S171 1957 HARLEY-DAVIDSON KRTT In 1952, Harley-Davidson introduced the Model K to compete with European entries, especially those from England—such as Triumph, BSA and Norton—that were largely infiltrating U.S. sales and roadways, not to mention the racing scene. Thanks to continual development and engineering, starting in 1953, the KR750, Harley- Davidson’s factory racing bike, was a strong and consistent contender on the dirt tracks of America. Racing development manager Dick O’Brien and his team also raced the KR in its TT road racing trim with exceptionally great success. Quite the engineering specialty, the K could have a suspended rear end, while other Harley-Davidsons remained rigid until 1958; it also had a righthand shifting action, similar to the British motorcycles. Another similarity to the British bikes and deviation from traditional Harley-Davidson design was the unit construction of the Model K, Harley-Davidson’s first V-twin designed in that fashion. Harley- Davidson also offered factory racing components for the K, such as 6-gallon fuel tanks, full fairings, engine internals, big oil tanks and special brakes. Interestingly, they used either Fontana or Ceriani front NO RESERVE brakes from Italy, with a rear brake based on a factory racing bulletin. All things considered, the KR750 was a remarkable competitor and gave customers a reason to rethink buying a Harley-Davidson over the competition. This 1957 KRTT is equipped with titanium front and rear axles, rear axle nut, front motor-mount plates, bolts, spacers, steering stem, valves and swingarm bolt. Using a racing frame, it employs a J-ratio transmission and Boretech-treated cylinders with aluminum billet heads. Massive, air-cooled, four-shoe drum brakes handle stopping duties up front, while a disc brake scrubs speed from the rear. A Scitsu racing tach and Mikuni carburetor round out the package of this rare and exciting racing bike. Despite all the racing pedigree and equipment, one oft unmentioned part of the KRTT is the stunning beauty it possesses. Streamlined and colored in traditional Harley- Davidson orange and black, it looks like it’s going 100 MPH when it’s standing still. The swept windscreen and smoothed fairings help create not only great aerodynamics, allowing the bike to push through the wind with ease, but these additions also give it a spectacular look. THE LUKE CONNER COLLECTION
