1979 History
Main Models
79-XLH Sportster Super H: 1,000ce Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
79-XLCH Sportster Super CH: 1,000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
79-XLS Roadster: 1,000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
79-FLH-1 200 Electra Glide: 1,200cc Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
79-FLH-80 Electra Glide: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
79-FLH-1200 Police Electra Glide: 1,200cc Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
79-FLH-80 Police Electra Glide: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
79-FLHC Electra Glide Classic: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
79-FXS-1200 Low Rider: 1,200cc Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
79-FXS-80 Low Rider: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
79-FXE-1200 Super-Glide: 1,200cc Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
79-FXEF-1200 Fat Bob: 1,200cc Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
79-FXEF-80 Fat Bob: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
Sidecars and Chassis
79-LE
Production Totals
Model XLH: 6,525
Model XLS: 5,123
Model XLCR: 9
Model XLCH: 141
Model FXE-1200: 3,117
Model FXEF-80: 5,264
Model FXEF-1200: 4,678
Model FXS-80: 9,433
Model FXS-1200: 3,827
Model FLT: 19
Model FLHC: 4,368
Model FLHC and sidecar: 353
Model FLH-80: 3,429
Model FLH-1200: 2,612
Model FLH-80 Police: 84
Model FLH-1200 Police: 596
Paint Colors
Birch White, Vivid Black, Brilliant Red, Concord Blue, Chestnut Brown, Classic Tan, Classic Creme, FW Silver, and Charcoal Gray
Series
XLH and XLCH Sportsters
First
Year
New rear brake master cylinder
Brake system placed where kickstart was
Kickstarter optional
(Last year of the XLCH)
Series
XLS Sportsters
First
Year
Model XLS (later named Roadster) is a new model based on the
Sportster that is billed as a Sportster version of the FXS Low Riders
Extended forks
16in rear wheel
Siamese exhaust system
Drag bars on 3.5in risers
Sissy bar with leather pouch
Highway pegs
Two-piece seat
Rear sprocket chromed
Series
FXEF-1200 and FXEF-80 Fat Bobs
First/Only Year
The 1,200cc and 80ci FXEF Fat Bobs are new models based on the FXE Super Glide
Dual gas tanks with tach and speedo on the center console, like those on the FXS Low Riders
Bobbed rear fender
Buckhorn bars
Series
FXS-1200 Low Riders
First
Year
Sissy bar
Leather pouch
Series
FXE-1200 Super Glides
First
Year
Twin front disc brakes
Series
FLH-1200 and FLH-80 Electra Glides
First
Year
FLHC Classic with special Tan and Cream paint job, cast wheels, and Tour Pak, in addition to all the FLH equipment
Frame-mounted seats standard
Standard equipment includes fairing, saddlebags, safety guards, and luggage rack
Motor Company Minutes, 1979
The heavyweight models receive the highest priority
Sales in United States fall to less than 4 percent of motorcycle market.
Racing Notes
Jay Springsteen places second Grand National Championship.
Randy Goss places third Grand National Championship.
Scott Parker wins two Nationals.
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.