1957 Military Sportser?

[yhprum]

Was there ever a "military sportser like this:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/mcy/336162317.html

[LouieMCman]

Your link doesn't work, but they did make a little over 400 '57 XLA Sportsters.

[yhprum]

Thanks, here is the listing: (Craigs list Phoenix)
BEEN IN MY SHED 18 YEARS,NEVER SEEN ANOTHER OR MET ANYONE WHO HAS SEEN ONE.1957 XLA WITH 7004.3 ORIGINAL MILES. CLEAN BOX A AZ TITLE RUNS AND RIDES LIKE NEW.

[LouieMCman]

I bought a teens bike from a guy and he had an original one in his garage (up north). And there is one around town here that has been civilianized. Yours make three I have seen.

[VPH-D]

The Legend Begins states that there were 417? 57 XLA models made. IIRC, some were also supplied during the 60s.
I once saw what looked like a Technical Order describing the correct paint and markings for a 67-69 XLH. That 57 is great, really like the oil bath air cleaner!
VPH-D

[HarleyCreation]

There's a photo showing some Army XLs (XLA) awaiting shipment. Can't recall at the moment where I saw it. Might have been in a factory employee newsletter.

[Powerlifter626]

I went to the 50th Anniversary of the Sportster this past weekend at Vintage Motorcycle Days in Lexington, Ohio. There was a restored 1957 Sportster there that actually was an XLA but restored as if it was an ordinary XL. I looked at the vin and it was 57XLA _ _ _ _

[1hotxl]

'57 Xla

I have the bike that was @ the Mid Ohio Vintage Motorcycle Days. I did restore the bike in the Pepper Red and Black. I had it restored by Steve Allstaedt, he had the blue and white bike that was beside mine. I knew that it was a rare bike when I tried to research what I had, but I did not want a military bike. I talked to the guy that made his XLA in to a chopper, it was a cool bike. I ride mine to work some but mostly poker and toy runs.

Thanks,
Reece
1957 XLA
1984 XLH

[jmanjeff]

how have you been Reece

[Chris Haynes]

The XLA's were built from 1957 into the early '70's. I have a left case for a 67XLA if anyone is interested.

[JohnR]

Again some fantastic photos from Chris. Thanks.

The wooden crates designate 57XLA............But say 45 cubic inch. I thought the original 57 Sporty was a 55 cubic inch?

Did they build 45 inch overhead valve motors for the military?

[Chris Haynes]

Did they build 45 inch overhead valve motors for the military?

Yup. Small bore.

[JohnR]

Chris

Any information on how long the 45" military OHV Sportster continued?

[Chris Haynes]

Chris

Any information on how long the 45" military OHV Sportster continued?

The latest I personally have seen was a 1973. It was an MP bike at the Federal Penetary in Lompoc, CA

[1hotxl]

Good Jeff

Hope you are doing well, How did your 57 Sporty turn out? I rode mine to work today. What a Blast!!

Reece