Engine 1000 cc OHV 45° V-twin Compression ratio 9.0:1 | Production 1977–1979 Bore / stroke 88.9 x 96.8mm Power 57 @ 6,000 | |
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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. It was "largely ignored" by consumers when launched in the 1970s, and "famously a sales flop", a "narcoleptic turner" due to long wheelbase and cruiser-like steering geometry, with "lethargic performance", but by thirty years later, had become a collectors item.
In 2013 an 1977 model sold for 12,000 dollars at an auction. In 2004 a 1978 model went for 9,900 at an auction in New Zealand. In 2010 a 1977 model sold for about 20,000 USD by Bonhams at auction.
Specifications
Specs in the infobox are from Motorcyclist.