Mad Hatter Motorcycle Club

nched prior in 1984. Evo engines had aluminum cylinders and heads meaning not only less weight than iron ones but also less oil leakage and more durability. Since H-D had turned to outside assistance to create the smoother new motor, a lot of folks consider the Ironhead the last "real" Harley mill. Two years after the Ironhead retired, Harley began crafting both 883 cc and 1200 cc versions of the new engine. The only real differences between the two were price tag and bore. Beefing up your 883 to 1200 became so standard people look at you funny if you don't do it. Harley-Davidson also debuted the Sportster Hugger in 1988 and changed the bike's image dramatically. All of you out there who hate the Sportster label of being a women's or beginner's machine have the Hugger to thank for that. Because H-D aimed the Hugger at bringing women and beginning riders into the fold. Its lowered suspension brought the seat height down to 26 inches so that little people could sit on it with both feet touching the ground. For some reason, the Motor Company tripped over its own shoelaces by not advertising it toward women to draw them in and actually buy it. Still, the reputation has stuck despite the XL's rich heritage as an early super bike and race machine. Upgrades continued throughout the '90s but nothing nearly as exciting as a new motor design. The switch to a smoother five-speed transmission in 1991 was a great upgrade, as was replacing the chaindrive with a belt in 1993. Belts made for quieter bikes and require far less maintenance than oiling and tightening a loose chain every few thousand miles. The next model year Harley gave the XL series a new electrical system with sealed connectors as well as an improved clutch, too.