Notes from the Editor: We (Lowbrow) were in the race pits at an ECTA land speed race in Blytheville, Arkansas in September 2022 working on my dual-engine 1950 Triumph race bike.
A pickup truck pulls up in the spot next to us with a bike in the back and at a glance I could see it was something cool. We walked over to take a look.
That's how we met Shane Waters and the rest of his motley crew. We got to know them better over a few days of racing, grilled brats and beers.
We were stoked to see one of our KR-style Bolt On Hardtail Frames (also available for 1967 - 1978 Harley Sportsters!) on such a good looking bike, and even better, a race bike. Racing is a very thorough way of testing products, and we are glad to see our parts put through the ringer!
Looking forward to the 2023 race season and hanging with the Rabbit Foot Racing crew at Bonneville!
LAND SPEED RACING: ANOTHER WAY TO HAVE FUN WITH OLD BIKES
"I’ve been going to the Bonneville Salt Flats with my dad, brothers and friends for the past 5 or 6 years.
Land speed racing has become another way to have fun with old bikes. My brother Zach holds a couple of records on a Knucklehead, and we are shooting for some more.
The idea of this bike started on a late night at "the Bend in the Road" with my brother Luke.
(Editor's Note: Bend in the Road is literally 'the bend in the road' before the road ends, and you enter the Bonneville Salt Flats. It is a popular place to camp during race events)
We were discussing the state of the world over a few dozen Busch Lights and figured we needed to add another bike to the Rabbit Foot Racing team. In the past few years, I have seen the light and realized that flatheads are vastly superior to those overhead valve contraptions that Harley started messing with so many years ago. I am even starting to get my dad, Wet Wally, warmed up to flatheads.
After a bit of research, I started searching for a Harley K Model to modify to race at the salt flats. I ended up coming across this engine that looked like it would fit the bill. With the help of some great friends and family, we quickly went from an engine under the Christmas tree to a running, riding bike that following April.
We went to Blytheville, Arkansas in April 2022 to start to dial it in, but had some technical difficulties and didn’t get to make a run. I came back home and tore down for paint, as planned, and fixed the other issues.
GETTING THE KIDS INVOLVED: COLOR CHOICE, PAINT DESIGN & GRAPHICS
My wife and twin daughters are not the biggest gear heads, but support my ambitions 100%. The girls helped in the garage when they were needed, but their influence was not fully seen until it was time for paint.
The color combo was a family decision and paint design was on the girls. My 11 year old daughters each designed the graphics for one side of the gas tank, giving the bike some curb appeal.
No one notices the long hours in fabrication or Jim’s perfect welds, but that gas tank really pops!
Shane's Twin Daughters designed the Harley-Davidson Logos on each side of the gas tank.
I have a lot of people to thank in helping me get this bike where it is today. We made it to Bonneville 2022, but did not get to run due to weather. We had a strong support crew (The Zoo Crew) out there ready to race, but we just had to go into full time party mode, instead. A good time was had by all, and that is what it’s all about, anyway. We hope to see you out on the salt next year!"
Words by Shane Waters
Photos by Mikey Revolt
Shane and his dad.
1966 HARLEY KR LAND SPEED RACE BIKE TECH SHEET
General
Owner: Shane Waters
Year/Make/Model: 1966 Harley-Davidson KR
Fabrication: Jim’s Choppers
Build Time: 1 year (and counting)
Engine
Year/Type/Size: 1966 45 cubic inch flathead KR
Carburetor: Dual Mikunis
Exhaust: KR straight pipes
Air Cleaner: Fabbed backing plate to fit Harley (K&N) oval
Frame
Year/Type: 1956 K model frame with Lowbrow hardtail
Rake/Stretch: Stock neck – Rear is 2” stretch utilizing a Lowbrow Customs KR Style Bolt-on Hardtail
Front End
Type / Brand: 39mm Harley
Front Wheel 19" Morris 7 Spoke
Rear Wheel 18" Morris 7 Spoke
Wheels
Front Size: 19” Morris 7 spoke
Rear Size: 18” Morris 7 spoke
Finish/Paint
Paint by: Jayda & Jayci Waters
Plating/Polishing: Owner
Powdercoating: n/a
Accessories
Front Fender: None
Rear Fender: Air Tech
Gas Tank: XR 750 replica
Handlebars: clip ons
Grips: Rubber
Mirrors: Nope
Hand Controls: HD
Foot Controls: Modified HD
Headlight: Nope
Taillight: Nope
Turn Signals: Nope
License Mount: Nope
Seat: In progress – Leather work by my brother, JR Watson
MORE DETAIL PHOTOS OF SHANE'S 1966 HARLEY KR RACE BIKE
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