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.


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