1961 Harley-Davidson XLR 883
A well-presented example of the limited-production Harley-Davidson Sportster XLR 883, designed to compete in AMA Grand National TT races, and which bears the signature of dirt racing legend Johnny Butterfield on the front competition plate. Power comes from the 883cc four-stroke ‘Ironhead’ V-twin, producing around 70hp, coupled to a five-speed gearbox.This rare XLR bears a very low engine number, which indicates that it may be a factory racing bike.
Equipment and features
The XLR was a pure 136kg racing bike, with no street equipment.Its overhead valve V-twin had the same bore and stroke as the production Sportster, though it ran ball bearings at the crankshaft ends, and was fitted with different heads, flywheels, conrods, cams, and pistons.The cylinder heads were ported and fitted with larger valves, and machined for longer reaching spark plugs.It also had a lightened valve train, a single Linkert carburettor, and a Fairbanks-Morse ‘magneto’ ignition. This example is finished in red, with white stripes, Harley-Davidson emblems on each side of the fuel tank, and Castrol, Coca Cola, and Firestone decals on the rear fender. It has a black seat pad, red handlebar grips, and a Smiths tachometer.
The front competition plate bears the signature of the dirt racing icon, Johnny Butterfield.
Condition
Its red and white paintwork is reported to be in excellent condition, and now presents with light blemishes around the fuel tank.Some light wear can be seen on the frame, handlebars, and Smiths tachometer, though the bike presents very well overall.
The owner is not aware of any mechanical or electrical faults.
Summary
This is an attractive example of the limited-production Harley-Davidson Sportster XLR 883, designed to compete in AMA Grand National TT races, and which bears the signature of dirt racing legend Johnny Butterfield on the front competition plate. Thought to be an original factory race bike, it would now make an eye-catching addition to a motorsport-themed collection, or an eye-catching bike show entrant.
This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number.
The plates were removed and deregistered for interstate buyers.
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