harleyKmodel

On this day in 1959...

This special XLCA racing model was the brainchild of Dick O’Brien, Harley's Director of Racing for many years. It started out as a 1959 XLH with the new, deeply-valenced front fender. The headlight, nacelle, taillight and license plate bracket were removed, as they were not needed for off-road racing. A special lightweight primary cover was fitted - it was extra-thin, and missing the usual "Sportster" logo and ridges. An innovative improvement, the Air-Glide rear fender mounting system shaves almost 10 pounds off the curb weight by obviating the need for the rear fender struts. Close inspection will show several other external improvements.

We're not sure what hi-performance modifications went on inside the engine, but nothing Mr. O'Brien built ever went slow. We believe that only one XLCA was produced, and unfortunately only the photo survives. But maybe, just maybe, the one and only XLCA is hiding in a barn somewhere.

I'm noting the date and your skilled use of photoshop here lol!

You got me Dave, thanks Simon for saving me from searching more barns. I was scratching my head about how they secured the rear fender.
JerryR

Simon is correct that I used Photoshop to remove the numbers and arrows - but the XLCA really did appear in the 1959 Service Manual - under Lubrication.



Was this just an XLH hastily assembled for the photo - or was it really the ultra-rare XLCA?

I don't know, but Jerry, I'd keep searching those barns!

JerrryR wrote:You got me Dave, thanks Simon for saving me from searching more barns. I was scratching my head about how they secured the rear fender.
JerryR

Jerry - The fender is secured using the half year only "invisible" struts.

I have several sets, just cant seem to find them at the moment.

It was a good one, alright. I found myself eagerly lapping up the text and scouring the pics before it dawned on me.
Something about rare racing Harleys that gets one excited!

Have a great Easter everyone!