One Year Wonder: The 1975 Harley-Davidson RR500

By Alan Cathcart
Published on December 10, 2015
article image
Photo by Stefano Gadda
Alan Cathcart on the 1975 Harley-Davidson RR500.

Harley-Davidson RR500
Top speed:
174mph (280kph)
Engine:
488cc water-cooled reed-valve 2-stroke parallel twin, 72mm x 60mm bore and stroke, 12:1 compression ratio, 89hp @ 10,500rpm (rear wheel)
Weight:
273lb (124kg) with oil/water, no fuel
Fuel capacity:
7.4gal (28ltr)

As a home run two-wheeled Trivial Pursuit question, it has few equals: Forty-one years ago, Harley-Davidson competed in the 1975 500cc World Championship against Suzuki and Yamaha with a race-winning 2-stroke Grand Prix motorcycle of its own design — true or false? Sorry to disillusion the Hog faithful, but however unlikely, it happens to be TRUE!

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-880-7567