“
The 750cc motor
produced 50bhp at
6000rpm, with a top
speed of 130mph
- Harley KR750 1957
Top left: 1957 Harley KR750 produced great race results from early 50s
Top right: Sportster XL 883cc released in 1957. Became XLCR 1000 in 1977
Bottom right: Captain America used in the movie ‘Easy Rider’ 1969
was not a success, and only a few models
were produced. In 1911 a revised V-twin, the
Model 7D, became the first in a succession
of V-twins that would become an integral
part of the Harley-Davidson ethos until the
present day. The 7D produced 6.5bhp and
had a top speed of 97km/h.
The Milwaukee based company was slow
to recognise the considerable value of
motorsport for publicity and, ultimately,
sales. It was ten years from inception before
the company declared support for a factory
sponsored race effort. By 1915 Harleys had
been successful in several notable events,
including the prestigious 300-mile event
held on Independence Day in Dodge City.
Success on the track, and the subsequent
good publicity encouraged the company to
develop an eight-valve motor, specifically
for racing. The famous Board Track Racer
was the result. In 1921 it became the first
motorcycle in the world to win a race at a
speed in excess of 100mph (161km/h).
Harley-Davidson began developing
the Model K in 1950. The factory also
developed a KR version for racing, which
proved to be highly successful. By the
early 1950s it was winning races, and by
the early 60s was attracting riders such as
Cal Rayborn, and Roger Reiman who won
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