Some say that designer Willie G. Davidson created it from the existing XLCH Sportster, initially as his personal vehicle.

[1] The bike was actually designed by a committee of three people: Bob Modero (an engineer at Harley) Jim Haubert (Jim Haubert Engineering) hired as an independent Skunkworks contractor, and Willie G. Although he was not present, this group had a strong styling influence from Dean Wixom when the three decided, as one of the starting points, to enlarge a dirt track XR750 fuel tank.

Mr. Wixom was the original designer of this fuel tank.

Changed styling included the addition of a "bikini" fairing, a slim front fender, a reshaped fuel tank, a pillion-free saddle, and a unique "siamesed" two-into-two exhaust.

[1] It was "largely ignored" by consumers when launched in the 1970s,[2] and "famously a sales flop",[3] a "narcoleptic turner" due to its long wheelbase and cruiser-like steering geometry,[4] with "lethargic performance",[5] but thirty years later, it had become a collectors item.