50 Years of Wins | Harley-Davidson
2020 ж. 23 Қар.
274 975 Рет қаралды
The Harley-Davidson XR750 dominated flat track racing for nearly 50 years, becoming one of the most successful racing motorcycles of all time. The new film '50 Years of Wins' tells the story of this legendary machine in the words of the racers who made it famous.
The XR 750 is one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever built imho. And the sound at full chat is wonderful.
Bill Werner allowed me to park my buns (of steel) on Bad Ass Jay Springsteens #9 while they prepped the machine before Big Time ride @ ASCOT.👍
...then told me to get off shortly after suggesting I could ride er' over to 7-11 & grab us all a Slurpee!!!🤣
1972. I was ten years old. My stepdad was a mechanic and worked in a garage with Mark Brelsfords's dad. One Saturday morning we went to the Brelsford house in San Bruno and sitting right there in the garage was the #87 XR 750. I was in awe. Mark and Scott gave me a bunch of Harley decals and were both super friendly. They laughed when I asked if I could ride it. In 1972 San Bruno was still wide open land all around. Dirt tracks were constantly popping up all over the place. Great time to be a kid!
Same thing in Santa Clara wide open
It took ground pretty big in Oklahoma but early 80s the oil bust happened but it returned big in the late 80s along with sprint/ funny cars. Central Oklahoma had around 10 large tracks at the time. I'm heading to Lawton Oklahoma tonight to watch a race with my kids tonight. First time for them and first time in 10 years for me. So its coming back. That what brought me to this great video.
my ass!!
“... for a price rider’s could afford.” - New HD CEO take notes.
Hey, you can buy a softail for $13k now....you just better have a few thousand set aside to rebuild that M8 once a piston cooling jet comes loose and overheats a jug OR the oil control ring breaks and scores the jug in under 20k miles...
Now it’s a price non riding doctors can afford
Can't stomach to watch this.... HD killing Buell, to continue what didn't work before, makes me sick! Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday? Last AMA Road Racing Title is on a 1125 R Buell, what a Ride Danny had! So, HD Knows all executive, but never ride a Motorcycle. Kills the profitable Buell! Just now trying to launch an Adventure model, when Buell had one of first in the Ulysses! What a shame, seems HD will never learn?
I know im randomly asking but does someone know a tool to get back into an instagram account..? I stupidly forgot the login password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me
@Adonis Sterling Instablaster :)
I think what HD upper management is missing these days is a genuine love of motorcycles. Their disconnect is contributing to the demise of the Motor Company.
I agree with you. I think back to the way racing was decades ago in all forms of racing and the one constant that has taken the soul of the sport is corporate money. I understand the importance of sponsorship money but back then, the racers ruled the sports. Today corporations rule the sports. The rider / drivers are just an employee.
Yeah they need a complete and thorough overhaul
Harley is a clothing and lifestyle company that also sells motorcycles.
@@backcountryme Good way to put it!! LOL
@@backcountryme that’s why they’re screwed. They’re a lifestyle brand that isn’t fun anymore.
Nice film but now Harley has no factory team. What a shame. I thought Harley-Davidson meant racing
yep got mad and took their ball home indian kicking their ass! left nhra too cause not winning there all the time!
Agreed. HD is a joke, especially for them posting this video. Both feet in the past.
@@mikeskidmore6754 I don't know much about the flat track history, but based on this film, it seems every time HD lost, racing rules were introduced to level the playing field yet nothing would change if HD were successful. Also, Honda dominated the sport by their second season of competing and didn't stay for a third season because I am guessing they figured AMA would just change the rules again.
@@themopar426 AND LET GO OF VANCE AND HINES BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T WIN A RACE! Got rid of their only loyalty. Fucking disgrace. Harley-Davidson is a disgrace.
@@MrMann-gt1eh vance & hines is still building the XG-750R, and further developing it. HD just stopped fielding a factory run team, and went to a contingency payout system for private teams. Makes sense when your company is in financial straights, and your trying to right the ship. The cuts seem to have been working, HDs first quarter '21 looks really good.
..what a trip, haven't seen a motorcycle documentary this good since fast and left. evan senn an gary inman definitely hit it outta the park with this one.. congratulations kk#38
Thank you KK.
Harley: 50 years of winning! Kenny Roberts: hold my beer.
I am 58 and ride a XR1200 today because of Evel Knevel and this bike. I have been riding since the 70s.
God bless the USA. I'm glad to hear that!
I still have the bike and it is as fast as ever. I will never sell it. It is going to my son. He races supermoto. He started when he was 6.
Proud to have raced my 1980 XR-750, 1980 through 1995 and still have it in a display in my office. You can't beat the sound except for grabbing a hand full of power coming out of of the fourth turn at the Lima, Ohio 1/2 mile with you feet up and flying.
Fantastic short film and I couldn’t be more proud to own my Harleys.
Thank you.
Hear Hear !
@@kurtfoulke5130 Thank you.
Heady Times, Great Riders, Tracks and Motorcycles!! None more dominate then the Harley XR!!😍😍
Best Documentary about the Harley XR 750 ever!
Thank you Matt! 🏁
As an X-Pro flat tracker I raced an Iron Barrel XR-750 (and a Triumph) during my first (and only year) as an Expert. The XR was fast and hooked up better than the Triumph, but the XR was temperamental and kind of fragile. Triumph was more reliable but was skittery and didn't hook up like the Harley. By the end of my first Expert year I'd just gotten too big (tall and gaining weight) but I had a hell of a good time and still remember those times fondly. I've had Harley's literally my whole life (in my 60's now). I bought a new Street Glide in 2014 and another in 2017. I sold them both in about a year. They were smooth and fast but just lacked soul. I've often coined the comment "They've refined them soo much they've finally built a Honda." Harley has lost it's soul. That which distinguished them from everything else is gone. Management had better figure this out and get back to a bike with some grit and soul - instead they've built an "electric bike." What a joke! If they don't get their shit together I predict we'll see the end of Harley by the end of this decade. Personally, I don't own a Harley that's newer than 2005. I think that says a LOT!
Well said.
I've been working for Harley Davidson for 16 years, and still CAN'T, get enough of this bike! Thank you HARLEY DAVIDSON!
One of the United States' most iconic brands. I have been a XR750 fan since day one (I'm 60). Some of the best days in my life have been riding my Harley.
Heck of a well-made documentary 👍 As a young Brit I enjoyed learning some of the history of the bike that I didn’t know. Came to the comments for a good laugh and wasn’t disappointed haha. Some people need their knickers untwisted.
You got that right, they don’t give Harley it’s much due Respect.
I bought my first Harley in 2017 at the age of 57. Brand new 18 Fatboy rode it for 2 summers and put 18k on it. Loved it. I sold it and have a Road King. Love it. H-D has been a leader guys in Milwaukee need to do whatever it takes to stay on Top. 🇺🇸 1 H-D 1
What did the bikes you bought have to do with this video? Not a Damm thing. Harley is about as far from the top as they could possibly be. Flakey company ran by Flakey people .F HD.
I have nothing but great memories of all the years I rode Harley’s. I never had a Harley leave me stranded and I can’t say that about other brands.
@cavsout62 Did you get serviced at dealership every time or ever? Or just proper maintenance and smooth sailing? Only asking I just bought my first a couple years ago and want to make sure to say the same!
@@openmindedillustrations7106 - I always did my own and in addition to maintenance, modifications. Buy a Factory Service Manual and Good Tools that are H-D Specific. Learn everything about you’re particular Model and Engine Series and you should be good to go.
Just plain BAD ASS!! XR’s rule!
I remember watching Bill werner and springer when I was 12 yrs old. Great memories
A tribute for their inevitable future. RIP Harley Davidson
Pfffftt HD ain't shutting down any time soon.
