1971 History


Main Models

71-XLH Sportster Super Fl: 55ci ( 883cc ) Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

71-XLCH Sportster Super CH: 55ci ( 883cc ) Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

71-FLHF Super Sport: 74ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with foot-shifted four-speed transmission

71-FLH Super Sport: 74ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with hand-shifted four-speed transmission

71-FLPF Super Sport: 74ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with Foot-shifted four-speed transmission

71-FLP Super Spore: 74ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with hand-shifted four-speed transmission

71-R( Super Glide: 74ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with foot-shifted four-speed transmission

71-GE Servi-Car without tow bar: 45ci Flathead V-twin with three-speed-and-reverse transmission

Sidecars and Chassis

71-LE

Production Totals

Model FL: 1,200

Model FLH: 5,475

Model XLH: 3,950

Model XLCH: 6,825

Model GE: 500

Model FX: 4,700

Paint Colors

Birch White or Sparkling Blue

Series XLH and XLCH Sportsters  
   First Year  

  Wet clutch with single spring

  Points and condenser now behind plate on timing case cover  

 Series FL Electra Glides   
    First Year

        10in front disc brake

        Bendix / Zenith carburetor

        Modern twist-grip throttle

Series FX Super Glides  
   First Year  

The Model FX Super Glide was a new model with radical styling, combining Model FLH frame, engine (without electric start), and running gear with the Model XLH front end and an optional boat-tail rear end like the one on the Sportster

Foot pegs instead footboards

Shift lever is reversed on the shaft so that it extends back toward the left foot peg

Rear brake pedal revised for use with foot pegs; new linkage to connect it to the master cylinder

Four-speed transmission with foot shift

Kickstarter with XL-style kickstarter pedal

Two low pipes feeding into one muffler on the right side

16in rear wheel

19in front wheel

3.5gal dual gas tanks with center-mounted instrument console holding the speedometer

Sportster horn mounted to left frame downtube

   Only Year

     One-piece fiberglass rear fender and seat base

Motor Company Minutes, 1971

    The first year of the AMF/H-D logo.

    William J. Harley, engineering vice president, passes away.

    John Davidson named executive vice president

    William H. Davidson named chairman.

    AMF moves assembly operations to York Plane.

    Engines and transmissions now built at the Capitol Drive Plane.

    Full swing production of snowmobiles.

    Business partnership with Evel Knievel.

Racing Notes

   Joe Smith on H-D crashes the 9sec time barrier for motorcycle drag racing.



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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