The Harley-Davidson XLCR was an American café racer motorcycle manufactured by Harley-Davidson between 1977 and 1979.

Harley-Davidson XLCR
ManufacturerHarley-Davidson
Production1977–1979
Engine1000 cc OHV 45° V-twin
Bore / stroke88.9 x 96.8mm
Compression ratio9.0:1
Power57 @ 6,000
Torque67.9 @ 3,750
Transmission4 speed
SuspensionRear: Twin Showa shocks, adjustable preload
Rake, trail27.8°, 5.1"
Wheelbase59.6 in.
Weight530 lb (240 kg) (dry)
565 lb (256 kg) (full of gas) (wet)

Some say that designer Willie G. Davidson created it from the existing XLCH Sportster, initially as his personal vehicle.[1] The bike was actually designed by a committee of three people: Bob Modero (an engineer at Harley) Jim Haubert (Jim Haubert Engineering) hired as an independent Skunkworks contractor and Willie G. Although he was not present, this group had a strong styling influence from Dean Wixom when the three decided, as one of the starting points, to enlarge a dirt track XR750 fuel tank. Mr. Wixom was the original designer of this fuel tank.

Changed styling included the addition of a "bikini" fairing, slim front fender, reshaped fuel tank, a pillion-free saddle and unique "siamesed" two-into-two exhaust.[1] It was "largely ignored" by consumers when launched in the 1970s,[2] and "famously a sales flop",[3] a "narcoleptic turner" due to long wheelbase and cruiser-like steering geometry,[4] with "lethargic performance",[5] but by thirty years later, had become a collectors item.[2][6][7]

Manufacturing numbers:

1977, 1923 pcs at price of US$3595

1978, 1201 pcs at price of US$3623

1979, 9 or 10 pcs remaining parts from stock.

In 2013 a 1977 model sold for 12,000 dollars at an auction.[8] In 2004 a 1978 model went for 9,900 at an auction in New Zealand.[9] In 2010 a 1977 model sold for about US$20,000 by Bonhams at auction.[10]

Specifications

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Specs in the infobox are from Motorcyclist.[4]

References

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Notes

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  1. ^ How Stuff Works 2015.
  2. ^ a b Ernst 2013.
  3. ^ Sump 2015.
  4. ^ a b Stein 2010.
  5. ^ Gingerelli, Everitt & Michels 2011.
  6. ^ Lindsay 2006.
  7. ^ Welsh 2012.
  8. ^ c1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR 1000cc Motorcycle
  9. ^ "1978 Harley-Davidson XLCR 1000 Café Racer". Archived from the original on 2016-09-17. Retrieved 2016-04-26.
  10. ^ 1977 Harley-Davidson 998cc XLCR Frame no. 7F00656H7

Sources

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Further reading

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  • Brown, Roland (21 August 2009). "Harley-Davidson XLCR". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved August 24, 2009. The Harley-Davidson XLCR was Willie G. Davidson's one and only brush with the cafe racer set, and it created a classic for all time