@@fvgc454ss Prices are still high for their Vulcan S bikes 🤷♂️
This is like an old man reminiscing on his deathbed.
It takes skill to reach being and old man, so don't be so cocky!
@@PeterDad60 and also a government economic boost. Twice at least!!
what else does an old man do on his death bed?
This was an amazing film. The footage rivaled any motorcycle film I've ever seen. This was incredible archive footage. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this. Also, anyone reading this, look up the new "Bagger Bikes" racing, where they race fully faired Harley's and Indians.
Great video! Should be playing at every Harley dealership!
Thank you Rick.
You know damn well it is!
Brilliant short film. I always enjoyed the griity flat track races at Ascot. I've 3 Harley's that are my passion. I'll own nothing else.
Thank you Buck.
@@evanhsenn I find it odd that all these Harley-Davidson haters are here instead of the Indian's they claim to enjoy. Since there are so few Indian's on the road I wonder if they own one or they're just trolls.
The dude pouring the gas in the tank without a funnel says it all, things were a whole lot simpler then.... and we made it work. Ride on Brothers and Sisters. Let Freedom Ring!!
Great video that I really enjoyed watching all of my flat track heroes. Long live the XR750 and the San Jose mile.
These videos have come along ways over the years. Definitely not the old training videos I watched back in the day. There is one thing that stays constant and makes Harley what it is. Us! The devotion and spirit of the riders. The true LIFE BLOOD. Harley Davidson is an epic company, with great product, and when they get real people that have that spirit and devotion into the right places within the company that is when everybody wins!
Love my XR1200!
But us older flat trackers remember how Harley Davidson lobbied the AMA to change or make the rules to benefit HD which helped HD to keep that motor and do little to change it until Indian came to the party and HD had to follow suit. Now even the Japanese and European bikes have some success. I’ve love flat track my whole life. I never got past novice pro back in the late 70’s and early 80’s.
50 years of Wins, that is why they are quitting factory racing
There're afraid of indian!
@@1966johnp except no Indians in NHRA lol
That’s got to do with budget, my man.
@@1966johnp You mean Polaris. Indian is just a sticker on the tank.
@Mok Mok they would have to offer a contemporary bike in the line if they wanted to make any money off of flat track, I agree on their being out of touch
50 years of winning against themselves! Can't compete with other brands!
This
Mert, Jay & Scott true legends. HD your best upload by far 👏👍
Thank you! 🏁
Pls Harley don't die. Bring some innovation and cool designs to satisfy the younger generation (not electric 😒) while keeping the old ones. I am not able bye one right now but would like to have one in near future. But I want the company to be there for me at that time.
Harley spent too much trying to innovate. They've been on a decline for the last few years because of it. The only way they will please a younger generation is by lowering their prices. That's the bottom line.
An old friend of mine bought a brand new XR750 in the late seventies . It was beautiful. I was so jealous ..... Bill Wildt .. Great guy . Flat track racer loved the sport.
Best film I've seen in a long time. The XR750 is my favorite bike of all time. I have met Jeffrey Carver Jr and he truly is a nice guy and it is so cool that he cemented his place in history as the last pro racer to win a main on an XR750!
Thank you.
50 years since winning, Oh, I miss read, sorry.
2017 the XR750 beat the Indian. It's in the above film.
@@doug555 Yup, they made sure to put that one race in this video. Wonder why they didn't mention that was the first year an Indian was reintroduced to the Flat Tracks racing scene, OR that Indians swept the AFT Championships in that same inaugural year? I wonder what excuses HD will use when they get beat in the 2021 King of Baggers series? *(5 races, grab your popcorn)!
Fair enough, Indian has done the better job recently. A 2017 win over that current field by a race bike decades older is still very cool, right? That doesn’t happen in racing, but in 2017 it did.
