Reading this post with wide eyes and ignorance, learning much and wishing you had a PML button, (Pissing Myself Laughing)
much like the "like" button on Facelessbook, but with more heart. Some of the commentary on this post is hilariously cynical and brutal. I don't know what design problems occurred after 1975. My Sportster at the time was a '74 XLCH with the gear lever on the right side, which will always be the right side to me....I simply ignored anything after 1976...and here I am being one of those "young guys" looking for a '60's model now I'm in my '60's because they probably were better and more reliable than the AMF models. The shorter '60s XLCHs sure as hell look more compact and sporty than the mid '70's XLCH.
Back in the late '70's while my engine was in pieces I cut off the hump for the starter motor off the engine case and the primary cover, because it was an ugly lump and a waste of space. I plated the gap with aluminum plate and had it professionally welded while adding the extra screw hole at the top then worked it smooth. That allowed me to lower the battery cradle. I think my yearning for the past is clearly evident in the primary cover and tank decal, (photo taken in '87) Anyway seeing as how you've all managed to go off topic a little, just count my contribution as "recess". Carry on