Lot 122: 1978 Harley-Davidson 61ci XLH 75th Anniversary Sportster ‘Holy Ranger’

The venerable Harley-Davidson Sportster is one of the longest running models in motorcycle history, only eclipsed by its own stablemate, the FLH, by two years. It began life in 1957 as a medium compression 883cc OHV sport bike and didn’t become a full 61ci high compression motor until 1972. Its signature stacked dual mufflers were first introduced for 1959. Special to the 1978 model were dual front brakes and the new Siamese muffler. What had to have been the most brilliant customizing trick in all of motorcycling was the day someone installed the gas tank from two-stroke Hummer model onto a Sportster. This trick highlighted the Sportster engine more successfully than any other styling change.

This 1978 Harley-Davidson XLH 75th Anniversary Sportster has a unique history. Beyond the special Anniversary Midnight Black with gold graphics, this motorcycle was specially customized at the Harley-Davidson factory for Dr. Martin Jack Rosenblum, also known as The Holy Ranger. The Holy Ranger, as depicted in Marty’s poems and songs, is a personification of the rugged frontier individualists of the past. Marty published his poems in the book, The Holy Ranger: Harley-Davidson Poems. The Holy Ranger personae, poetry, songs and ultimately the Harley-Davidson licensed products, became a symbol of a different type of Harley-Davidson rider. Through poetry and song, the world saw that a biker could challenge the ideas of society without being an outlaw.

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Marty developed quite a following by traveling on his Sportster, reading his poetry and playing his unique music. This was a time when the Harley-Davidson Motor Company encouraged unique efforts to recast the image of the Harley rider without alienating the loyal biker/customer. The Holy Ranger project was successful by all accounts and is still talked about in the halls of Juneau Avenue with reverence.

Today, Marty is the historian for the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Marty is dedicated to chronicling the history and culture of American motorcycling and Harley-Davidson. His essays and articles appear frequently in Harley-Davidson company publications and motorcycle magazines throughout the world.

Santa Cruz Harley-Davidson acquired the motorcycle, guitar and Holy Ranger memorabilia in 1996 from a large collection of Harley-Davidson vintage motorcycles and memorabilia in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This 1978 Harley-Davidson XLH 75th Anniversary Sportster is being offered with the Holy Ranger custom Fender Stratocaster guitar and the Harley-Davidson licensed products sold as part of the Holy Ranger project. At the time of its acquisition, this motorcycle ran strong and was fully functional. As it has been on display since 1996, careful reconditioning is advised before starting and operating this bike.

Without reserve