The New Year Bike: 1978 Harley-Davidson XLCR

By Margie Siegal
Published on June 14, 2016
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1978 Harley-Davidson XLCR
1978 Harley-Davidson XLCR
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Mark’s XLCR still wears the original Goodyear tires from 1978.
Mark’s XLCR still wears the original Goodyear tires from 1978.
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The odometer reads just 1,776 miles from new.
The odometer reads just 1,776 miles from new.
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1978 Harley-Davidson XLCR
1978 Harley-Davidson XLCR
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The bike is as original as they come. The odometer reads just 1,776 miles from new.
The bike is as original as they come. The odometer reads just 1,776 miles from new.
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1978 Harley-Davidson XLCR
1978 Harley-Davidson XLCR
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Harley offered a dual seat as an option for 1978, but Mark’s bike wears the standard solo saddle.
Harley offered a dual seat as an option for 1978, but Mark’s bike wears the standard solo saddle.
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Owner Mark Harrigan rides his XLCR just twice a year, on New Year’s Day and the Fourth of July, but he puts about 25,000 miles a year on his collection of bikes.
Owner Mark Harrigan rides his XLCR just twice a year, on New Year’s Day and the Fourth of July, but he puts about 25,000 miles a year on his collection of bikes.
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Former H-D machinist Jim Haubert.
Former H-D machinist Jim Haubert.
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In 1977, the $3,595 asking price of a new XLCR was a lot when a new Suzuki GS750 could be purchased for around $2,200.
In 1977, the $3,595 asking price of a new XLCR was a lot when a new Suzuki GS750 could be purchased for around $2,200.

1978 Harley-Davidson XLCR
Engine:
61ci (997cc) air-cooled OHV 45-degree V-twin, 81mm x 96.8mm bore and stroke, 9:1 compression ratio, 61hp @ 6,200rpm (claimed)
Top speed:
106mph (period test)
Carburetion:
Single 38mm Keihin
Transmission:
4-speed, chain final drive
Weight (wet):
485lb (220.5kg)

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