XLCH Sportster Street Tracker from Japan’s LOCAL Cycles…
Introduced in 1958, the Harley-Davidson XLCH was the stripped-down, high-compression “Competition” variant of the Ironhead Sportster. It was kickstart-only, which helped make it some 25-30 pounds lighter than the XLH, and it had shorter gearing for faster acceleration. It seems crazy now, but in 1962, the XLCH Sportster was the fastest production motorcycle Cycle World had ever tested!
“Compared with all of the bikes we have tested, the Harley-Davidson’s claimed 55 bhp begins to sound very believable, for it is clearly the fastest mass-produced motorcycle we have had.” –Cycle World, 1962
The Ironhead had grown out of the flathead Model K, which performed admirably for its time, but overhead valves were needed to compete with the British twins. When the original Sportster arrived in 1957, with an overhead-valve top end mated to the K’s unit construction bottom end, it was an instant hit — a long-awaited response to Triumph, Norton, and BSA.
But the XLCH upped the ante with nearly 38% more power than the original Sportster’s 40 ponies, and lighter weight to boot.
“The XLCH was a bold exercise in minimalist design for such a large capacity multi-cylinder motorcycle… Best of all, it really delivered the goods. A 120mph top speed and standing quarter mile time around 14 seconds put it ahead of the British pack, in spite of a considerable weight handicap. High compression pistons and bigger valves allied to new camshafts did the horsepower trick…” –Classic Motorcycle
It wasn’t the most reliable or easy-to-start motorcycle, but it had power, character, and charisma. This 1970 XLCH comes from Naoki Nagaike of Japan’s LOCAL Cycles, who specializes in vintage Harley-Davidson sales, service, and customization.
When a customer commissioned a street tracker in LOCAL Cycle’s signature style, Noaki went all out to create the stunner you see here. The tank and seat cowl are XR750 replica units for the classic dirt track racer look, and TRAD Paint (@fumi7123) laid down a lovely dual-sided paint scheme: flame job on one side, 70s-inspired design on the other!
Up front are a set of vintage Ceriani GP forks and a one-off headlight mount for the dual LEDs, and the 2-into-1 side-exit exhaust is another custom-fabricated element of the build. The twin rear shocks are Öhlins models, and Mitsunaga Auto Interior (@maidcustom) upholstered the custom seat.
You’ll see that Noaki drilled speed holes in various components (kickstart lever, rear brake pedal, brake drums, air cleaner, headlight mount, etc.) to save weight and tie the design together, and the primary cover (other side) is a gorgeous vintage unit.
Overall, this is one of the most drool-worthy Ironheads we’ve come across. Hats off to Noaki and his team, and we look forward to showcasing more builds from the talented Japanese builder.
Ironhead XLCH Street Tracker: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
LOCAL Cycles opened in 2019, CEO Naoki Nagaike. We sell, service, and customize old Harley-Davidson bikes.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
1970 Harley-Davidson 1970 XLCH.
• Why was this bike built?
Customer project.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
I received an order to make a classic dirt track racer in the style of LOCAL Cycles.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
- XR750 Replica Tank & Seat Cowl.
- One-off 2-in-1 exhaust.
- Ceriani old GP front fork.
- One-off Headlight Cowl.
- Vintage primary cover.
- Custom Paint by TRAD Paint (@fumi7123)
- Custom seat by Mitsunaga Auto Interior (@maidcustom)
- We’ve added designs to each part with a drill
- Ohlins rear suspension.
• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?
900cc.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
It’s easy to handle and runs smoothly, feels really nice.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
The custom paint design is different on the left and right. We’ve picked a good mix of old and new parts, and ended up with a vehicle that has a vibe you won’t find anywhere else.
• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
The owner of this bike.
Follow the Builder
Website: www.localcycles.jp
Instagram: @local_cycles
