1977 History


Main Models

77-XLH Sportster Super H: 1,000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

77-XLCH Sportster Super CH: 1,000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

77-XLT: 1,000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

77-XLCR Cafe Racer: 1,000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

77-FLH-1200: 1,200cc Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

77-FLHS Eleara Glide: 1,200cc Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

77-FX Super Glide: 1,200cc Shovelhead OHV V-twin with Four-speed transmission

77-FXE Super Glide: 1,200cc Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission and electric start

77-FXS Low Rider: 1,200cc Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

Sidecars and Chassis

77-LE

Production Totals

Model XLH: 12,742

Model XLCH: 4,074

Model FX: 2,049

Model FXE: 9,400

Model FXS: 3,742

Model FLH-1200: 8,691

Model FLHS: 535

Model XLT: 1,099

Model XLCR: 1,923

Paint Colors

Bitch White, Vivid Black, Vivid Blue, Charcoal Silver, Vivid Brown, Midnight Blue Metallic, Arctic White, or Bright Blue

Series XLH and XLCH Sportster  
    First Year  

    New cases designed to allow the gearshift shaft to emerge direct to the lever on the left side

         Frame designed allowing oil pump removal with engine in the Frame

Series XLT Touring Sportster  
    First Year  

     The Model XLT is a touring version of the XLH Sportster

    Thicker seat

    3.5 gal tank like the one on the FX Super Glide

    Touring handlebars

    Saddlebags from FLH Electra Glide

    Higher geared final drive

    Windshield

Series XLCR Sportster Cafe Racers  
    First Year  

     Model XLCR Cafe Racer is a new model based powered by the Sportster engine

    Redesigned frame with rear frame rails extended so the shock absorbers could be repositioned more vertically, with the lower shock mount more near the rear axle for better handling

    Morris's cast aluminum wheels

    Fiberglass tail section and solo seat

    New oil tank

    Wrinkle-finish Black paint on engine

    Bikini fairing

    Siamese exhaust system

    Dual-disc front brakes

    Low bars

    Wheelbase measures 58.5in

    Glossy Black-on-Black paint theme

    Four-speed transmission

    Rear-set foot pegs

    Exhaust pipes painted flat Black

    Unique, restyled gas tank ( 4gal capacity )

Series FLH-1200 Electra Glides  
    First Year  

    Revised transmission with caged bearing for the main drive gear, new main drive gear, and caged needle bearings for the countershaft

    Updated engine Kavenge-breather valve

    Longer dual-bucket sprung saddle  

Series FLHS Electra Glide Sports  
    First / Only Year  

    Model FLHS is a limited-edition, one-year-only version of the FLH

    Super sprung seat

    Revised transmission with caged bearing for the main drive gear, new main drive gear, and caged needle bearings for the countershaft

    Updated engine scavenge-breather valve

    Brown with tan trim paint scheme  

Series FX and FXE Super Glides  
    First Year  

    Cast rear wheel optional 

    Showa fork

    Revised kickstarter lever with the swing-out pivot at the bottom of the lever

Series FXS Low Riders  
    First Year  

     Model FXS Low Rider is a new model based on the FXE Super Glide

    Gun-metal-Gray paint

    3.5gal dual tanks with a smaller tachometer and speedometer mounted in tandem on the tank console

    Cast-aluminum Morris wheels: 19in front and 16in rear ( painted Gray, with polished edges )

    Showa fork

    Raked frame

    Shorter, rear shocks with stiffer springs

    Thin, deeply dished king-and-queen seat with separate front and rear sections

    Flat drag bars on curved-back risers

    Dual Front disc brakes

    Highway pegs

    Oil cooler

    Black crinkle-finish crankcases, barrels, and cylinder heads with polished primary cover, gear cover, and rocker boxes

    Air cleaner has Black-painted center and number "1200"

    Separate head pipes sweep back to separate connections on a single muffler

    Revised kickstarter lever with the swing-out pivot at the bottom of the lever

Motor Company Minutes, 1977

    Vaughn Beals named president.

    The Rodney C. Gott H-D Museum opens its doors to the public. On June 8, a dedication is held in York, Pennsylvania.

    First year of HDOA, H-D Owners Association, organized by Carl T. Wicks.

    H-D controls 21 percent of the 750cc and larger motorcycle market.

Racing Notes

    Jay Springsteen on Model XR-750 wins Grand National Championship and Number 1 Plate.

    Ted Boody places second Grand National Championship.

    Gary Scott places third Grand National Championship.

         Waiter Villa wins 350cc World Class Championship.

 



Any additional information is greatly appreciated as well as any corrections   I'm no historian, I post what I can come up with, all info is appreciated.


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