Harley XLCR Café Racer

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The Harley-Davidson XLCR
The Harley-Davidson XLCR
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Funny to think the XLCR was once Harley’s “bad boy” bike. Dressed in black with knife-edge styling, it was still something of a sheep in wolf’s clothing.
Funny to think the XLCR was once Harley’s “bad boy” bike. Dressed in black with knife-edge styling, it was still something of a sheep in wolf’s clothing.
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Harley-Davidson XLCR
Harley-Davidson XLCR
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Harley-Davidson XLCR
Harley-Davidson XLCR
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Harley-Davidson XLCR
Harley-Davidson XLCR
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Harley-Davidson XLCR
Harley-Davidson XLCR
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Harley-Davidson XLCR
Harley-Davidson XLCR
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Harley-Davidson XLCR
Harley-Davidson XLCR
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Harley-Davidson XLCR
Harley-Davidson XLCR
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Except for the black finish and siamesed exhaust, the XLCR used the same 998cc V-twin found in Harley’s Sportster.
Except for the black finish and siamesed exhaust, the XLCR used the same 998cc V-twin found in Harley’s Sportster.
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Stunning from any angle, the XLCR’s slender, almost athletic proportions suggest more than the XLCR actually delivers.
Stunning from any angle, the XLCR’s slender, almost athletic proportions suggest more than the XLCR actually delivers.
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Harley-Davidson XLCR
Harley-Davidson XLCR
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Minimalist tail fairing takes weight away, enforcing the XLCR’s sporting image.
Minimalist tail fairing takes weight away, enforcing the XLCR’s sporting image.

Harley-Davidson XLCR

Years produced: 1977-1979
Total production: 1,923
Claimed power: 61bhp @ 6,200rpm
Top speed: 110mph
Engine type: 998cc, two-valve, 45-degree V-twin 
Weight: 234kg (515lb) wet 
Price then: $3,595 (1977)
Price now: $7,500-$11,000

The city streets were thick with traffic, but it was still a memorable ride. With deceptive speed, the slim, black Harley-Davidson XLCR carved a swath through the miles of slow-moving metal. The slightest twist of the throttle sent the torquey V-twin stomping effortlessly forward. Everywhere the menacing black Harley XLCR Café Racer went, its booming bass exhaust note cleared cars from its path, turned pedestrians’ heads and threatened to turn buildings to rubble.

Magical stuff — and I wasn’t even riding the Harley, just following behind on a modern Honda while the XLCR’s owner led the way through his neighborhood with practiced ease. Even before I got to ride it, the original Harley-Davidson Café Racer had charmed me with its unique style and presence. But if that’s the V-twin’s great strength, then it’s also the Hog’s fatal flaw. For if ever a motorcycle was built for image rather than performance, this is the one.

Read about Tony Long’s experience of riding and owning a Harley XLCR Café Racer

  • Published on Aug 21, 2009
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