
The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster is a classic motorcycle that is still popular today. It is a great choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is fun to ride and easy to handle. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your Sportster provides you with many years of enjoyment.
Conclusion
The 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster is a classic motorcycle that has stood the test of time. It is a popular choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is fun to ride and easy to handle. The Sportster has a powerful engine, a lightweight frame, and a comfortable riding position. It is also a relatively affordable motorcycle, making it a great value for the money.
The Sportster has been in production for over 50 years, and it has undergone a number of changes over the years. However, the basic design of the motorcycle has remained the same. This is a testament to the Sportster's popularity and enduring appeal.
If you are looking for a classic motorcycle that is fun to ride and easy to handle, the 1968 Harley-Davidson Sportster is a great choice. It is a motorcycle that will provide you with many years of enjoyment.
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