Harley unveils new cafe racer concept inspired by original ’70s model
During last February’s Mama Tried Motorcycle Show in Milwaukee, Harley-Davidson gave an exclusive first look at its latest cafe racer concept, the RMCR — a one-off reimagining of Harley’s original cafe racer from the 1970s.
Inspired by Harley’s XLCR, The Motor Company says its modern interpretation of the 1970s classic is a tribute to Willie G. Davidson, the bike’s original designer, whose influence still guides how the OEM designs today.
“It’s a concept-build that the design team put together to celebrate the performance capability that is in our Rev Max platform,” says Bjorn Shuster, design director at Harley-Davidson. “Looking at our history and our legacy, we really wanted to celebrate the iconography that’s in Willie’s original XLCR.”
The RMCR, which stands for Revolution Max Cafe Racer, is a concept built around the 1250cc Revolution Max V-twin motor and produces 150hp and 94 ft-lb. of torque — exceeding the original XLCR’s 57hp and 67.9 ft-lb. It’s paired with a custom two-into-two exhaust with all-black carbon-fiber bodywork.
Whether the RMCR will become a production bike is still up in the air. H-D says there are currently no confirmed production plans or pricing for the RMCR, but the one-of-one concept will be making the rounds this year at bike shows and races throughout the country.
Harley has opened its social channels to solicit feedback from its riding community, with public reception playing a part in the decision on whether it will move forward with manufacturing. Comments are open on H-D’s Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram pages, with feedback so far being overwhelmingly positive.
I love it! I would like to see the tank redesigned a little so it sets lower, but otherwise wonderful!
Me too brother! The bike is awesome but the tank is a little funky.
Having own the xlcr in the 70-80s the bike was beautiful . People who saw it gave a thumbs up. I often wondered when Harley would build on like it but the ones they put out was bulky and was just a sportster.
Cafe Racer, Build it and they will come!!!
Make it.
It’ll be my retirement gift to myself.
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I think harley producing a bike like this is ridiculous and hypocritical. Years ago they had the Buell line of bikes and everyone loved them I bought one and loved it. I really wanted the refined version that cycle magazine drooled over on their track tests but unfortunately at the same time harley not only canceled buell they destroyed every single bike left in their inventory made by Buell and gave Eric Buell the last one off the production line smashed into a 12 inch by 12 inch cube and told him he was fired.
So why make a bike like that when clearly in the past they wanted nothing like this? I sure as hell wouldn’t buy one Harley lost my business with the elimination of the buell line.
That’s not what happened. Eric was crushing the Blasts as a publicity stunt, very much against HD’s wishes. He hated the Blast.
I remember when the XLCR came out in 77, I was 10. I wanted that bike sooo bad! Even today, if I had a chance, I’d own one. HD has my vote, build it and I’ll buy it.
Harley. More like Haley these days. The woke leader they hired is doing everything he can to destroy the image of the company. If they sell at all, it’ll be to the new generation of youngsters that want a Harley just because it sounds cool
Make a new build Buell x1
Air cooled, LOUD, chain drive, and spoke wheels.
I don’t think Harley Riders are looking for this kind of bike. And the people who are looking at that type of bike I’m sure already have a brand they prefer there goes Harley once again trying to scoop up riders from other areas. Instead of trying to make. Something for the Harley loyalist like a nice affordable bike would be nice.
As the owner of a ’77 XLCR (37 miles) I love this bike. Lower the seat, add flat bars and you have my deposit.