1978 - XLH Sportster

The '78 Sportsters got optional cast iron wheels this year, front dual disc brakes, electronic ignition, and the battery and oil tank moved inward. Harley Davidson's 75th anniversary model XLH came out with Midnight back with gold trim, anniversary graphics, and gold aluminum wheels. 11,271 XLHs, 2,323 XLH, (anniversary model at $3,127.00), 2,758 XLCHs (at $3,370.00), and six XLTs were produced for the Sportster's line this year.

The 1978 Harley-Davidson XL-1000 Sportster was designed and released in honor of Harley-Davidson's 75th anniversary.

1977 - Sportster Cafe Racer - XLT (Touring)

New cases to accommodate the left side shifting.
Frame designed for removal of oil pump with engine in frame.
XLT (touring) became available
included thicker seat
3.5 gallon tank
touring handle bars
saddlebags from FLH
geared higher
windshield
XLCR was introduced at Daytona (available again in 78).
cast aluminum wheels
fiberglass tail section w/solo seat
wrinkle black engine paint
bikini fairing
black siamese exhaust
dual disc front brakes
low bars
black paint scheme [on everything]
4 gallon gas tank
68 horses, 9:1 compression, 110 mph
Production Information:
XLH (12,742)
XLCH (4,074)
XLT (1,099)
XLCR (1,923) $3,623

XLT

1976 - XLCR Cafe Racer Sportster

1976 – O XLCR ou Cafe Racer é lançado e é um dos mais originais de todas as motos na plataforma Sportster. A motocicleta preta combina o café racer clássico europeu, com o estilo americano.

Production Information:
XLH (12,844)
XLCR (5,238)

1975 - XLH 1000 - XR 750

Left hand side gear shifting, right hand side rear brake (Fed mandated)
New 35mm Showa forks.
Production Information:
XLH (13,515)
XLCH (5,895)

XL 1000

The 1975 Harley-Davidson XL-1000 and XR-750, like their Big Twin brethren of the AMF era, often had their appearances altered, so relatively few are found today in their original state.

XR 750

                                        The XR-750 proved successful on the racecourse

1974 - XLH Sportster

Throttle used return springs.
Production Information:
XLH (13,295)
XLCH (10,535)
XR (100)