AMA Hall of Fame Spotlight: Dick O'Brien

Inducted Achievements

Known as 'OB' to friends, Dick O’Brien was one of the most successful racing directors in Harley-Davidson's history. Among his many achievements, he is remembered for overseeing the development of the legendary XR750. He passed away on March 17, 2003, at 81 years old, but not before being inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000. 

Dedicated Passion

Those who worked with O’Brien knew him as smart and determined. In one of the many memorials to O’Brien's life, Harley-Davidson racing team tuner, Bill Werner, remembered O'Brien as a focused individual. Werner reflected, “He was very driven, very purposeful, a real no-nonsense type of guy. Racing was his passion, and he dedicated his life to it.” 

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Climate Change

Looking to retire, Hank Syvertsen, who had been Harley-Davidson's racing head since the 1920s, hired O’Brien in 1957. Born in New York, but raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, O'Brien was reportedly not bothered by the change of climate from Florida to Milwaukee. In his AMA biography, he proudly claimed, “I just wore warmer clothes and still rode my motorcycle year-round.” 

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Motor Talent

Even at an early age, O'Brien had earned a reputation as a top-notch mechanic. As a young adult, he raced sprint cars and motorcycles on dirt ovals in Florida, but it was clear that his real talent was in the building and tuning of fast motors. Around the same time, O'Brien went to work for Puckett Motors Harley-Davidson in Orlando. 

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Dominated Series

The bikes that O'Brien built for the dealership's race team and privateers began to win. As the list of podium places grew, so did his reputation. His ability to succeed was further entrenched as Harley-Davidson's race director. In his capable hands, the Motor Company dominated the AMA Grand National Series against the BSA and Triumph teams during the late 1950s and early 1960s. 

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Outclassed Racer

Yet, as the 1970s loomed, Harley-Davidson began to lose its winning grip against the British and new Japanese factory teams. First on the road courses, and then on the dirt tracks—the Motor Company's domain for the past half a century. It was clear that a replacement was urgently required for the Flathead KR racers that had served so well, but that were now outclassed.

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Successful History

The highly modified XR750 engine finds its origins in the Ironhead Sportster. Dubbed the 'Waffle Iron,' the first versions had cast-iron top ends and were prone to overheating. Under O'Brien's guidance, the motor was redesigned with an aluminum head and cylinder package. The XR750 went on to become the most successful dirt track motorcycle in the history of the Grand National Series. 

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Speed Career

During his tenure, O'Brien also oversaw Harley-Davidson's motocross and desert racing programs. In 1970, he helped Cal Rayborn set a new land speed record in a Harley-Davidson streamliner. O'Brien retired from the Motor Company in 1983 and went to work developing winning engines for NASCAR. In 1994, he finally retired from a career of incredible success, one dedicated to the pursuit of speed.

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