The event that took place on May 31st at Germany's northernmost race track, the Motorsport Arena in Oschersleben, proved just how successful modern Harley-Davidson bikes can be in motorsports. The idea was conceived by Wilbers Products, Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde, André Jäger from Harley-Davidson Germany, and several H-D dealerships. They wanted to take an ultra-sporty Harley-Davidson onto the racetrack. The suitable base has been available since 2022 in the H-D boxes: the Sportster S with its liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250T V-Twin. Thilo Günther, who has already had successful starts at the Fischereihafenrennen, various Motocross and Flat Track races, Harley & Snow, and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, was chosen as the rider.
Two Sportster S bikes were prepared for the event. The first one, intended for Thilo's arrival, remained largely original but was equipped with the Nivomat system from Wilbers Products, the Apex exhaust from Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde, Cruise Tec tires developed by Metzeler specifically for the Sportster, and a mapping from Don Performance. These products will also be available as a kit for the bike in the future. The second machine, intended for track use, features modifications from the three aforementioned manufacturers as well as parts from Brembo, Magura, and Spirit Leathers, among others. Thunderbike Harley-Davidson was also among the sponsors, contributing the milled fork bridge and the relocated footpeg system for the chain-driven and fully fueled 209 kg lightweight machine. Its race chassis rolls on Metzeler slicks, while Damen Leathers and X-Lite sponsored the appropriate rider equipment.
The result is the sportiest Sportster S in the world. And its performance speaks for itself: Thilo Günther burned the Oschersleben asphalt with the Harley, completing the fastest lap in just 1:42.2 minutes. This time is equivalent to top training times in the current Twin Cup, which takes place within the framework of the IDM, and is the best time ever achieved by a Harley in Oschersleben. Who knows, perhaps this project, alongside the King of the Baggers Races, will mark the beginning of a new era in Harley-Davidson's racing history.