What you see here is the first purpose-built Harley-Davidson race bike to come from the Milwaukee for quite some time, as its been several decades since the Bar & Shield brand formally offered flat track racing machines – 44 years, to be precise.
Called the Harley-Davidson XG750R, the flat track racing machine is based off the Harley-Davidson Street 750 platform, and it will make its racing debut this weekend at the AMA Pro Flat Track Springfield Mile in Illinois.
As the name suggests, the Harley-Davidson XG750R features the same 750cc v-twin engine that is found in the Harley-Davidson Street 750 street bike, though it has been tuned for racing duty.
In addition to the tuned engine, the chassis has also been modified, both getting worked over by the minds at Vance & Hines Motorsports. As you can tell from the photos, there is a lack of street-going switchgear, and the front brakes are noticeably absent.
This is because the Harley-Davidson XG750R is for race-use only, and Harley-Davdison at this time does not plan on selling a street version to the public. Sad trombone.
“After decades of flat-track racing success behind the Harley-Davidson XR750 flat track motorcycle, we knew it was time to develop the next-generation Harley-Davidson to compete in one of the best spectator racing sports out there today,” said Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Kris Schoonover.
“The XG750R has shown great potential in testing and the first few races this season,” added Schoonover. “But as with any new racing motorcycle, there will be work to do. We’re excited to continue testing the XG750R in real world competition, and as we make our way through the season, we will evaluate the performance of the bike and our factory riders to see if Baker might switch to the new bike.”
Source: Harley-Davidson
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