Harley Davidson XLCR1000

It's not often The Motor Company goes out on a limb to make something like the XLCR "cafe racer". When it came to cafe racers Harley was a day late and a buck short. The CR version of the XL (Sportster) was the creation of Willie G Davidson and was an attempt to appeal to the motorcyclists who hot rodded their Triumphs and BSA's in the 60's and 70's. The bike itself was a sales flop. It only lasted two model years and sold roughly 3000 units. It's a shame that the bike did not perform better on the sales floor, as Harley has stayed away from selling anything racy since (with the exception of the V-rod dragster models).


Even at the time Harley entered the cafe areana the market had moved on to "super bikes" like the Honda CB750 or Kawasaki Z1. English bikes were nearly extinct by 1977 because of the superior performance of the new Japanese bikes. And this XL could barley keep up with the lighter Brit bikes little own the multi cylinder Japanese machines. The CR was based off of the regular XL but featured an all black theme complete with powder coated wheels? (or engine/exhaust i can't recall). The bike also featured a lowered handle bars, a bikini fairing, triple disc brakes, and a XR style rear fender. All of which gave the XLCR a menacing look, that remains tasteful today. Now the XLCR is a highly saught after collectable model.

Family Tree
1977/1978 XLCR1000