![]() But the Big Four - Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki - were enjoying unparalleled success with their less expensive, technologically superior twins and fours. The lion’s share of product came from Japan, the once-great British bike industry limping to a self-inflicted death from outdated technology, short-sighted management and recurring labor strikes. In 1976, motorcycle sales were booming, thanks in large measure to a continuing oil crisis. ![]() So what’s this have to do with motorcycles? For Harley-Davidson, it was the motivation behind the most unknown model in the company’s history. ![]() The rise of Southern Rock gave the South a new cultural cachet, while also unfortunately spawning Billy Beer, Hee Haw and, in 1979, The Dukes of Hazzard. As it happens, it was also the heyday of “Southern Rock.” Bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, Black Oak Arkansas and Marshall Tucker were the new cultural vogue, regularly showcasing their roots in visual shorthand with large confederate flags as backdrops for their stages. Harley-Davidson introduced special “Liberty Editions” of its bikes featuring red, white and blue detailing, while Ford marketed a special red, white and blue Pinto. Patriotic expressions were the order of the day, and naturally, manufacturers got into the act as well. The year before, citizens had been giddy with patriotic pride as the entire population settled into a year-long celebration of the country’s bicentennial. Wrecked and retired, a 1977 Harley-Davidson custom FLHS thunders back to life.įew motorcycles ever built have enjoyed as mythical a reputation as the Ducati Apollo, a failed Ita.ĭisavowed by the factory for years, and unknown even to most Harley riders, 1977’s Confederate Editions are a fascinating footnote in the history of Harley-Davidson, and may be the most collectible Harley ever.ġ977 was an interesting time in America. In fact, a little more than 36 years ago. Good luck!įew Confederate Edition models survive, with just 23 total known today, including the 1977 XLH Sportster pictured here and previously owned by Matt Berthold.Īrticle ToolsImage GalleryPrintE-mailCommentsRSSĮngine type: 997cc OHV, air-cooled V-twinīarber launches its Vintage Festival and Gary Nixon dominates AHRMA’s Formula Vintage series.ĭoug Bingham knows all about the attention sidecars draw. ![]() matching in existance today 21 more and I have seen em all.:D:D I bid on one on ebay not more than 4 months ago in IL that didn't go anywhere near what this article claims and Barrett Jackson sold one mint in 02 for $3000 and if there are only 23 docs. This article has the price listed waaay high. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |