The Most Extreme Motorcycle Races Ever
To most people, Harley-Davidson motorcycles are your luxury touring or around-town motorcycles. It is a well-known fact that the company started out racing back in 1903 as a primary method for promoting the brand. Few people realize, however, that the company is still very much engaged in all manner of races around the world.
1. Racing In Its Blood
Although Indian motorcycles was already on the scene in 1901, Harley-Davidson quickly asserted itself as a competitor by 1903. With no brakes, push starts, and lots and lots of crashes, motorcycle racing took off. No doubt that the competitive nature that is inherent to most motorcyclist was a big factor in the creation of organized racing, however, motorcycle racing was paramount as an advertisement strategy for these new companies - and the fight for customers began.
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2. The Racing Continues
When we think about Harley-Davidson "racing" we tend to focus on Flat Track or NHRA Pro Stock racing but there is so much more. The Baja races in Ensenada, Mexico, for example, are not only for the big Rally trucks that come to mind. Harley-Davidson VRod, with a side car! has been known to enter the race. The Colorado Pikes Peak International Hill climb saw the VRod side car team (Scott Whitney and Pat Holmes) take the win in 2003.
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4. Harley Davidson Superbike
Some people jumped at the chance to own a Buell motorcycle when they were introduced. The concept of an American Superbike is still an appealing one to many but the Buell Lightning was the closest that most people ever got. Some were lucky enough to get their hands on a HD VR 1000 which was briefly available in 1994. Harley-Davidson's attempt to race the VR 1000 in the early to mid 90's ended up in frustration and disappointment. The Company announced, in 2015 that it was considering a return of the VR 1000 project but not much else has been heard.
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6. Not All New But Still Extreme
Harley-Davidson started racing on flat and round horse racing tracks. The tradition continues today and is just as extreme as it was in 1903. The bikes are faster and the safety gear immensely better but Harley-Davidson riders continue to amaze and excite crowds with the Flat Track (some say nostalgic) racing style.
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