1960 Xlch

[Coolbreeze]

I just acquired (haven't picked it up yet) a rough '60 CH. This will never be a show bike, but I would prefer it to be somewhat period correct. I am looking for literature such as a sales brochure, dealers order sheet, etc. that might help me figure out how the bike should look. Any help in getting copies of these materials would be appreciated.

Another thing: How do I contact Harley-Davidson to find out about the original owner and configuration of this bike? They hopefully have a historian who will respond to inquiries.

[Chris Haynes]

It should look like this.

[Powerlifter626]

WOW that is an excellent picture Chris, got any more pictures like that of other year Sportsters? maybe a 57 XL?

[vph-d]

I think the factory info hotline only deals with models newer than 64??? I'm pretty sure it only provides a yes/no answer to component id numbers matching VIN numbers.
VPH-D

[Coolbreeze]

That is a great picture; however, I notice that the front fender braces look like pre-1959.

I intend to "modernize" the bike by having an adjustable spark advance. It already has a post-1964 front brake. Eventually, I may replace the 16" rear wheek with an 18". I'll put Speedway bars on it instead of the rediculously short drag bars it now has. When I get done, it will be like a '65 CH with 6 volt electrics.

This will not be a restoration by any stretch of the imagination, but it will be useable, safer, fun motorcycle.

[Coolbreeze]

Does anyone know where I can get Speedway bars that will accept internal controls for spark advance and for throttle?

[HarleyCreation]

That vintage "CH" Chris posted with the high river-fording exhaust appeals to me greatly. That bike was not meant to look cool, but obviously meant to be ridden ANYWHERE esp. off-road thru the boonies in the most rugged and socially unacceptable manner possible. That is an era of go-anywhere V-twin blow-off Triumph H-D power I doubt we'll ever see again in this age of overweight everything-and-the-kitchen-sink luxo-cruisers.

[joestuff]

Coolbreeze, I have a copy of a 61 owners manual section, factory photos of a 62, and some other stuff. PM me your address and I'll send it to you. If I had a scanner, I would post the stuff...

[ratfink]

Here is a picture I took at the 07 Rhinebeck meet.

[Coolbreeze]

Is the bike in the picture a 1960? Thanks for the photo.