This 1949 Harley-Davidson WR is a Real Factory Racer
With a widespread reputation for producing bikes made for cruising, it’s easy to forget that there was a time when Harley-Davidson was also famous for its racing efforts. Heck, they’re still killing it in the flat track as of today. That being said, one of its most famous factory-built racing bikes was the WR, which was built from 1937-1952.
The WR was a factory racer produced with one goal in mind – to defeat the dominant Indian Scout on dirt tracks across America. What ensued was a battle of epic proportions in a time when this type of racing was big business – between two big-time manufacturers.
The 750cc engine used in the WR would go on to become one of the longest running engines in H-D history, as well as serving tirelessly from 1929 to 1973. That lump is still a popular choice for vintage bike racers today, thanks to its reliability and the widespread availability of parts.
This 1949 WR factory racer is a fine example of the breed, as it is 100 percent original and unmolested. Everything from the handlebars to the saddle is 1949 WR, and the owner still has the original title. It’s a great reminder that H-D once cared about things other than selling cruisers, and a nice piece of racing history to boot.
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