1978 Harley Davidson AMF 75th Anniversary Sportster Motorcycle
VIN: 3A21541H8
Model: XLH Sportster
Class: Cruiser (Factory)
Odometer Reading: 01,300.5
This 1978 Harley Davidson AMF 75th Anniversary Sportster Motorcycle is a member of the Dennis Fode Collection of bikes selling NO RESERVE on July 12, 2025 at the 13th Annual Montana Classic Car Auction!
Dennis Fode, living in Anchorage, Alaska, was an avid motorcycle rider and collector. In addition to the 2-wheeled variety, Dennis was also known to find and bring home classic and collector Plymouths as well! As the original owner on many of these bikes, Dennis rode and enjoyed them over the years, many very sparingly. When father time began to gain on Dennis in the early 2000’s the bikes were parked and stored with the majority of them stored in climate controlled facilities, important for the Alaska climate. A few of the bikes even resided in his house!
Following Dennis’ passing, the bikes were brought out of their slumber in 2024 and 2025 and brought to Montana where he had family. The bikes were assessed, prepped and started to prepare them to present at auction. Please note: While the cold start videos indicate the running condition of the bikes, following long term storage they will need additional attention to optimize their mechanical and riding condition.
DESCRIPTIONS:
Paint: Jet Black with gold pin stripes and decals, commemorative model for Harley’s 75th Anniversary, very good condition overall
Frame and Suspension: Factory, double cradle with rear swing arm, black, front tele-hydraulic forks, 58.5-inch wheelbase, dry weight 509#, very good condition
Tank: Factory, specs 4.0-gallon capacity, factory black with gold pin stripes, decals and logos, very good condition
Engine: Factory, Engine # 3A21541H8, # match, 1000 cc (997 cc or 60.8 ci), OHV V-twin, air cooled, electric start, factory chrome dress up, specs 38mm Keihin carburetor, 9.1:1 compression ratio, factory rated @ 57 hp, top speed 106 mph, good operating condition, appearance very good condition, original low miles
Transmission: Factory, 5-speed, new electronic ignition in 1978 model, chain drive, good operating condition
Wheels/Tires: Goodyear Eagle A/T tires, J-90 19 front, N-90 18 rear, very good condition, factory cast aluminum with Anniversary gold-spoked wheels, very good condition
Rear fender, Front fender: Factory, black, gold pin stripes, very good condition
Brakes: Factory, single front disc, 285 mm, rear drum, very good condition
Exhaust: Factory, chrome, dual pipes, very good condition
Seat: Factory, black leather, factory two-up, padded back-rest/sissy bar, very good condition
Bars, Gauges, Controls: Factory bars, grips, factory 150 mph speedo and 8-grand tachometer, warning lights, factory controls
Lamps, Other: Factory headlamp (housing with tach & speedo) and front signals, factory tail lamps, rear signal lamps, operational and in very good condition, factory dual chrome mirrors, front and rear foot pegs
OVERALL CONDITION: Very Good
Production Notes: Sporty model introduced in 1957. Models from 1957-85 known as “Iron Head XL”, 883 cc or 1000 cc, from 72-95 were OHV with alloy heads, 1978 = Harley Davidson’s 75th Anniversary. Model manufactured starting in 1957. For 1978, models included a new electronic ignition and speedo and tach were displayed in the headlamp housing, saddle in leather. Anniversary Edition production = 2,323
Comments: Appears all original, low, low-mile, very nice, clean bike, appears well-cared for. There is currently an Oil Drain Plug Leak.
The Vehicle has been consigned to the 13th Annual Montana Classic Car Auction, hosted by the Classic Car Auction Group. The auction is Saturday July 12th, 2025 at the Expo Center in Metra Park. To consign your car and/or to register to bid on this and other cars in the auction go to http://www.classiccarauction.us.
