his approach to the build was in an angle not much used. when most people who build replica's would settle for replica parts, Ben's idea was to use as many original parts as possible (and affordable) for the replica.
the best canvas to start an XLCR replica is offcourse a '79 IronHead. this is basically the same frame and engine as the XLCR. (for those who don't believe me, i still have my '79 frame hanging on the wall and the part number for the frame is the same as an XLCR frame but with one character more)
here's what he started with:
here's the finished product with all the trademark parts like seat, exhaust headers, headlight mount and fairing and lots of more parts being real (not replica!!) XLCR parts.
now why is it called "Stage one" you might ask? "it looks like the real deal right?
well.. ben is somewhat of a purist, but sometimes in a little rush to get a bike on the road.
the bike is now fully functional, but lacks a few details which he will attend to do to get to "Stage 2" like making the engine wrinckle black, put on the rear controls (which he already found! very very rare part) 18" rear wheel and some more little things..
but the 79 engine has a "normal" 1 down, the rest up shift pattern, and a XLCR has it backwards (1 up, the rest down) because of the rear controls. these shifter cams are rare and expensive, so it was out of the option.
but after some brainstorming sessions on the SON Forum, the answer was found, since it is a Harley, parts should be recyclable and reusable in a simple way.
an XLCR shifter cam:
and a stock IronHead shifter cam:
if you would look closely you see some differences and if you look a lot better you see that the differences are actually similarities!
so Ben took the stock ironhead shifter cam and removed the cam axle and turned the cam and re-lined the axle.
(XLCH stock) axle and cam apart:
cam and axle in new position:
and there you go! one reversed XLCR type shifter cam!
if you want to see more (and i know you want to see more!!) about this sweet build and more bike goodness by Ben check out these links:
Both links are in Dutch though, but if you can't read Dutch there are still plenty of nice pictures to drool over.
YOUR FRIEND HAS DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB ON HIS 79XLH TO 78XLCR CONVERSION. A MECHANIC WHO WORKED FOR ME FOR 10 YEARS DID THE SAME QUALITY CONVERSION. UNFORTUNATLY, HE PASSED AWAY IN 2004, AND HIS 2 WHITE TRASH SONS PARTED IT OUT SO THEY WOULD HAVE EXTRA PARTY MONEY. I WISH I HAD PHOTOS TO SEND YOU OF HIS BIKE. I'M SURE YOU WOULD HAVE APPRECIATED THEM AS I DO YOUR FRIENDS. A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE SHIFT SET UP. YOU LEARNED THAT YOU CAN REVERSE THE SHIFT PATERN BY TURNING THE CAM 180 DEGREES. THE SHIFT PATERN ON A STOCK XLCR WITH THE REARSET PEGS IS 1 DOWN AND 3 UP. I HAVE OWNED 3 XLCR'S OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS. 2 WERE STOCK. THE THIRD WAS A STREET RACER WITH A STROKER MOTOR AND A VERY LONG LIST OF HIGH PERFORMANCE GOODIES, SOME OFF THE SHELF AND SOME 1 OFF HANDMADE PARTS. I CHANGED THE SHIFT CAM TO MAKE IT 1 UP AND 3 DOWN. THE XR750 FLAT TRACKERS ARE ALL 1 UP AND 3 DOWN AND YOU COULD DROP IN AN XR750 SHIFT CAM INTO ANY YEAR IRONHEAD. IF YOUR FRIEND NEEDS ANY STOCK XLCR PARTS (LIKE THE CORRECT OIL TANK WITH THE EXTERNAL CLEAR TUBE OIL LEVEL CHECK AND THE FILL NECK UNDER THE SEAT, NOT ON THE RIGHT SIDE), THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE I HAVE ONE I WOULD SELL. I HAVE AT LEAST 60 OEM XLCR PARTS, 50% NEW AND 50% USED. I'M TOO SMART TO GIVE THEM AWAY FOR STUPIDLY LOW PRICES, BUT I'M NOT TRYING TO STICK IT TO ANYBODY EITHER. I CAN BE REACHED AT 520-256=2775. PLEASE LEAVE ME A MESSAGE AND I WILL CALL YOU BACK. ALSO, PLEASE DON'T PUBLISH MY PHONE NUMBER.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU,
J.H.
real nice job! I myself am building a characture xlcr around my old supercharged evo sporty, all handmade, will have all alloy bodywork, tank, seat, fairing! Imagine xlcr on steroids!! will keep you posted if required
ReplyDeletereal nice job! I myself am building a characture xlcr around my old supercharged evo sporty, all handmade, will have all alloy bodywork, tank, seat, fairing! Imagine xlcr on steroids!! will keep you posted if required
ReplyDelete" a XLCR has it backwards (1 up, the rest down)" Not true. One down, three up. My XLCR and my (converted) XR1000 have it. The correct pawl, by the way, is still available.
ReplyDelete