The XL was Harley-Davidson’s first overhead-valve Sportster model designation.
Harley-Davidson introduced the Sportster family in 1957, replacing the earlier K-series approach with a new overhead-valve design. The original XL used a 883-cubic-centimeter version of the company’s iron-head Sportster engine, giving the motorcycle a strong performance identity.
The Sportster name became one of Harley-Davidson’s longest-running model lines. Over time, the family included smaller and larger engine versions, as well as racing derivatives and custom variants. Its compact dimensions and responsive handling made it distinct from Harley-Davidson’s larger touring motorcycles.
The XL designation is sometimes confused with XLH, which identified a later electric-start Sportster variant, or with XR-750, the dedicated racing motorcycle. The basic XL name refers to the original Sportster model designation.