Owned by Buell – 1983 Harley-Davidson XR1000

In America, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This XR sold for $12,700 after 20 bids on eBay.


The Harley-Davidson XR1000 was a street-oriented evolution of the legendary XR750. Here’s a nice example of the sportiest street bike H-D made at the time with some special provenance – it was formerly owned by none other than Erik Buell.

Harley-Davidson XR1000 - Right Side

Less than 1,800 of the XR1K’s were built, and thanks to some engine work, this put out 67 horsepower – 10 more than the XLCR and 20 more than a base Sportster from the same year. If you were feeling particularly ambitious, a special kit could be ordered from the factory for ‘race use only’ – this got you 95 horsepower. By most accounts, it wasn’t a very good bike. For more on the old XR1000, check out this profile form Motorcycle Classics, where they try to determine if it was a Sportster for the track or an XR750 for the street.

Harley-Davidson XR1000 - Rear Left

This specific Harley-Davidson XR1000 (VIN: 1HD1CDH22DY116721) is pretty standard, minus the famous previous ownership. It’s claimed to have the perfect amount of patina, but it starts right up. It needs a tune up and it’s missing the side/center stand, but otherwise you’re good to go. Who knows, maybe owning this will inspire you to create the next big thing in American motorcycling…

Harley-Davidson XR1000 - Front Left

Find this Harley-Davidson XR1000 for sale in San Francisco, California with bidding up to $10,099 and the reserve not yet met