Introduced in 1952, the 45ci (750cc), 45-degree, Model K was Harley's final "flat head". Almost a complete break with the past, the K adopted ideas from Europe: unitary construction of the engine/transmission, swinging-arm rear suspension, foot-operated gear change and hand clutch, but despite better handling than its similar-sized predecessor, proved little faster. Not so the racing KR that it inspired. Harley-Davidson had not won the prestigious Daytona Beach race since WWII, so the KR's winning debut there in 1953 was greeted with intense relief back in Milwaukee. BSA struck back the following year but for the next seven events it would be a Harley in the winner's circle. In 1953, five AMA Class C flat track national events were won, and in 1954 KR racers won 13 of 18 races. On flat tracks, the KR raced with a rigid rear end, retaining the roadster's swinging arm for circuit races such as the Daytona 200. Enlarged to 54ci (883cc) as the KH, the Model K street bike continued in the line up until the end of 1956; the racer though, ran on successfully well into the 1960s; indeed, its final Daytona victory in 1969 was the KR's twelfth at the Florida track. That year a KRTT achieved an astonishing 149mph during qualifying.

There are no production figures for 1960, but it is known that ten KR models were made the previous year out of a total thought to be fewer than 500 built over 15 years. This particular machine, with its history passed on by Vic Crenshaw, Joe Potter and Wayne Allen of Atlanta Harley-Davidson, had its engine originally built by Joe Potter of Albany, Georgia, for his High Boy dirt-tracker, yet now consists of that motor in a early H-D lightened chromoly frame from Vic's HD of Augusta, Georgia, and a special oil tank from Ralph Berndt, and is set up for road racing. Jimmy Manness and Ray Little rode it at Daytona in 1966 and 1968 respectively. On the fairing is recognition of both Harley-Davidson of Atlanta and the Southern Pipe and Supply Co.

The bike was restored in the 1990s to run in Classic racing. And on the advice of Dick O'Brien it was equipped with S&S flywheels and heavy duty rods with # 7 heads and E-type cams, with a C-type transmission. The factory fairing wraps a 1966/67 seat and tank.

In short, a wonderful period race bike that's "ready to go again".

 

Notification of TITLE DELAY.

Year 1960
Make Harley Davidson
Model KRTT
Engine Model 60KR1061
Title Yes