The origins and the official history of this model are lost. Harley Davidson occasionally produced a touring Sportster into the 70s, although none apparently carried a unique model designation like the XLT. These earlier tourers were reportedly special orders from the factory, as was the XLT. According to Tom Bolfert, Harley-Davidson company archivist, "The 1977 XLT was not a standard production model. Consequently, we have virtually no information on it. It does not appear in the literature or even on the retail price list." Oddly, we recently discovered a sales handout for the overseas market.
The differences between the XLT and its sister models included a larger fuel tank (originally from Harley's Sprint 350 model), a larger, more-padded saddle, touring handlebars, and a higher geared final drive. Windshield and saddlebags were standard equipment. The brochure mentions such features as a calibrated carburator, scavenging 2-into-1 exhaust system, and 3-way adjustable shocks.
According to the dealer at time of purchase, mine was originally used by the factory as a police demonstrator. It was painted Birch White, had no tank decals, and carried a luggage rack in addition to the stock saddlebags. Later it was released for sale to Suburban Motors, Grafton, Wisconsin, where I bought it in December, 1978 - hastily repainted Chevy Chevelle green. (See H-D's latest Sportster-based police bike .) One XLT is known to have been put in law enforcement service, having been demo-ed by the Pittsburgh PD and later purchased by the Upper St. Claire (PA) PD. It saw service into the 1980s..
We know that many of these bikes were stripped of their bags and windshield by dealers, and sold as Sportsters at deep discount prices. It appears, given that all the known ride review articles come from the European press, that the XLT may have also been targeted to the overseas market. While Harley Davidson's own archives are bare, the only known sales brochure was published by the company's international sales organization - which, I believe was separate from the American firm - essentially a resale agent.
One of the few contemporary descriptions of the bike found so far is an article in Motor Cycle Mechanic, a British magazine, dated June 1977. It concludes, "In terms of performance alone the XLT could never be worth two and a quarter thousand pounds (about $4,500), and yet this living legend has an indefinable magic that no other bike possesses." (BTW, a 1977 Honda Goldwing sold for 1600 pounds, about $3,200.)
Thanks to Terry Blair, we also have a May 1977 Road Rider magazine ride review of the XLT. (See link below.) It reads like most Harley reviews of the time - looking for something nice to say, often damning with faint praise. From experience, most of the observations ring true. Unlike today's riders, those of even a few years ago needed to have some facility with hand tools for regular owner maintenance, if not roadside service. NOBODY took their machines to dealers for oil changes and chain adjustments! When it broke, you fixed it.
There is also a review from the June 1977 Motor Cycle Mechanic, another Brit enthusiast magazine. (See link below.)
Restoration parts were available after searching. The most difficult to find were H-D authentic Compact Windshield parts. These clear plastic parts have largely yellowed and become brittle over the years. Several dealers, notably Doug's H-D (Florence, SC), Zepka H-D (Johnstown, PA), and Lancaster H-D (Willow Street, PA), proved helpful. Other suppliers who helped me: J&P Cycles, Iron Eagle, and MotorcycleUSA.com. E-bay proved a fair source of odd parts - and this model carries a few.
The XLT Owners Group is dedicated to preserving these H-D rarities, giving owners a chance to meet and exchange information. If interested in joining, please contact me through the e-mail account below. There are no dues or other charges involved.
- Brian Boettcher
BTW: The first question I am often asked is "What's it worth?". I don't know. I have been told anywhere from $6000 on up. I've not seen a complete XLT sold anywhere - not e-bay, or any of the auction houses. I have seen earlier "Baby Dressers" offered for as much as $15,000. Indeed, these are rare in any XL year model.
(Last Updated: 11/07)
August 2005 American Iron Magazine!
Engine: 45 Degree V-Twin OHV
Displacement: 997.5 cc/60.9 c.i.
Compression Ratio: 9.1:1
Output: 61 bhp at 6200 rpm
Carburation: Single 38mm Keihin
Carburator
Ignition: Mechanical Points and
Condenser
Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gal.
Oil Tank Capacity: 5.8 pints
Electric Starter only
Transmission: Four-speed gearbox,
Chain final drive
Gear Ratios:1st: 10.63; 2nd: 7.70;
3rd: 5.87; 4th: 4.22
Chassis:
Wheelbase: 58.5 inches
Length: 87.3 inches
Weight: 578 lbs. (w/fluids)
Castor: 61 degrees
Trail: 4.53 inches
Brakes: (Front) 11.5 inch single disc
(Rear) 8.0 inch drum
Tires: (Front) 3.75 x 19 Yokohama
with Tube
(Rear) 4.25 x 18 Yokohama
with Tube
Standing Quarter Mile: 14.2 seconds
at 92 mph
Top Speed: 110 mph claimed.
Galen Bliss, Bellingham, WA