That, was AMAZING!!! No matter what the negative or down in the mouth comments are on this post, this Harley video production is seriously good. Fantastic compendium. Really well done, all the folks that made it and were in it to win it. That XR is a legend. No moaning or complaining about how HD corporate management is now (and I'm no fan) will tarnish this flat track Racer, its history and its riders. 5🌟s. 🏍💨🏁
Thank you! I loved making this film.
I wish my husband could see this. He is the one that introduced me to the XR750 and I watched him build so many of these in his shop.
Well done historical perspective. Now what is HD's answer to the Indian FTR750? Is there a 750 Revolution Max in the works? Or will HD just continue to make nostalgia videos?
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I hope not.
My guess is they'll keep hiring non-riding management pukes and continue to profit from clothing and accessories, instead of making great bikes.
Your you tube films have been excellent lately. Keep up the great work and thank you!
Thank you.
Having roots from the 60's as an HD mechanic, and racing, this really hit home. Lucky to have an XR750 in the stable. Really well produced video. Thank You!
Thank you.
Joe Leonard. And carrol resweber were my favorites. KR s were my favorites. Still have a 66 iron head sportster in the barn. With my john deeres. The world has changed to much. Let's get to the next gen.and compete. Long live harley iron.
Thank ya'll for sharing this! Loved the story and the Racing! 🔥😊✌❤
I own an XR1200, and it still baffles me that in this 50 year span of the XR750, they never made a production version, HD came close with the limited run XR1000, but HD never made a road version, what a shame with such a pedigree that most people have no idea it even exists.
I was looking forward to the faster/bigger horsepower engines, since they got the chop I decided to sell my Softail for a Ducati Diavel, I have however looked back, only to see if Harley's could keep up!
I tested a Softail Slim like last weekend and was shocked how hard it pulled, mind you I'm 6'6 380 pounds and it still tried to pull me off the bike. Don't know what you r used to riding but I was impressed.
Well how do you like the Ducati over the Harley? I own a 1200 Sporty doesn't mean That I don't like Ducati-- or any other bikes.Ducati has a beautiful exhaust note with the crazy desmo valve train and God knows they make some suprrfast great handling bikes...Just curious about the Diavel. I wonder if I can rent one one of these weekends and try it out on some canyons...I was thinking about the Diavel but a Yamaha XSR 900 is closer for my reality a used one at that ....nothing new fits my budget
You'll never find a better Flat Tracker than Scott Parker. I remember Chris Carr being so frustrated because he couldn't beat him.
My dad watched an XR win in 1971 when he was 6 at the Houston TT. Then, 45 years later, Me and him watched it have it's last win in Texas when he was 51.
Jay Springsteen is my favorite racer
you can still hear the racing soul of the 750 today in the street versions, i have an 84 1000 myself🐾🐾
You have an 84 XR-1000?
@@dukecraig2402 Not the dual carb version I have base model xlx single carb
@dukecraig2402 Coulda bought an XR1000 for $3800 out the door in '86, Harley couldn't give them away.
I am glad my brother and I where able to see the old Harleys race. Come back to flattrack!!
Seems like hd forgot where they came from. Nothing they have these days represents racing. Its all about fat big twins and baggers. What a shame.
Not only that but absolutely outrageous prices.
What's wrong with Big Twins and baggers?
Nothing except there are too many models that are not much different from each other. Just different accessories. They should cut them by half and design some racing looking bikes like in this video and maybe get new customers.
@@ANEVOLOVER Racing looking bikes are a fad. Big Twins are timeless. Ask for a fad and in less time that it takes you to turn around, there will be another fad.
@@mikeskidmore6754 funny enough one of the most popular models right now was designed by him (FXR)
One of the most Legendary company in the history of motor sports 👍🔥❤️
Not a bit.
Great film! I hope they will do a racing film about their road racing bike (the XR 1000 Lucifer's Hammer) from the 1980's. Always will be a proud owner of a Harley (2004 Road King Classic)
Corporate lost its plot. Downhill.
Thats so cool. I'v never seen flat track raceing in Europe nor in Australia why? For a year i had a friends XR-1200 & i loved every sec on it.....
A brilliant watch. Of course it's got the H-D sheen on it all but the passion is undeniable and my heart goes out to all those guys. It's times like these you want to hit rewind.
Thank you very much for this dream of video, I am 68 yo and feeling now 17👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍👍
Really enjoyed the video, took me back to flat track racing here in Illinois when I was 12 thirty one years ago, absolutely loved it
Thank you.
great video the xr 750 is an amazing bike i have always wanted one and definitely would love to race one some day
Great video. I also watched the “murderdromes” documentary, and this seems like the rest of the story. I’m sad to see Harley leaving racing, and I hope they get things together and get back in it. While I’m a big fan of retro and vintage, Harley needs to balance innovation with heritage. Once again, thanks for a great documentary and best of luck to the brand, as I think I’m about to buy a FXBB.
Great film!
release the XR750 again if you want to keep "winning" come on guys get it together.
@@mikeskidmore6754 Harley closing Buell down was the worst thing they ever did. My cousin is Danny Eslick. He won the Daytona Sport Bike championship on the Buell, then Harley closed em. They had a great base to build some fantastic bikes off of, but chose to sell cloths and lifestyle over winning races.
@@mikeskidmore6754 and that’s why Harley keeps falling behind
@@Losangelesmotorcycles maybe you need to watch this above video rather than be stupid
Great video... Thanks!!! 🇺🇸😎🇺🇸
Great video, I really enjoyed watching it!!!!
Kudos for AMF's refined development of the XR750 in the 1970's
That's a great film. I race flat track, I sure wish Harley would build something like that now to beat Indian!
That bike was my entire world through the sixties on a XLCH. Precursor to the XR. The XLCH, when it first came out didn't have lights. The lighting set up was an option out of the accessories catalog. Love my 'CH and love the XR. Buell took over the final development of the XL platform before it went away in 2004 with the rubber mounted motor.
Awesomeness! I’ll be heading back to Milwaukee on July 19th, 2023! Would love finally ride one!
Amazing story, Credit to everyone involved, 👍
Thank you.
Xr750 needs to return, very competitive on a rough track, capable of the right power with head work. Please put the engine back into production, I am begging you.
Amen!
Beautiful film, Evan 👌🏻
Harley was always best… when their Flathead 750’s competed against 500 OHV’s in the 60’s, when the 350 and later TZ Yam Triples were banned in the 70’s; and when Honda was squeezed out in the 80’s. They were great because they eliminated the competition.
Love the XR 750.
I mentioned this to a few, when I worked @ Seneca Allegany Casino & Resorts...
Outstanding
So Nice to see all those legend in the Same vidéo thanks a lot great one,👍⚡️👍🧨👍💣
Absolutely amazing..! Makes me proud to be a Harley owner and a huge fan of this legendary company. 👌👍
See, this type of content is brilliant... Slickly made, absorbing to watch and decently lengthy. Perfect high score material. Well played.
Thank you! 🏁
@@evanhsenn No, thank you.
@@evanhsenn Evan, HD's channel has far too much 3 minute video cheese and not enough of this kind of longform content with substance. 3 minute videos died with vine, they have no place on youtube. I hope you get the chance to make many more vids like this for the moco. Pass this message on ;)
@@Teatimeted I sure do hope so. Thank you.
They forgot to mention, that AMA allowed Harley to race 750cc machines while everybody else, had to run 500cc
And you didn't mention that the 750's Harley was running were side valve motors, that's exactly why they limited OHV engine's to 500 cc for the Grand National bikes. They actually still do something very similar nowadays it's just that most people don't know it, you can run an 883 or 1200 Sportster in the 750 cc Grand National class but you have to run an approved restrictor plate.
@@dukecraig2402 all those dirt bags at Harley Davidson did was get the rules changed , in their favor so they could win and not have to spend any money on a modern engine design ! Those pricks are doing the same thing now , in drag racing! The last time i checked all other brands of bike ,have to run 1600 cc max while, the HD dirt bags can run 3,000 cc! Those bastards have never won a fair race in over 100 years! The only reason they sell as many as they do, is because there are so many fools out there , that think if they buy one ,they will get laid!
