harleyKmodel

I met a guy at Davenport and he needed a top tree for a 59 XLR . He didn't know what he needed and I'm afraid I wasn't much help ! Did it use the 45738-59 steel tree ? If not I was hoping one of you guys could help with some info. A part number or image would be great !

Thanks
Jack

I'm no expert,but I think it takes -52A,a revised version of the -52.

I am no expert but I believe after studying factory XLR photos for an early 58? years ago it looked like it had a K lightweight frame. It may have had early K trees, raked for XLRTT or std rake, possibly. If I even remember right.....fun getting oldish. Erik

OK I found the H-D photo of actually a 1958 XLRTT. So may not pertain to the XLR but in this photo you can most certainly see the early K frame with cast motor mount, welded rear fender strut supports and probably matching trees. If someone has an XLR parts book that would sure help! I have seen this photo before, maybe in a new model announcement, but also on page 53 of Allan Girdler`s `Harley Racers` book. Trying to downsize the photo to send, no luck, so think I will just forward it to the boss! DAVE help....again! Erik

I have the 1970 XR/XLR book and all is says is "Upper Bracket....46705-70R" and its for 70 to * bikes. Most all the parts in the front fork section are -70R, including the triple tree, 45734-70R.

Sorry, not much help there. Just so we have a start-- here are all the triple clamp numbers, in preparation for my restoring my 1962. There is a -59 part that was used from 1959 to early 1962. That may be what's corrects on an XR, but I am no expert, just a dude with some parts books. The drawing makes it look like steel.

1952 book:
45738-52 52-53

1956 book:
45738-52 52-53
45738-54A 54-56

1959 book:
45738-52 52-53 K
45738-54A 54-58 all
45738-59 59 all

1963 book:
45738-52 53 K
45738-54A 54-58 KH, XL, XLH, XLCH
45738-59 59-E62 XL, XLH, XLCH
45738-62 L62-* XLH, XLCH

1965 book:
45738-54A 54-58 KH, XL, XLH, XLCH
45738-59 59-E62 XL, XLH, XLCH
45738-62 L62-* XLH, XLCH

1971 book:
45738-59 59-E62 XL, XLH, XLCH looks steel in the diagram
45739-62B L62-70 XLH, XLCH
45739-62B 71-* XLH, XLCH, looks aluminum called out for 71 and later.

1976 supplement:
45738-73 75-* XLH, XLCH

1978 book:
45738-73B 75-* XLH, XLCH

1979-1985 book:
45736-78B (polished) 79-* XL, XLCH, XLS
47697-83A (black wrinkle) 83-* XLS (yeah these two contradict, get used to it)

Hi,

KR/XLR frames and forks are special.

They're obviously derived from the K frame and forks but are not K frame or forks, they are subtly different.

They do follow K geometry, fork tubes not parallel to steering column, unlike KH and Sportster where tubes are parallel to steering column..

As a rule KR/XLR forks are shorter and trees are lightened and all bracketry are deleted ( bosses for screws, switches...) then later top tree is in aluminium.

-70R fork bits for XR and XLR are Italian Ceriani.

If you find an XLR with Sportster frame and forks, this is not OEM equipment but more likely an XLR engine fitted in a XLCH frame...

If you find a KRTT with a Sportster CH frame (not the whole CH cycle parts mind you...), it could be OEM, a few were assembled as such for the Daytona beach races (pre 61...) that tended to brake the std KR frame in the ruts...Roger Reiman famous number 55 3 times a winner KRTT was like that from the word go.

Patrick

Thanks Jerry for putting illustrations...

This frame has actually a -58R part number, fitted with -57R casting numbers.

It is obviously different than all K, KH and X frames... Earlier ones are not that easy to spot!!!

Note K type steering casting mixed with squashed top tube and Sportster top engine bracket...

Patrick

While on the subject of KR frames, the rolling chassis I bought on eBay said it was KR, which I immediately discounted as a pump-up-the-price technique. Is there any way to tell externally what is a 1954 KR frame? I have read it is made from chrome moly tubing and is much lighter. As I restore the bike I can put the frame on a scale, but I don't even know what weight is what. I have also read they "ring" more when you clank them with a hammer, but that too is a bit subjective.

The odd thing about the frame is that it does not have a lower mount for the kidney oil bag, which would seem it might be meant for the wrap-around race tank. What I have is a loop of steel strap, like a big wire clamp, that picks up the lower oil bag bolt. As the bolt tightens it clamps the loop to the frame.

The frames is stamped 3J, I posted pictures here.