1987 sportster came with what engines

1987 Harley-Davidson Sportster Engine Options
The 1987 Harley-Davidson Sportster lineup featured engines from the Evolution (Evo) family, known for their reliability and improved performance over earlier Ironhead motors.
Available Engines in 1987
Model | Engine Type | Displacement | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Sportster 883 (XLH 883) | Evolution V-twin (Evo) | 883cc (53.9 cu in) | Most common base model |
Sportster 1100 (XLH 1100) | Evolution V-twin (Evo) | 1100cc (67.1 cu in) | More torque and power |
Sportster 1200 (XLH 1200) | N/A | N/A | Introduced in 1988 |
Engine Highlights
- Air-cooled, 45° V-twin Evolution engines
- Aluminum heads and cylinders for better cooling
- Improved reliability over the older Ironhead motors
- 4-speed transmission across both engine variants
Note: The 1200cc Sportster was not available in 1987 — it was launched the following year in 1988.

Rémi
Founder of Kafein Kustoms, Rémi is a passionate motorcycle enthusiast and the founder of Kafein Kustoms. With years of experience in customization, he specializes in Clubstyle builds and premium parts, blending performance and style to help riders create their dream bikes.