In the early 1970s, a familiar Saturday afternoon TV commercial showcased AMF, or the American Machine and Foundry, a company with diverse offerings, including Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Despite mixed opinions on the AMF years among H-D enthusiasts, AMF made an earnest attempt to broaden their customer base, urging people to trade their sedentary habits for the thrill of a V-twin. In 1969, AMF acquired the Harley-Davidson brand, leading to an intriguing chapter in the motorcycle's history.

The pivotal year was 1977 when AMF, in an unexpected move, introduced their sole cafe racer, the Harley-Davidson XLCR. It's worth noting that Harley-Davidson was the sole major manufacturer with a cafe racer-style motorcycle in its official lineup during a time when sport bikes had yet to dominate the American motorcycle market.

Testing the XLCR brought some critical observations. Shifters required a long foot, and the racing seat was deemed uncomfortable, consisting of a mere piece of foam covered with vinyl. The small headlight functioned better as a visual cue for other traffic than as an illuminator for the rider. The unconventional placement of the horn button added to the list of idiosyncrasies.

The hallmark Harley-Davidson shake, resulting from engine vibrations, was a constant companion, affecting handlebars, footpegs, seat, and mirrors. Unfortunately, the XLCR proved to be less of a cafe racer than anticipated. Both front and rear suspensions were ill-equipped for aggressive cornering, and the brakes lacked predictability and feel.

While not fitting neatly into the cafe racer or touring bike categories, the XLCR's discomfort on extended rides was undeniable. Its rear-set pegs and diminutive windshield presented challenges, making anything beyond a 30-minute ride akin to enduring a medieval rack. However, some enthusiasts found joy in embracing the XLCR's quirks, treating them like the endearing traits of a wayward child. It was perceived as an audaciously loud, underperforming Harley-Davidson that, if approached with the right mindset, could be enjoyable.

Production of the XLCR ceased after a brief three years, with only 3200 units manufactured. In 1981, Harley-Davidson executives extricated themselves from AMF's ownership, and a tariff imposed by the Reagan administration on Japanese motorcycles over 750cc gave H-D a competitive boost. The XLCR, despite its unconventional characteristics, has found a place in motorcycle history. In a 2022 auction, a well-maintained model with 31,000 miles fetched $15,500, perhaps solidifying its status as an unexpected investment.