Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/02/21
Subject: HD tidbits from '70
HD tidbits from '70
Exit the "Generator Shovelhead", time to alternate~~~~~~~~~, enter the
" Alternator Shovelhead".
HD tries on a fiberglass boat-tail seat fender on the Sportster. [It went over like a 3 day old dead fish, and disappeared just as quickly].
Cal Rayborn took a sporster engine, put it in a rocket style 'tube', and went to Bonneville Salt Flats. Since the "bike" was only 2 feet high, he laid on his back. The first run attained 266.785 mph for the measured mile. The second run was 'only' 264.2 mph for an average of 265.492, for a new two wheel record.
[But the real story of 1970 will be the XR750.]
Main Models, (production #):
XLH - 55ci, (3,033) 'Sportster Super H'
XLCH - 55ci, (5,527) 'Sportster Super CH'
(FL series = 1,706; FLH series = 5,909) - 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).
*^* Specialty model, XR-750:
The XR750 was first shown at the Houston Show, Texas, in February, designed by Dutchman Pieter Zylstra. It was thrown together in 4 months, and was an immediate disaster at the races. The 'iron' motor ran too hot, had piston failures, and was nicknamed "Waffle Iron". It did manage to win 7 of 25 races trying for an AMA title. Reworked heads, new fly wheels and head retention with studs into crankcase, would later help. 1972 would see the arrival of the alloy engine.
XR specs: 45ci, (750cc), 10.5:1 compression, 90 bhp, two 36mm Mikuni carbs, 4 speed, Triplex primary chain, Magneto ignition, Double down tube frame, [Hey! and that triangular oil tank looks quite the same fashion as the FXR's will soon be.], 320 lbs, 2.5 gallon tank, 130mph top speed. In it's last year, 1980, 160 made, it would cost $4,000, (throughout, a total of about 530 made).
Paint: Brich White or Hi-Fi Sparkling Blue, [obviously, AMF had no stock in paint.].
XLH & XLCH changes:
Magneto ignition on the XLCH replaced with XLH's points/coil.
Optional "boattail" fiberglass seat-fender.
Frame numbers.
FL:
Alternator w/rectifier, (causing many other changes) mechanical breaker points and advance in the gear case replaces the external timer, timing case cover cone-shaped because alternator and ignition are located in timing case, timer gear connected to cam. Redesigned crankcase, inner & outer primary covers for primary case mounted alternator, oil tank w/filler hole near front left edge of tank top w/dipstick. Exhaust header pipes are chromed, flex covers no longer offered. Saddlebags w/tumbler lock, locking hook and duty rated hinge.
MoFoCo Minutes:
HD to start producing snowmobiles, [another use for AMF fiberglass].
HD "Number 1" logo designed to celebrate Mert Lawwills win at AMA Grand National.
Racing Notes:
Calvin Rayborn on the KR, wins 3 first place positions and 3 second
place positions out of six races at Anglo-American Races in England.
***tidbits taken from various sources.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.
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