Despite taking a season-long thrashing from Indian Motorcycles in the American Flat Track Pro Twins series, where Indian factory riders have the top three spots and 9 of the 10 race victories, Harley-Davidson took the win last night in the X-Games Flat Track competition.
Riding the relatively ancient XR750, Sammy Halbert (sponsored by Estenson Racing) held off Indian factory riders Jared Mees and Brad Baker, who finished second and third, respectively. The Indian riders inherited their podium positions when Harley-mounted Jeffrey Carver, Jr. got a flat front tire with a lap remaining. You can watch the entire race on the X-Games web site here.
See more of MD’s great photography:
My XS650 smoked a 1400cc Hardley by uncountable bike lengths at 75mph. That’s all I need to know. Looking forward to my 2017 “Buell” SV650.
that is very insightful, thanks
Half-mile dirt track is gonna be in Calistoga in a few weeks. Can’t wait. For my money it’s the most entertaining racing there is.
‘pretty impressive given that they are racing a nearly 50 year old design. Don’t get me wrong, ‘great bike but hardly a fair match for the new Indian. ‘Sort of makes you wonder just how much turf they want to cede to the new kids in town.
The coolest thing is 3 years of X-Games and 3 different winners.
That is cool.
In fact in Russia ice riding is more popular. Cold.
It is not pure russian name
Well give Sammy and the Harley crew their due credit. But they just won one battle and not the war. Indian has thoroughly embarrassed Harley this year, maybe Harley shouldn’t have gotten rid of Buell so quick. 🙂 🙂 🙂
They didn’t get rid of Buell quick. Eric was the red headed stepchild for more then a decade.
It is a shame they didn’t just give him the freedom he needed/deserved. They would have made money and reached a wider demographic. Board room decisions. Whatcha gonna do?
I meant they should have kept Buell, and they would have won before now. Buell did start winning road races after Eric dumped using the overweight Harley engine, and used one from I believe it was Rotax (1125).
You are correct, and I agree. Do some googling, you will find he wanted to turbo (150ish hp) the gas in frame bikes… in 04. Think of what Buell could have evolved to. Shame on the Harley board room.
Re: “It is a shame they didn’t just give him the freedom he needed/deserved.”
That freedom probably had less to do with what Buell made and more to do with where it was sold. Even the air cooled HD engine bikes would have likely sold better at dealerships where salespeople were more capable & comfortable selling to sport bike customers.
Are there any flat track races that have right hand turning ?
TT Races have at least one right hand turn and a jump. TT Races are part of the Flat Track Series. TT bikes also have a front brake.
I wish TT races were more popular. I wouldn’t even know where to watch one in person. I’d go every weekend if it was local.
Supermoto can be cool as well.
Supermoto is great because it allows race promoters to “insert” race events whenever they want (or can get permission). The bikes are light and capable and can be ridden very aggressively in small places.
Gotta pull in the pits.
who’d buy ol’ number 69 w/ lights, mirror and a horn? 100 hp, 368 pounds, hydro lifters and a chromed exhaust…
Me, thats who
I tried flat track racing for the first time on a CRF150F. It was a blast. A bunch of road racers rented bikes from a local dirt track club and we tore it up. What I found out? It ain’t the bike! It’s 80% the rider. Cool sport and I hope to see it grow.
That Street 750 project better start producing some results soon.
Even a broken clock is right twice a day. How’s that Ducati deal comin’ HD?
Interestingly NONE of the factory Harley’s made the main.
That was my first thought.
Poor choice for a headline. Should read Sammy Halbert wins X Games, on whatever bike. Not Harley Davidson wins X-Games.