Of course. Here is a full article about the 2007 Harley-Davidson Sportster Evolution 1200 (XL50 50th Anniversary), written in the requested style and format.
The 2007–2007 Harley-Davidson Sportster Evolution 1200 (XL50 50th Anniversary) is a limited-edition motorcycle produced by Harley-Davidson to commemorate the 50th year of the Sportster line, which was first introduced in 1957. Limited to a production run of only 2,000 units worldwide, the XL50 is a collectible model that combines the modern engineering of the 2007 Sportster platform with unique aesthetic features that pay homage to its half-century legacy. It was based on the XL 1200C Custom model, inheriting its key mechanical and ergonomic features while adding exclusive anniversary branding.
Historical Context and Significance
The Harley-Davidson Sportster was originally conceived in 1957 as a direct competitor to the lighter, high-performance British motorcycles that were gaining popularity in the United States. Known for its relative agility and powerful V-Twin engine, the Sportster quickly established itself as an American performance icon. Over five decades, it evolved through numerous mechanical updates, including the transition from the “Ironhead” engine to the more reliable “Evolution” engine in 1986. The 2007 model year marked a significant milestone, not only for the anniversary but also for a major technological update across the entire Sportster family. The XL50 serves as a tribute to this enduring legacy, celebrating the model’s continuous production and cultural impact.
Features of the 2007 Harley-Davidson Sportster Evolution 1200 (XL50 50th Anniversary)
As a commemorative edition, the XL50 was distinguished from the standard 2007 Sportster 1200 Custom through several exclusive features. These were primarily cosmetic, designed to make the model stand out as a collector’s piece.
Limited Production: Each of the 2,000 units features a serialized handlebar clamp, individually numbered to signify its place in the limited production run.
Anniversary Badging: The fuel tank is adorned with a special “50th Anniversary Sportster” emblem, featuring gold-toned script and a classic bar-and-shield logo. A similar emblem is also present on the front fender.
Exclusive Paint Schemes: The XL50 was offered in two unique color options: Anniversary-exclusive Mirage Orange Pearl or a classic Vivid Black.
Custom Foundation: The motorcycle is built upon the XL 1200C Custom platform, which includes a 21-inch laced front wheel, a 16-inch solid disc rear wheel, forward-mounted foot controls, and a pullback handlebar, creating a distinct “custom cruiser” riding posture.
Powertrain and Technical Updates for 2007
The most significant change for the entire Sportster lineup in 2007, including the XL50, was the transition from a carburetor to Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI). This was a major departure from the previous 2006 models and brought the Sportster into the modern era of engine management.
The move to ESPFI offered several key improvements over the previously used carburetor system:
Improved Drivability: Fuel injection provides more precise fuel metering, resulting in smoother throttle response, better cold-start performance, and more consistent idling.
Enhanced Reliability: The system automatically adjusts for changes in altitude and temperature, eliminating the need for manual choke adjustments and carburetor tuning.
Emissions Compliance:** The adoption of ESPFI was crucial for meeting increasingly stringent global emissions standards.
Alongside the new fuel system, the 2007 Sportster models received an updated clutch with a 14% reduction in lever effort, making it easier to operate in traffic. The powertrain consists of the rubber-mounted 1200cc Evolution V-Twin engine, which had been updated in 2004 to isolate the rider from engine vibrations, significantly improving comfort on longer rides compared to pre-2004 models. This engine is known for its strong low-end torque, delivering the characteristic Harley-Davidson power delivery. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a five-speed transmission and a clean, low-maintenance belt drive system.
Chassis and Handling
The XL50 utilizes the standard Sportster frame, a steel double-cradle design that remained largely unchanged for this model year. The suspension is comprised of a conventional 39mm telescopic fork at the front and dual coil-over shock absorbers at the rear, with preload adjustability on the rear shocks. Braking is handled by a single 292mm disc with a dual-piston caliper on both the front and rear wheels. While not designed as a high-performance sport machine, the Sportster provides confident and predictable handling suitable for cruising and city riding. The forward controls and pullback bars of the 1200C platform create a relaxed, feet-forward riding position.
Specifications
| General | |
| Brand | Harley-Davidson |
| Model | Sportster |
| Model Class | XL50 50th Anniversary |
| Model Year | 2007 |
| Type | Cruiser / Custom |
| Maximum mass (GVWR) | 1000 lb. (453 kg) |
| Maximum passengers | 2 |
| Performance | |
| Max. power | Approx. 67 Hp (50 Kw) |
| Max. torque | 79 ft-lb (107 N·m) / 4000 RPM |
| Min. turn diameter | N/A |
| Top designed speed | Approx. 110 mph (177 km/h) |
| Size | |
| Length | 90.3 in. (2294 mm) |
| Width | 36.1 in. (917 mm) |
| Height | 47.5 in. (1207 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 60.4 in. (1534 mm) |
| Seat height (Laden) | 26.5 in. (673 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 4.4 in. (112 mm) |
| Curb weight (Running Order) | 589 lb. (267 kg) |
| Engine | |
| Type | Air-cooled, 45° V-Twin, Evolution® |
| Displacement | 1200 cc (73.2 cu in) |
| Bore × Stroke | 3.5 in. × 3.81 in. (88.9 mm × 96.8 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 9.7: 1 |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Fuel supplying system | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Ignition control system | Electronic |
| Lubricating system | Dry-sump |
| Oil capacity | 2.8 qt (2.6 L) |
| Engine oil type | SAE 20W-50 Harley-Davidson H-D 360 Motorcycle Oil |
| Coolant type | N/A (Air-cooled) |
| Idle speed | 1000 RPM ± 50 RPM |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission type | 5-speed, manual gear shift |
| Clutch type | Wet, multi-disc |
| Driving system | Belt drive |
| Primary reduction ratio | 1.500 (57/38) |
| Final reduction ratio | 2.207 (68/29) |
| Gear ratio | 1st: 9.315; 2nd: 6.653; 3rd: 4.948; 4th: 4.102; 5th: 3.517 |
| Chassis | |
| Tire size | Front: MH90-21 54H; Rear: 150/80B16 71H |
| Rim size | Front: 21 in. Laced; Rear: 16 in. Disc |
| Capacity of fuel tank | 4.5 gal (17 L) |
| Fuel consumption | City: 42.4 mpg; Highway: 57.1 mpg |
| Electric | |
| Battery | 12V / 12 Ah, Sealed |
| Headlight | 55W low beam, 60W high beam |
| Position Light | Incandescent |
| Turning light | Incandescent |
| Tail light | Incandescent |
| Shock Absorbers | |
| Front travel | 5.6 in (141 mm) |
| Rear travel | 2.4 in (61 mm) |
| Rear spring preload | Adjustable |
