|
Model |
Harley Davidson XR/TT 750 |
|
Year |
1972 |
|
Engine |
Air cooled, four stroke, V-Twin, pushrod two-valve, |
|
Capacity |
750 |
|
Gearbox |
4 Speed right-hand shifter |
|
Chassis |
Chrome-moly 4130 by Nickels engineering
|
|
Wheelbase |
54 inches |
|
Weight |
314 lb |
|
Top Speed |
145 mp/h |
|
Overview |
Motorcycle-USA |
The XR-750 would be utilized in a variety of racing
through the years. Even the onslaught of Japanese machinery had a tough time
overcoming wt talents of the XR-750, mainly in part to M low
weight and terrific power. Eventuallj| the duty of the legendary XR-750
eclipsed by more modern equipment,
From the moment the AMA’s Grand National Series
began in 1954, the Harley wrecking crew had dominated it. In the first 13
years of the series, Harley-mounted riders won the championship 12 times.
But then came the late ’60s, and the
competition from Great Britain got a lot tougher. From 1967 through 1971,
Harley won the title just once, while Triumph and BSA combined for four
victories. The engineers from Milwaukee were scrambling.
The company introduced one new racing machine,
designated the XR750, in 1970. Based on the company’s Sportster streetbike
engine, it was clearly a stopgap measure. By 1972, its successor was ready.
And although it was also called the XR750, it was another animal entirely.
This machine, which became known as the “alloy
XR” to differentiate it from the previous iron-barrel XRs, was an instant
success. That season, Harley factory racer Mark Brelsford rode his XR in 15
dirt-track races, winning three and finishing in the top five 11 times. By the
end of the year, Brelsford won the Grand National Championship going away over
a rookie by the name of Gary Scott.
But that’s only the beginning of the story. In
the 27 seasons since then, alloy XR engines have powered championship-winning
motorcycles 20 times, leaving only seven titles for the rest of the world. And
if you go to a Grand National Dirt Track Series race today, chances are the
winner will be riding an XR Harley.
