Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/02/22
Subject: HD tidbits from '71
HD tidbits from '71
[The Awakening].
'Chopper' businesses were thriving, filling
a gap that Harley Davidson had ignored. FL models were
being purchased and customized, mostly by removing bulky
accessories. Willie G., (grandson to one of the founders),
would be instrumental in the design of the FX series. (F-from FL,
X-from XL), an Fl with XL fenders and front end, as well
as some styling. The first year FX had the fiberglass boattail
seat/fender which bombed so big on the sportster the previous
year. [Just like the sportster option, this butt ugly AMF
terror would die a blessed death after it's first year.]
The tank held a console with a speedo, switch
and the '#1' racing tribute logo. Bendix carb, 4 speed,
coil/points, 560lbs, 4 qt oil, 3.5 gallon tank, 65bhp,
110 mph, $2,500.
This model was kickstart only, so it had a small battery
on the right side. Footpegs, 2-1 pipes, 16"-F wheel,
19"-R, and a sportster horn. Paint options included
sparkling green, burgundy, blue, turquoise, red, copper and "Sparkling
America", (red/white/blue).
Main Models, (production #):
XLH - 55ci, (3,950) 'Sportster Super H'
XLCH - 55ci, (6,825) 'Sportster Super CH'
(FL series = 1,200; FLH series = 5,475) -
Electra Glides Super Sport
FLHF - 74ci, foot shifted 4 speed
FLH - 74ci, hand shifted 4 speed
FLPF - 74ci, foot shifted 4 speed
FLP - 74ci, hand shifted 4 speed
GE Servi-car - 45ci flathead, 3 forward speed,
1 reverse, (494).
*^* New Model - FX: (4,700)
Paint: birch white or sparkling blue.
XL changes:
Wet clutch with single spring.
Points and condensor moved behind plate on timing case cover.
FL:
10" front disc brake, Bendix/Zenith carb, 'Modern' twist
grip throttle.
MoFoCo minutes:
First year of AMF/HD logo.
William J. Harley, engineering VP, dies.
John Davidson named executive VP.
William H. Davidson named chairman.
AMF moves assembly operation to York, PA, with engines and
cases built at Capitol Drive plant.
Business partnership with Evel Knievel. [Evel made a movie
featuring Harleys, where he is lured to Mexico with the premise
that he would be murdered. 2 questions for the RMH readers:
1) name of the movie 2) who was the announcer for the 'main
event'?].
Racing: Joe Smith breaks the 9 second time
barrier for motorcycle drag
racing.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward
