The name Harley-Davidson is synonymous with American-made motorcycles. Known for their loud exhausts and muscular designs, Harley-Davidson is one of the most recognizable motorcycle manufacturers in history. However, Harley-Davidson wasn’t always the frontrunner of the industry.

In 1970, Harley-Davidson introduced the XR-750 in an effort to challenge the British and Japanese motorcycles that dominated the AMA Grand National Championships. In fact, the XR-750 was conceptualized as a result of newly enacted AMA rules that rendered the once successful Harley KR motorcycles obsolete.

The overriding principle of the XR-750’s production was simple: design a motorcycle that exerted as much power as possible while maintaining a lightweight frame. The XR-750 had to be capable of hitting straightaways at over 100 miles per hour while also managing quick, sharp turns. With these necessities in mind, combined with a much lighter 750cc aluminum alloy engine, Harley-Davidson was on course to manufacturing a competitive motorcycle that would dominate flat-track racing for the next four decades.

Throughout its history, the XR-750 has led many racers to victory. In fact, more AMA races have been won aboard Harley-Davidson XR-750s than any other motorcycle, making it the most successful racing bike of all time. The XR-750 was also the preferred bike of legendary stunt rider Evil Knievel, who rode it famously from December 1970 until his final jump in January of 1977.

Today, enthusiasts wishing to get their hands on an original Harley-Davidson XR-750 are likely to run into trouble. The patented, classic racing appeal of the XR-750 ensures that they are snatched up quickly and sold at exorbitant prices.

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