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Riding this KR750 Harley-Davidson, John Tibben was a strong and consistent contender on the dirt tracks of America from 1956 to 1968; its motor even powered him to 7th and 9th in the Daytona 200 in 1960 and 1961.
In 1952 Harley-Davidson brought out the K model to compete with the lightweight British machines from Triumph, BSA, Matchless and Norton as well as Indian’s famed Scout. The K Model street bike came with rear suspension; the FL Big Twins remained rigid until 1958. And the K model was designed as a unit construction machine, Harley’s first designed that way. Unique among Harleys at that time, the K model even shifted on the right, like a British bike, which worked great for dirt track.
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The factory KR dirt track racer was a rigid like the old WR racer; a bolt on subframe allowing riders to switch back and forth for any type of track competition. Strong and lightweight, chrome moly tubing was used with traditional cast iron frame lugs. Besides high performance engine internals, hubs, rims, brakes, six gallon tanks and full fairings were available as factory racing parts.
This #60 bike was owned, maintained and raced in dirt track, TT and road race competition by Iowan John Tibben.John raced all across America from 1956 to 1968. As shown the machine is race ready for the Springfield 50 Miler.  Tibben wisely kept his leathers, old tool box and even the support block for time in the pits, all on display here.
  • Engine: 45 Cubic Inch, 45 Degree V-Twin
  • Air-Cooled, Flathead
  • Bore & Stroke: 2.75″ x 3.18″
  • Unit Construction
  • Carburetor: L&L 1 1/2″ 4R-3
  • Ignition: Fairbanks-Morse Magneto
  • Horsepower: Approximately 42 – 45
  • Primary: Chain
  • Transmission: Four-Speed /Right Shift
  • Frame: Brazed Iron Lug and Chrome Moly Tubing
  • Suspension: Telescopic Fork/Rigid Rear
  • Wheels/Tires: 4.00 x 19, Pirelli Front, Goodyear Rear
  • Solo Seat/Bates Pillion
  • 54″ Wheelbase
  • 350 Pounds, Approximate Race Weight
Graciously on Loan from John Tibben
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