Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster vs Harley-Davidson XLCR 1000 Cafe Racer (1985)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportsterstacks up against the Harley-Davidson XLCR 1000 Cafe Racer. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster | Harley-Davidson XLCR 1000 Cafe Racer |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1985 | 1978 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 997 cc | 997 cc |
| Horsepower | 50 hp | 57 hp |
| Fuel capacity | 2.3 L | 2.4 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed | 4-speed |
| Front brakes | Single disc | Dual disc |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Single disc |
| Tires | MJ 90-19 / MT 90-16 | 3.75-19 / 4.25-18 |
Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster vs Harley-Davidson XLCR 1000 Cafe Racer — which should you buy?
Picking between the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster and the Harley-Davidson XLCR 1000 Cafe Racer usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster brings 50 hp, while the Harley-Davidson XLCR 1000 Cafe Racer counters with 57 hp.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: