XLCR replica stage 1.

Ben van Helden has been on a divine mission to make a XLCR replica.
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:

a butt ugly '79 XLCH with good frame and engine.


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:

the XLCR replica build.

Bens Bikes.

Both links are in Dutch though, but if you can't read Dutch there are still plenty of nice pictures to drool over.

stopping power for Toxic.

i scored a full floating disc and caliper spacer, and it was time to put them on Toxic!
check out the difference in size!

i had to mill the caliper spacer a little for clearance of the floater rings, and after that it all fitted like a charm!

 

the disc hides almost the whole wheel!

i gives a way better feel in the handle and more bite. even with the stock caliper..

but... this winter it's time to do some work on Toxic. some hard needed maintenance and some head work. (porting and shit) also i'm thinking of giving Toxic another swingarm (from a supersport jap) and maybe an upside down front end.

so chances are big the whole floating disc setup is getting shelved again..

a well.. we'll see where the project is going!

chopping days are here again!

big hands?

how big are the hands of the dude who rides this thing??

just look at the distance between the handlebar and the lever...

except for those andre the giant levers it's a nice bike though!
is it just me or are those Husky style tanks more and more used on customs?

HMMMM strociek!

it's a shame they don't exist anymore.. they made some sweet parts!

(we will forget the fact that it was Strociek who made the Jammer scooter kit for XL's.. that my friends was an abomination! google that shit if you don't know what i'm talking about)

ow.. and i had some random girl help me out showing the Toxic jeans..(check the label!)