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)

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

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

Specs in the infobox are from Motorcyclist.[4]

References

Notes

  1. ↑ How Stuff Works 2015.
  2. 1 2 Ernst 2013.
  3. ↑ Sump 2015.
  4. 1 2 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

Further reading

  • 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
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