Hello everyone.

I'm planning on getting a XLCR towards the end of the Summer, and want to check on what would be some basic mods to make it a little more up to date in performance. I've already figured on a brake upgrade (Performance Machine, GMA ?) and maybe some Works shocks. Is there anything else you guys would recommend as a standard? I don't want to modify it beyond all reconition, or try to out run a Firebolt. Also, are there any common problem areas I should look for on a bike? I think I'll have about $8,000 to work with -better to get a soild stock bike, or a one in lesser condition and dump the cash in changes?

Thanks

The main thing that makes an XLCR worth the $$$$ .. is origionality

If you change too much you will reduce the value of the bike rather than add to it....

DO you really want an XLCR????? or do you just like the look????

As an Evo 5 speed would make a better base bike.....and there is a few companies that make replica body kits to give the look ...while still having the reliability of a later model bike

Good points.

I like the idea of having a real XLCR, 1 of 3000, etc. I'll just have to ride it within it's stock limits and not push it like a modern sporty.

Thanks for the advice.

I would consider an ignition upgrade to a modern electronic unit.

you would be better off getting the XLCR for the bragging rights and getting a used 5 speed and making it a XLCR replica.

Stevo- the reason that I came to this site is because I have a '79 xl basket case and was looking for ideas on how to rebuild it as a Cafe style lookalike. You mentioned aftermarket replicas- how bout some info?!? thanks...

I'm not sure who does kits in the States.... we had somone over here making them years back


I'd do a google search for XLCR and see what you can find......somone else may jump in with some links too..

There's a company called mecatwin that does some stuff but it's dear

I found the mecatwin site- way out of my league and parts aren't for either of my Sportsters (79 and 05). Airtech-streamlining makes some more price friendly accessories that I may end up using. I sure did enjoy looking at the Mecatwin site, made me want one.

Airtech used to make XLCR replica parts. Also try XLCRclub.com.

As for Ironhead hop ups, dual plugging is one trick that yields good results. The domed pistons shroud one side of the combustion chamber. While the heads are at a machine shop, a little porting goes a long way as well. I'd add a CV carb too.

Remember, drag pipes kill low end power.

Hey everyone,

Great site, I just registered, and this thread caught my eye. I currently ride a '77 XLCR, almost every day, sometimes just up to Starbucks to get her oil moving :) This bike just isn't meant to sit, though there is one in a Harley Museum down the road! So I'm on it often, and get a lot of looks/stares daily - its not surprising to come out of a store, or wherever, and find someone just walking around my bike, trying to figure out what the heck it is!

I would never discourage anyone from getting one of these, but they are rare, obviously...which means stock parts are hard to find! Not surprisingly, all the Harley dealerships in my area (Phoenix) will NOT work on them if you need something major done, so if you are not mechanically inclined...this antique bike may not be the right one! The Owner's Manual and Service manual are EXTREMELY helpful to have, and I see them all the time up on Ebay.

Mine is completely stock, still runs good (5800 miles) and is a blast. Not the fastest bike, of course, but the XLCR is really a classic. Stevo was right in his post - if you can, keep it original! VA Beach biker asked about common problems: With mine, I had a few (fixable) issues: Swingarm bearings needed replacement, tach and speedo cables were worn and replaced, regulator has been replaced, and tires. Also, the wiring up front needed some TLC, but otherwise, no major problems.

Now for MY question! Anyone know where to get stock tires for this bike? They are the Goodyear Eagle A/T MJ190-19T and MN90-18T. Thanks!

This forum is getting to be IronHead central! A big welcome to you. Oops, someone else will have to take a stab at your question.

Hey Koilad, what's the shift pattern on your XLCR? I've been trying to find all the pictures I can for reference in a replica rebuild and lately have been focusing on the pegs/brake/shifter area. In the pictures I found it looks like the shifter is just turned around to face the rear. In my mind that would make the gears opposite normal, unless something is different internally. Thanks for the reply.

Hey there,

If I understand correctly what you're asking, the shift sequence is: Neutral - stroke down to First, 1/2 stroke back up to Neutral, 1 stroke up to 2nd, 1 stroke up to 3rd, and 1 stroke up to 4th.

Hope that helps.

Koilad

I'm looking at a couple XLCRs, right now, and trying to narrow my choice down on which to get. I've got a question maybe you (or anyone) can answer. One that I really like is a '77, but has the 2-up seat, and passanger footpegs. The owner says they were dealer option, but I thought that all '77s were single seats, and Harley went to the passanger set up in '78 to try and sell them better. It's kind of a moot point, since the bike comes with a single seat also, but it got me wondering...

One down, three up. Thats exactly what I needed to know. There must be some linkage somewhere that reverses the shift pattern. I just need to find some better pics of that side of the bike unless someone knows where you can buy parts specifically for the XLCR. Thanks for the response.

Koilad

I'm looking at a couple XLCRs, right now, and trying to narrow my choice down on which to get. I've got a question maybe you (or anyone) can answer. One that I really like is a '77, but has the 2-up seat, and passanger footpegs. The owner says they were dealer option, but I thought that all '77s were single seats, and Harley went to the passanger set up in '78 to try and sell them better. It's kind of a moot point, since the bike comes with a single seat also, but it got me wondering...

Hey VA,

I do have a '77, and I believe the answer is correct about the dealer option. I do have a 2 up seat that I got from the original owner, as well as the passenger footpegs. However, an interesting note - there is a label on the original air filter cover (the stock cover with the '1000' on it) that says "This vehicle is designed to carry one person only."

One down, three up. Thats exactly what I needed to know. There must be some linkage somewhere that reverses the shift pattern. I just need to find some better pics of that side of the bike unless someone knows where you can buy parts specifically for the XLCR. Thanks for the response.

Jon,

Here's what the Service Manual says about the gears: "The transmission is foot operated by the gear shifter lever which transmits the force through a gear shifter shaft, actuaing a pawl carrier, pawls and gear shifter cam. The shifter cam moves shifter forks which slide a series of gear clutches on the mainshaft and countershaft into mesh with the various gears to obtain the desired gear ratios."

If your quick........

Link....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Harley-Davidson-XLCR-Sportster_W0QQitemZ4563717090QQcategoryZ49995QQtcZ photoQQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Though, if you want a sweet Iron head..........

Link......

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1979-CUSTOM-BIKE-MUST-SEE-NO-RESERVE-CHROME_W0QQitemZ4564753700QQcategoryZ49995QQrdZ1QQ cmdZViewItem

Jon, if you reverse the lever from 9:00 to 3:00 the pattern WILL be reversed without need for complicated linkage...Buzz Buzzelli's Sportster Performance Handbook has pictures of the reversed lever...

change the brakes the originals are £$$%%ing useless

Check out the 1977 thread this bike is still for sale