This is like Al Bundy talking about his high School football wins...
Al Bundy scored four touch downs in one game for Polk High School. It's not something to ever be forgotten.
I remember those days San Jose mile wouldn't miss it those were good times HD Neil AKA crock
When I got a signature from Springsteen for a motocross team in NM in the 80s, he signed it 'GASSAT" b/c he knew the rider who STAYED on the GAS the longest usualy WON so it was a subtle message to NM riders
XR750, please do come home 🙏
Yah, buddy!!!
@evanhsenn Fast & Left, kudos for the Introduction to this movie!, flat-tracking was more of a childhood dream for me, but I'm still willing to give it a shot. Only Harley I honestly wish to own...had a lead on one with a lawil built frame, but my ship was sinking then and that one sailed away haha. Another one of my favorite films is "Dust to Glory"....you need to check that out...also the movie "Initial D" Old school drift legend
I love xr 750 is a tru legend Harley Davidson forever
Must be the 50 years before 2017, when Indian started beating them at everything.
ya did you watch the video
No shit Sherlock !
Watch and listen to the first 4:00 minutes. It mentions HD got into racing in the early 1900's however nothing is mentioned about winning race until the early 1950's. Coincidentally, Indian Motorcycles went under in the early 1950's. Of course we've all witnessed Indian's domination on Flat Tracks since 2017. This video mentions a HD 750XR won a race, *(not the Championships they proudly boasted throughout this history lesson). HD has currently announced its not supporting race teams. Seems to me they don't like racing against Indians. Notice a pattern...?
@@gabrielcocco5188 Check the AMA Record Books, after that you might want to have your hearing checked.
@@kurtfoulke5130 Hearing is just fine, thanks for your concern.
It’s incredible just how good Evan is at this.
Thank you. 🏁
@@evanhsenn finna order some swag from you sometime soon! You’re the big homie. I’ve been stoaked on this since you were on Off The Groove talking about it.
A lot of people talking shit in the comments. As a fan of flat track, I appreciate the quality of this short film and the stories being told. Wether you like where Harley is at now, or what it’s become, is irrelevant. The Harley Davidson XR750 was, and is an amazing purpose built machine that dominated for many many years. Thanks for the video
Thank you Roger.
Because they were racing against themselves. It's not hard to nominate when there's no other motorcycles in the class
Wicked clip , footage ! Cheers
Thank you.
Absolutely beautiful to see young people on mini Indians.. My all time favourite leading brand. I've always hankered for a new Scout Bobber, but at 64 with bad health, I can only ever see me owning and riding one is if I won the National Lottery.. Or a miracle from God. Of well, I pray every day for a life changing motorcycle before I get too old to ride and live in hope.
Awesome flick. More please.
Thank you Shawn.
LOL They have their own class....of course they are winning
Build a bike with racing heritage then... Like a retro xr750 for the street. Make it as light and simple as possible.
Hell of a time for them to put out a video bragging about racing, after they just exited stage left. LOL
They’ll be back
Winningest ride in motorcycle racing history.. Have some respect.
@@tviikj555 Respect for what? AMA protected Harley for years. Any time something better came along AMA changed the rules so that Harley would still win. Now Indian comes in and dominates, and Harley runs away.
@@tviikj555 The XR gets all my respect. It's probably the winningest race vehicle of all time. However Harley gets an F for pulling out of racing. They even fired the Factory guys when Indian 1st brought out the FTR and handed it to Vance and Hines.
@@mrfast2win a forty year old tz750 would still dominate this class, just some perspective
50 years of Harley only racing. As soon as a competitor shows up they change the rules to eliminate the competition. Hardly 50 years of winning
GREAT NEWS For 2021 ! Latus Motorsports along with support from Harley Davidson will be campaigning an AFT Super Twins Team with 2020 Production Twins Champion James 'The Rocket' Respoli. Hogspoli may be the sole rider mounted on the HD/V&H XG750 but you can count on him to keep the dream alive.
