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XLR frame

PostPosted: Tue Aug 25, 2020 3:28 pm
by 59XLR
Greetings. What frame would be correct for a 1959 XLR ? The 57R frame? Thanks in advance for any help. Been reading on here, but not sure if I need a 56R ? 57R ??

Re: XLR frame

PostPosted: Tue Aug 25, 2020 4:05 pm
by hugoct
What year Sportster XLRTT are you restring?
I'm assuming 1959 based on your ID.
Serial number?
Pictures ?
There never was a 57R frame.
There is a 52R frame which is appropriate for a Sportster XLRTT and a 58R frame which is appropriate for a 1958 and later KR and KRTT.
Then there is the matter of date codes as there are 21 different versions of the 52R frame and you would need one with a late 1958 to early 59 date code depending on your serial numbe'rs position in the production/model year sequence.
Regards

Re: XLR frame

PostPosted: Tue Aug 25, 2020 5:16 pm
by 59XLR
Even from the limited research I have done, there
57R Frame 1.JPG
57R Frame 1.JPG (18.07 KiB) Viewed 11840 times
are 57R frames. I even found some of the info here. That is why I am asking what would be correct for 1959

Re: XLR frame

PostPosted: Tue Aug 25, 2020 5:18 pm
by 59XLR
57R frame code on neck

Re: XLR frame

PostPosted: Tue Aug 25, 2020 5:18 pm
by 59XLR
stock, as found 62 XLR. Note 57R frame code

Re: XLR frame

PostPosted: Tue Aug 25, 2020 5:20 pm
by 59XLR
mine is a '59 and I want to put it back stock. It is currently in a XR750 chassis and in "as raced condition"

Re: XLR frame

PostPosted: Wed Aug 26, 2020 7:26 am
by hugoct
The 57R number on the steering head is a casting number.
All the frames whether 52R or 58R built between 1957 and 1970 used the 57R casting.
As stated earlier there was no 57R frame.
The proper frame for a 1959 Sportster XLRTT ia a 52R frame with a late 58 or early 59 date code.
That frame will have a 57R casting and will be one of 21 different iterations of the 52R frame.
If your bike as it is has a story as a race bike preserve and celebrate it's uniqueness.
Removing it's story and DNA makes it just one of many over restored race bikes with no story to tell.
There are enough of these zombie bikes.
You may have a very special bike.
Do the research before you destroy the history for the sake of a beauty queen.
Regards

Re: XLR frame

PostPosted: Wed Aug 26, 2020 8:23 am
by 59XLR
Thank you Sir for this information!! Now I understand what you were referring to when you said there was "no 57R frames" I would guess the chance of me even finding a 52R with a correct date code would be zero to impossible....?
Yes, have the history of the bike. Motor was used by Molenaar as a hill climber and was state wins with it. Was then bought by a pro racer in Michigan, (don't want to throw his name out in public, without asking him first) and he built it as his TT bike. Michigan state wins with it, as it sits. The XR chassis was Marty Bushman's and was pro raced. I've kept it as is for all these years. I honestly thought it would be more desirable restored. ???
Again thank you for your information and help!!!

Re: XLR frame

PostPosted: Wed Aug 26, 2020 11:04 am
by hugoct
You have a wonderful bike.
Get as many pictures of it from back in the day and as much documentation as possible.
Interview as many of the riders and mechanics involved as possible and get it on tape.
Preservation and conservation should be your guiding lights.
Please post more pictures.
Congrats on the find.
Regards