This 1977 Harley-Davidson XR-750 isn’t a race replica – it’s the real deal. Even if it’s since been converted to a road bike. Although most Harleys are either fashionable stripped down customs or fully-dressed touring wagons, the XR-750 is the most successful race bike in the history of AMA racing since it was originally introduced in 1969.
Dirt track racing was the reason for success, with new rules introduced by the AMA at the end of the 1960s setting the maximum 750cc displacement. The XR was powered by an iron cylinder, aluminium head 748cc motor from the Sportster XL but gained head and cylinder modifications, lost the generator in place of a magneto, and had a fibre glass fuel tank and bodywork.
From 1972-2008, riders have used the XR-750 to win 29 of 37 AMA Grand National Chamionships, with the likes of Jay Springsteen (3 titles), Scott Parker (9 titles) and Chris Carr (6 titles). Meanwhile outside of the U.S, the XR-750 became most well-known as the bike Evel Knievel launched into and over buses, including his 1975 Wembley Stadium crash.
Although a road racing version (the XRTT-750), and a street-legal production version (Sportster XR-1000) were produced, this bike has been converted from a pure original dirt-tracker. To make it VOSA friendly some brakes have been fitted along with the other necessary parts to be passed for a daytime MOT. For the sake of practicality there’s a revised oil tank and modified battery box. But the gear lever and rear brake pedals are still on the right-hand side, as the flat track heritage intended.
Not only is this one of very few actual Harley-Davidson XR-750s in the UK, but it’s also probably one of the few everyone at Rescogs would all like to own. It’s currently for sale at Motorcycles Unlimited in Perivale.
I’d Blow a small Horse for XR 750