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By Bruce Flanders
WENDOVER, UTAH, Oct. 16, 1970 Harley-Davidson factory rider, Calvin
Rayborn, today boosted the motorcycle
land speed record to 265.492 Mph, just
one day after breaking Don Vesco's
three week old record, with a two way
average of 255.380. Vesco had broken
Robert Leppan's four year" old record,
on Sept. 17, when his twin 350cc
Yamaha streamliner averaged 251.924.
Rayborn's rITSt run was with an 83
cubic inch, H-D twin, while the second
two-way pass down the salt flats was
with a 90 cubic inch twin. Both runs
were on fuel.
The 90 incher must be equipped with
some sort of self destruct mechanism,
however, as it blew the engine 300 feet
before the lights and coasted through
for the record.
Afterwards, Rayborn remarked that
his crew was "the hardest working crew
anybody could ask for." And that's
almost an understatement, because
some of the crew members didn't sleep
for three straight days and managed to
keep the bike running, despite
overwhelming prohlems.
.
Some of the problems were caused
by ill handling and the liner went on its
side at least six times at varying speeds
up to 230 mph. The causes were rmalIy
cured but the effects on the heautiful
Molly Paint job remained. The liner was
referred to as "The Steamlined Wheaties
Flake", if that gives you some idea.
A complete report should he in next
wee k., including such now-famous
Ra yborn quotes, as "It's scary."
Furthermore, Leppan is now on his
way to the salt with a twin-powered
Triumph Trident, and rumor has it that
Vesco will be following shortly. "
The next few weeks should prove to
be interesting. Pray for good salt.
The guy holding on to the tail was rumored to be Don Vesco.
Next to the Blue Flame rocket car. the Harley-Davidson streamliner looks like a pontoon.
On the way to a 265 mph world record.
Rayborn buckles up. ready to go.
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