I'll be the positive optimist and say that I hope this video is the first part in H-D's return to flat track with a new design, worthy of being the successor to the XR.
@@mikeskidmore6754 Thats simply incorrect, Mark. S&S is not involved with H-D's flat track program in any way. S&S runs the Indian FT program. V&H does all of the H-D FT engine development in house, as well as building chassis. Or, at least they did until a few weeks ago when V&H disbanded the FT team. Corporate profits at H-D are down again this year, and with a new CEO, there are cuts across the company as they try to please investors, who want no part in racing activities if it costs them anything at all.
@@mikeskidmore6754 Well, either your memory is not great, or the article you read was wrong. S&S has built nothing for the H-D flat track team since V&H took over the program years ago. The chassis' at V&H for the H-D were built by Josh and Shahab (and others) at V&H. In 2020, Ricky Howerton designed the H-D V&H chassis, and they were built by...Josh and Shahab and Mike at V&H. S&S builds the Indian FTR 750 under contract from Polaris/Indian, using parts from many suppliers. Indian engineers had little to do with any of it since they arent involved in it. I supply parts to both of these teams and I assure you that this is the case.
@@mikeskidmore6754 The FTR sells for $50k. You will not be able to buy a new one for $40k or $42k. The FTR is only eligible for SuperTwins since the engine is not available in any production vehicle. (Swissauto designed and produced) V&H does not sell the SuperTwins version of the XG-750 (with the cool cylinder heads) at any cost. That engine is NOT eligible to compete in Production Twins. The bike that V&H sells for PT is virtually identical to the SuperTwins bike, but has 'standard' cylinder heads.
@@mikeskidmore6754 Why? Well, V&H (H-D) has spent the last few years lobbying (threatening) AFT for 'concessions' to -in theory- make the XG competitive. At the same time, they also lobbied to get restrictions placed on the Indians. H-D is the 800lb gorilla, and when they make demands of a race org, they usually have to listen. None of that has worked. The H-D has always made more power than the Indian, so that doesnt seem to be the issue with the XG750. The new format was great last year, with full grids. That might change this season (2021) but that has more to do with the economy and Covid, than the bikes. There are more corporate sponsors with AFT than ever, but teams and riders continue to struggle. I sure hope that changes, because it is a great sport.
50 years of wins and Harley hasn't been able to make a street version. Amazing.
Yes they did, it was called the XR-1000 and no one bought them, it was the surplus XR-1000 engine's that Eric Buell used for his earlier versions of his street bikes. The XR-1000's weren't built on the regular production line, they were built under the supervision of Dick O'Brian by the racing department, every single set of cylinder heads were sent to Jerry Branch to be worked over, and they were decently fast bikes for their time. The two biggest problems Harley had selling them was that there was a version of the regular Ironhead Sportster that looked just like it for a lot less money, it had the same low flat track style handlebars and solo seat as the XR-1000 and basically had the same look for a lot less money, and because of the cams and exhaust the XR-1000 had a slight stumble in the mid range if you just cruised around like you would on any other Harley, the service departments at the dealerships just couldn't get it through people's heads that it was an engine that was meant to RUN and not cruise around on, it just wasn't set up for cruising and as a result the owners kept taking them back and complaining about the mid range stumble which gave them a bad reputation on the street. People bought the regular Ironhead version because they wanted something that looked like a flat track bike that they could cruise around on and as a result the XR version just didn't sell and was dropped from the lineup after just 2 years, 83 and 84. Now they're very valuable bikes that'll cost you an arm and a leg to buy, that's if you can find one.
@@dukecraig2402 nice reply
Mert was, and still is the man.
Yes he is!
Evan, this is the Best! You have done well my friend! FAST AND LEFT. Say no more.
Thank you RK C.