Harley-Davidson did not participate in team racing until 1914, when it decided to exploit the potential benefits of publicity and development that could be derived from racing success. Board-track racing was reaching new levels of popularity, with promotors able to attract huge paying crowds to the meetings, so Harley’s decision to enter into competition made a lot of sense. Board racers were spindly, frail-looking machines that were stripped of surplus equipment. There was no gearbox and usually no brakes, though this bike is fitted with a rear drum. And the move paid off almost immediately, as the Harley race team began to achieve significant results in 1915 on bikes such as this KT.
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| Harley-Davidson 1915 KT Board Racer |
Their appearance belied their astonishing strength and performance. these bikes could be run flat-out for considerable distances, with 100-mile (161-km) races not uncommon on the banked wooden tracks. In September 1915, an F-head Harley set a 100-mile (161-km) record of 89.11mph (143.46km/h) on a board track in Chicago. It all augured well for the launch of the famous eight-valve racer a year later.
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| Harley-Davidson 1915 KT Board Racer |
SPECIFICATIONS
Harley-Davidson 1915 KT Board Racer• ENGINE Inlet-over-exhaust, V-twin
• CAPACITY 61cu. in. (1000cc)
• POWER OUTPUT 15bhp
• TRANSMISSION Three-speed, chain drive
• FRAME Tubular loop
• SUSPENSION Leading-link front forks, rigid rear
• WEIGHT 325lb (147kg)
• TOP SPEED 80mph (130km/h)
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