The Harley-Davidson XLCR was the company’s factory-produced cafe racer.
Harley-Davidson built the XLCR from 1977 through 1979. The model was designed under the direction of Willie G. Davidson and combined the Sportster’s 1,000 cc engine with a distinctive solo seat, low handlebars, rear-set foot controls, and a blacked-out appearance.
The name XLCR combined the Sportster designation “XL” with “CR,” an abbreviation for cafe racer. Its styling differed sharply from Harley-Davidson’s large touring and cruiser motorcycles of the period.
The XLCR sold in relatively small numbers and became more appreciated by collectors over time. It is sometimes confused with the XR-750, but the XR-750 was a racing motorcycle, whereas the XLCR was a street-legal production model inspired by cafe-racer design.