Flashback. Harley-Davidson KRTT.

1974KRTTIntroduced in 1952, the 45.26 (750cc), 45-degree Harley-Davidson Model K was Harley’s final flathead. The KRTT 750 is the faired racing version of the KR and dominated motorcycle racing in the United States due to favorable racing rules. The 2 valves per cylinder 750 cc machine has an astonishing maximum speed of 149mph (239.8 km/h) It was Succeeded by the XRTT the racing version of the XR-750. (photo @ Doug Mitchel)

16 Responses to “Flashback. Harley-Davidson KRTT.”


  1. 1 NoH2oh May 4th, 2016 at 8:54 am

    What an awesome bike, 149 from a flat head. HD has a hell of a racing history,too bad they never really capitalized on it.

    “due to favorable racing rules…” That has been a constant with HD racing.

  2. 2 Steal Your Face May 4th, 2016 at 9:11 am

    Wow, what a beauty. Factory race bikes are cool because they have all the go fast, hotrod parts on them. The stuff we bike lovers like to do to our bikes or at least drool over.

  3. 3 Kenny Hart May 4th, 2016 at 9:32 am

    Good inspiration for custom builders.

  4. 4 zipper May 4th, 2016 at 10:36 am

    The XRTT, the” road racing” version of the XR750. ..Z

  5. 5 fuji May 4th, 2016 at 2:00 pm

    NoH2oh “due to favorable racing rules…” That has been a constant with HD racing.

    How correct you are .One of the reasons the KRs ran so well for so long was because AMA racing regulations limited what you could do with a 500cc overhead-valve machines versus the performance tech found in larger 750cc side-valve KRs. By the mid-1960s, the AMA had no choice but to bow to increasing pressure from the growing segment of British import dealers and riders demanding change. The old Class C rules went through an overhaul allowing more race-specific equipment.

  6. 6 Blackmax May 4th, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    Wow !!!
    History & Beauty in 1 package !!!
    Too bad they didn’t keep the model going
    They would be a lot of demand for it now,
    from that younger generation H-D keeping trying to latch on to

  7. 7 domino May 4th, 2016 at 4:32 pm

    The K model is the coolest looking motor ever.

  8. 8 Badams May 4th, 2016 at 8:26 pm

    Wish Harley would build a VR 1000 for the street. Just to have one……

  9. 9 James just another crazy kiwi May 5th, 2016 at 3:32 am

    They Built the Servi Car flat Head till 1974 me thinks what year is the above Motorcycle built ?

  10. 10 NoH2oh May 5th, 2016 at 8:14 am

    Badams….they did. Fifty or so. Never street legal in the country they were made and raced in. There are those rules again.

  11. 11 Grey Beard May 5th, 2016 at 9:54 am

    James just another crazy kiwi ,
    Yes HD did build the flathead twin from 1930 up to 1973. I think in the above description it should’ve said, HD’s “last” flathead design.

  12. 12 Emmett May 5th, 2016 at 10:47 am

    You can see this and many of the old Harley’s, Indians, Hendersons, BMW’s, BSA’s, Triumphs, Crockers, and many many many other very cool very vintage original older racing bike and cars too at Barber’s Motor Speedway Museum just outside Birmingham Alabama. If you ever get the chance to visit, DO NOT pass it up. It should be on every gear head’s bucket list. And they have fabulous road races throughout the year as well.

  13. 13 cafesportytc May 5th, 2016 at 11:45 am

    motorcycle porn for sure

  14. 14 Badams May 5th, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    @Noh2oh — great intel, thanks much. Rules……so right.

  15. 15 fuji May 6th, 2016 at 8:15 pm

    badams.

    Walked into a Suzuki dealer a few years back at Clark rd Sarasota Fl There sit two VR 1000 Harleys. One street and one race version. Impressive bikes. Probably the most impressive HD I ever saw.

    Don’t recall the details for if I tried I’m sure that I would get the details wrong.

    My understanding was that they were for sale to the right person. Collector. Expensive.

  16. 16 boston jim May 9th, 2016 at 11:39 am

    @ crazy kiwi & greybeard
    The “45” ci flathead was made from 1929 – 1973. The Servi Car ran a Springer front end till 1957, also, the 1st year electric start, 1961, I had both! First & last year year for Panhead Springer, 1948, & 1965, 1st year electric start on Big Twins. That 1929 Flathead 45, is todays Sportster! I have a 1986 1st year EVO Sportster, that eats Ironheads for Breakfast !

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Cyril Huze