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Was there ever a faster stock bike?

Absolutely there was. And is!

But none would be half as threatening to ride.
These were evil beasts that had one thing on their mind.And one thing only. How to put the rider in over his head.
And quite frequently over the back wheel as well.
They didn't handle very well. Didn't stop very well. Didn't sip fuel daintily. Didn't care too much for the environment.
But boy, in the context of the late 60s and early 70s, they went like stink!
I think they were supposed to make around 74 HP, which is nothing by today's standards, but mind blowing way back when.
Long may they reign in peoples' minds!
 
Make Model


Harley Davidson XR 1000
Year

1987
Engine

Air cooled, four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Capacity

998
Bore x Stroke 81 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio 9.0;1
Induction

2X 36mm Dell'Orto
Ignition / Starting

Electronic / electric
Clutch Multiplate, dry
Max Power

70 hp 52.6 kW @ 5600 rpm
Max Torque

48 lb/ft @ 4400 rpm
Transmission / Drive

4 Speed / chain
Front Suspension

Telescopic forks, 175mm wheel travel
Rear Suspension

Swing arm, 100mm wheel travel
Front Brakes

2X 290mm discs
Rear Brakes

Single 290mm disc
Front Tyre

100/90 V19
Rear Tyre

130/90 V16
Seat Height 736mm (29in)
Wet Weight

221kg / 4871b

Fuel Capacity


Consumption Average

46 mpg
Standing ¼ Mile

12.8 sec / 101 mph
Top Speed

115 mph Jerry Branch upped it to 90 with some head work, but it never caught on as a street bike so they dropped it and continued to dominate the dirt track with its little brother the 750 version it had a wierd valve adjustmentHarley-Davidson-XR750-1.jpg
If you look at the rs top of the heads you will se the ports where you made the adjustments
 
The 750 triple Kaw was 12.28 1/4 mile speed,faster than the 903 Z1,be it only by a fraction.And faster than this HD.I should mention I was looking at bikes of the 70's.But if this HD is from 87 it still hadn't caught the Kaw.Biggest disadvantage of the Kaw,as mentioned,was that it was only good for straight lines.I know later bikes in the 80's and after did go quicker.The thing that blew my mind was that right out of the showroom,with no add ons or additional work,the Kaw could crack near 12 seconds.
 
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The 750 triple Kaw was 12.28 1/4 mile speed,faster than the 903 Z1,be it only by a fraction.And faster than this HD.I should mention I was looking at bikes of the 70's.But if this HD is from 87 it still hadn't caught the Kaw.Biggest disadvantage of the Kaw,as mentioned,was that it was only good for straight lines.I know later bikes in the 80's and after did go quicker.The thing that blew my mind was that right out of the showroom,with no add ons or additional work,the Kaw could crack near 12 seconds.
I remember waiting for "Cycle" magazine every month...I was about 14 and just would see them sometimes on the road, ported with chambers. Good lord!!!
Yeh straight line as they would not stop or corner very well but nothing could catch them. Good thing I was a bit too young.
My other favorite was the Norton Commando. Still one of the best-looking bikes I have ever seen.
 
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