1970 Harley-Davidson Belly Burner Dragster

• VIN: 4A18766H0
• ENGINE: 61 cu. In. V-Twin rebuilt in 2024
• HP: 61
• CARBURETOR: S & S
• RACING TAGS: B (Class) D 6 (Number)
• TOP SPEED: +130 mph
• WHEELS: Borrani (Italy)
• CASE: 1973

Harley-David­son, Inc. needs no introduction as an iconic Amer­ican Motor­cycle manufacturer headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1901, William S. Harley, Arthur David­son, and brother Walter David­son began work on their first Motor­cycle engine. Their first attempt may have been a failure, but they founded Harley-David­son in 1903 and became one of the largest Motor­cycle manufacturers by 1920. They produced Motor­cycles for the United States used in both World War I & II and were one of only two major Motor­cycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression. In fact, they’ve survived numerous changes to ownership and restructuring, intense global competition, charges of restrictive practices, claims of stock price manipulation, and a constantly evolving view of the company and bikers. Still, they are widely known for their loyal following and now manufacture in Penn­syl­vania, Wisconsin, Brazil, and Thailand. Their classic cruiser style, including high handlebars, low seats, and chrome parts, is easily recognizable. They’re also noted for their customizability, giving rise to the chopper style of Motor­cycle, and for the distinct sound of HD’s powerful engines.

In the 1960s, Harley-David­son motor­cycles were a prominent force in drag racing. These bikes, often modified Sportsters, gained popularity for their powerful engines and competitive performance. The motor­cycles were known for their single-engine, carbureted setups and, in the Top Fuel class, the use of nitromethane, which provided significantly more power than gasoline. Some riders pushed the boundaries of speed and performance with innovative modifications. Racers often lightened their motor­cycles, incorporating features like lightweight aluminum rims, modified transmissions, and custom tires.

The Harley-David­son brand dominated the Top Fuel and "no-bar" drag racing classes. In the 1960s, the Top Fuel motor­cycle class was a relatively new and evolving category, though other brands also saw experimentation with nitromethane fuel. The "no-bar" style, where bikes raced without wheelie bars—safety devices designed by Carl McClanahan that prevented the motor­cycle from lifting too high—was a popular style of drag racing with roots tracing back to Harley-Davidson’s early days. In the late 1960s, riders like Joe Smith and Gordon Kately achieved significant success with modified Sportsters, including multiple wins at the NHRA U.S. Nationals.

This 1970 Harley-David­son Belly Burner Dragster has yet to be raced, but runs beautifully and is ready to hit the track. The 61 cu. in. V-twin engine, sporting VIN 4A18766H0, was rebuilt in 2024. With 61 HP, this motor­cycle can reach speeds over 130 mph. It has been fitted with lightweight Italian Borrani wheels and upgraded to a 1973 case, as the ones prior to were likely to break. Will you be the first to take this 1970 Dragster to the track?