Harley spent considerable time and effort developing this top-secret Superbike that would never come to fruition.
Top Secret Project
Superbike racing has been around for many years now, employing highly modified production motorcycles versus the purpose-built machines used in MotoGP competition. It's also quite popular with manufacturers as it gives them a way to show off their wares and turn around and sell them in showrooms. Thus, it should come as no surprise that Harley-Davidson worked for some time to develop a new Superbike competitor decades ago in a project recently detailed by Roadracing World.
Photo: Roadracing World
Another Crack
Of course, Harley is no stranger to Superbike racing, having created the VR1000 some years ago and enjoying a bit of success with that bike on the track. Prior to that, it fielded the XR750 and other models to some notable motorsport wins over the years, so it makes perfect sense that Harley might want to get back into the ultimate form of production bike/homologated racing.
Photos: Iconic Motorbikes Auctions
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Old School
As Roadracing World points out, Harley-Davidson got together roughly 20 years ago to discuss the creation of a new Superbike, where it was clear that the company was at a crossroads. Some within MoCo believed that Harley's cruiser bikes would stand the test of time regardless of what it did, and that racing was just a silly endeavor that wouldn't sell more motorcycles.
Photos: Iconic Motorbikes Auctions
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Younger Appeal
Then there were those that rightfully believed that Harley's core customer was aging, and that the company needed to do something different to attract the younger generation. They were convinced that superbikes and sportbikes were the future, and that Harley needed to get back into racing if it wanted to survive another century.
Photos: Iconic Motorbikes Auctions
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Big Way
Thus, a key part of this plan to attract a younger customer was to get back into racing in a big way - with the VR2, a bike with impressive features and technology including a carbon-fiber monocoque Meridith tube and frame, as well as a radiator that was located inside the tunnel below the seat that also helped create thrust.
Photos: Iconic Motorbikes Auctions
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Fizzling Out
Harley's intentions with the VR2 were to transform its image through motorsports, fielding a competitive product in the World Superbike competition before moving into MotoGP. Ultimately, however, that idea didn't come to fruition, though it is pretty interesting that MoCo was seriously considering such a move over 20 years ago.
Photos: Iconic Motorbikes Auctions
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