Featured in the August 2009 issue of Cycle World, this XR750 custom was called “Stars & Stripes” – you can probably guess where the name came from.
Allan was formerly the editor-in-chief of Cycle World magazine. He passed away in April and in his memorial article, Peter Egan said “it is safe to say Girdler had at least two natural habitats, one behind the keys of a typewriter, the other behind the bars of a Harley-Davidson XR-750.”
Per the seller, this bike started as a 1972 frame “used on the XR750 that took Jay Springsteen to his first AMA national victory for the Vista-Sheen race team in 1975” which Girdler purchased in 1981. He then installed the bottom end from a 1970 Ironhead XR750 engine, pairing it up with XR and Sportster parts which “transformed the race motor into a street engine.” It also had VW muffler tips welded inside the open exhaust to help quiet the pipes. “Helping Girdler with the chassis build were none other than Steve Storz, then one of the top West Coast Harley race tuners, and land-speed legend Don Vesco, equally at home with a welding torch as he was at setting world records. Springsteen and super-tuners Tex Peel and Bill Warner also provided advice and inspiration. Ceriani forks, Grimeca brake calipers, Barnes front rotors and alloy rims were typical flat-track fare, likewise the fiberglass gas tank and solo tail section, and the spring-mounted aluminum oil tank.”
Girdler raced the bike but it was also street legal – years later he sent his bike to France for a trip but he had the “Stars & Stripes” paintjob done beforehand. The listing has a lot of great detail and it’s worth checking out whether or not you’re interested at the asking price.
Find this Harley for sale in Aliso Viejo, California with a BIN of $25,000 or best offer here on eBay.