Harley-Davidson XLCR

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

Harley-Davidson XLCR

Manufacturer	Harley-Davidson
Production	1977–1979
Engine	1000 cc OHV 45° V-twin
Bore / stroke	88.9 x 96.8mm
Compression ratio	9.0:1
Power	57 @ 6,000
Torque	67.9 @ 3,750
Transmission	4 speed
Suspension	Rear: Twin Showa shocks, adjustable preload
Rake, trail	27.8°, 5.1"
Wheelbase	59.6 in.
Weight	530 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]

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]