Harley Davidson has always been known for providing quality motorcycles, but in 1957 they decided to change the game and designed the Sportster to be the best in motorcycle racing. People immediately fell in love with the racing bike, and they became a standard sight on both flat and dirt tracks, especially in the 60s and 70s. During this time there were very few changes made to the motorcycles, and as the evolution of the machine remained steady, so did the devotion of its fans and its popularity.
One of the trademarks of the bike that stayed the same from the conception of the machine until 2003 was the fact that the engine was rigidly mounted to the frame. One of the reasons for this was the fact that having it mounted to the frame meant that there was a larger 'lean' angle that riders could access when they were racing. However, as more and more riders began to use the Sportsters for long term rides instead of just short term races, there became a need to do something about the uncomfortable vibrations that were caused by the direct connection to the engine.
So, starting with the 2004 year models, the Sportsters were changed over to a rubber mounted engine. It made the bike significantly heavier, but it did allow for a much smoother ride so that both riders and passengers could enjoy it. Shortly after that decision, in 2007, a fiftieth anniversary Sportster XL50 was launched with only 2,000 released worldwide. The Sportster continues to celebrate a large and dedicated following of motorcycle aficionados worldwide. Many riders show their dedication by sporting motorcycle patches on their leather riding gear or by devoting their time to maintaining Harley fan websites and clubs.
