Harley Street Rods Take on Ice Racing at Snowquake
If Flat Track Racing on dirt isn’t exciting enough, how about doing it on solid ice?
For most, the thought of riding a Harley on ice is akin to signing your own death certificate. Motorcycles and ice just don’t mix, after all. Heck, for the most part, cars aren’t even ideal vehicles for frosty conditions. But that isn’t stopping Harley from sending 8 specially-equipped Street Rods to participate in the third annual Snowquake, a flat track event taking place in the snow and ice of the Italian Alps.
Harley-Davidson Europe has also invited 15 journalists and ex-WSBK and MotoGP rider Ruben Xaus to take a shot at the event. Granted, these aren’t exactly stock Street Rods. Even though we’d imagine that would be fun to watch. No, these Street Rods come fitted with 500-stud Continental TCK80 tires to grip the slippery stuff. Other special touches include custom front and rear fender guards, a chain/sprocket conversion, tethered kill switches, and more.
Built by Britain’s IDP Moto, the special Street Rods have already undergone some testing by Xaus. And according to Harley, the bikes actually make pretty awesome ice racers. The 750’s ample torque, along with sharp frame geometry and light weight make it a formidable foe. Heck, this is essentially the same bike already competing in dirt flat track events.
“The Street Rod 750 has already proved itself a versatile tool – it performed brilliantly on the dirt in Flat Track form, so we’ll see another side of its abilities on ice,” said H-D International Director of Marketing Steve Lambert. “Harley-Davidson is all about the simple enjoyment of riding motorcycles, and we look forward to seeing every competitor on the grid on the 17th at the Ice Rosa Rink.”
The 2018 Snowquake features three classes – SnowPro, Vintage, and Inappropriate Road Bike, which is exactly what it sounds like. Since its inception, the event has drawn a rabid following in Europe, and it’s easy to see why!
