The Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Sport (FLHS) debuted, depending on what you read, in either 1977 or 1978.  According to Rick Conner's Harley-Davidson Data Book, The FLHS first appeared in 1977 as "a limited edition, one year only version of the FLH".  A slightly alternative version of history can be found in Harley-Davidson's own officially sanctioned 1999 Calendar, which shows a picture of what is described as a 1978 FLHS. 

Regardless of the exact year, the FLHS was first introduced as a base-line, lower cost version of the venerable Electra Glide.  With a stock 74 cubic inch Shovelhead engine, the late-70's FLHS had no windshield, saddle bags or luggage racks. 

After it's initial limited production run, the Sport was produced again in the early 80's with an 80 cubic inch Shovelhead engine. 

The 1981 version was unique in that it had dual staggered pipes, forward controls, pull-back handlebars and an "FX style stepped seat". 

By 1982, the FLHS was back to saddlebags, floorboards, standard FLH seats and standard headers, making the '81 FLHS a rare and unique ride. 

In 1987, a third version of the Electra Glide Sport was introduced with an 80 cubic inch Evolution engine, saddlebags and a luggage rack. Where the FLHS differed from the rest of the Electraglide line was in its use of a windshield instead of the fairing used on all other FLHs.  Also, the FLHS had no tour-pack. This model was basically a civilian version of Harley's Police Electra Glide, the FLHTP. In the early 1990s, as Harley opted toward more chrome on it's models, the FLHS remained chrome less, further setting it off from the rest of the Electraglide line. From 1987 until 1993, the FLHS was Harley's only classic/retro, pseudo-50's-60's style, swing-arm-suspension touring bike. 

In 1993, the last model year for the FLHS Electra Glide Sport, the battery was moved from the right side to under the seat on all FLH models. This and the fact that the oil reservoir was moved to under the transmission increased the saddlebag capacity by 15% and streamlined the right side of the bike. In 1994, the model was re-vamped as the Road King (FLHR). 

Changes from '93 FLHS to '94 FLHR:

• Chrome primary, rocker box covers, cam cover and transmission cover 

• New, retro-style chrome headlight housing 

• Speedometer and dash moved from fork/handlebar assembly to gas tank 

• Elimination of tachometer 

• Wrinkle black engine paint 

• Lost "Electra Glide" name 

• New seat with Fatboy style passenger perch 

• Wider, Fatboy style handlebars 

• Elimination of stock passenger back-rest and luggage rack assembly, which became additional cost options with the Road King 

• Elimination of luggage rack base and relocation of rear seat bolt attachment point from base to top of rear fender 

• $1,775 higher MSRP 

Otherwise, the older Electra Glide Sport shares the same rubber mounted engine and exact same beefed-up FXR-style frame as the '94-'96 Road King, in addition to being the precursor to the Road King's retro styling. 

In 1997, all FLH models received a redesigned, lowered-seat-height frame. While not visibly obvious, this change becomes an advantage when in the saddle, especially for riders under 5'10" who wish to put both feet flat on the ground when stopped. In 1999, all FLH models received the new 88-inch Twin Cam motor, which did not require any frame redesign. 

For 2000, Harley did some major enhancements to the FLHR.  Larger front axle and bearings as well as dual piston calipers on the front.

For 2001 the bike stayed basically the same as 2000 but in 2002 Harley again made significant frame changes as well as rear swing arm redesign. The rear axel was enlarged to 1 " as well.  The Classic for 2002 comes with cruise control as standard equipment and the newer Delphi fuel injection was made available on the FLH line.  2002 also saw the Screaming Eagle Road King debut...custom paint, 95" motor, SE-203 cams and tons of chrome make this the Road King the best of breed.