1978 History
Main Models
78-XLH Sportster Super H: 1,000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
78-XLCH Sportster Super CH: 1,000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
78-XLT: 1,000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
78-XLCR Cafe Racer: 1,000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
78-FX Super Glide: 1,200cc Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
78-FXE Super Glide: 1,200cc Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission and electric start
78-FXS Low Rider: 1,200cc Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
78-FLH-1200: 1,200cc Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
78-FLH-80: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
Specialty Models
78-XLH Sportster Anniversary: 75th Anniversary edition featuring a Midnight Black with Gold trim paint theme, limited-edition anniversary graphics, and aluminum wheels finished in Gold
78-FLH-1200 Anniversary: 75th Anniversary edition featuring a Midnight Black with Cold trim paint scheme, limited-edition anniversary graphics, real leather on seat, and Gold anodized cast eagle on clutch cover
Sidecars and Chassis
78-LE
Retail Prices
75th Anniversary Sportster XLH: $3,127
75th Anniversary FLH-1200: $4,852
Model FLH-80: $4,905
Model XLCH: $3,370
Production Totals
Model XLH: 11,271
Model XLH Anniversary: 2,323
Model XLCH: 2,758
Model XLCR: 1,201
Model XLS: 2
Model XLT: 6
Model FX: 1,774
Model FXE: 8,314
Model FXS: 9,787
Model FLH-1200: 4,761
Model FLH-1200 Anniversary: 2,120
Model FLH-80: 2,525
Paint Colors
Birch White, Vivid Black, Brilliant Red, Charcoal Silver, Arctic White, Concord Blue, Chestnut Brown, or Black Cherry
Series XLH, XLCH, and XLT Sportster
First Year
Dual disc front brakes
Electronic ignition
Siamese exhaust system
Battery and oil tank moved inboard
Revised frame with the XLCR rear section
Cast wheels optional
( Last year for the Model XLT )
Series XLCR Sportster Cafe Pacers
First/Only Year
Dual seat optional
(Last year for the Model XLCR)
Series FXS Low Riders
First/Only Year
Optional paint: Silver with Black tank panels and Red pin-striping and Black seripe and Red pinstriping on front fender
Electronic ignition
Cast-iron valve guides (midyear)
Updated valves with harder stems (midyear)
Revised intake manifold and flat manifold O-rings (midyear)
Series FX and FXE Super
Glides
First/Only
Year
Electronic ignition
Cast-iron valve guides (midyear)
Updated valves with harder seems (midyear)
Revised intake manifold and flat manifold O-rings (midyear)
(Last year of the Model FX)
Series FH-1200 and FLH-80 Electra
Glides
First Year
The FLH-80 motor is a bored and stroked version of the FLH-1200 (74ci), for a displacement of 80ci
Larger, squarer air cleaner with the number "80" (FLH-80) or "1200" (FLH-1200)
Cast-iron valve guides (midyear)
Updated valves with harder stems (midyear)
Revised intake manifold and flat manifold O-rings (midyear)
Electronic ignition
Revised cam
Optional cast-aluminum wheels
Motor Company Minutes, 1978
The 75th Anniversary is celebrated.
The last year business connection between the Aermacchi Company of Italy and H-D. H-D closes the factory down in June.
Racing Notes
Jay Springsteen wins Grand National Championship and Number 1 Plate.
Hank Scott places third Grand National Championships.
Jay Springsteen places sixth 250cc Daytona 100-Mile Race.
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.