The Sultans of Sprint is a European dragstrip challenge open to custom bikes powered by air-cooled twin cylinder engines. It’s not only focused on speed: it also rewards competitors for ‘style, creativity and craziness.’
There are two classes: the ‘Freak Class’ open to bikes powered by 4-stroke engines up to 1600cc. These often use nitrous oxide injection, ‘square’ slick tires, and turbos or superchargers.
The ‘Factory Class’ has no capacity limits, but the tuned bike is limited by a power-to-weight ratio. The base models can be from Yamaha (XSR700 or MT-07), BMW (R nineT or R1200R), Triumph (Thruxton or Bobber) or Indian (the Scout 1200).
Most Sultans of Sprint events are held at motorcycle shows, including EICMA and the Glemseck 101.
We’ve followed the wacky Sultans of Sprint race series since day one, impressed by the outrageous purpose-built machines that some of our favorite custom builders have produced for it. But the series is much bigger than what we’ve touched on here. Because for every high profile shop or manufacturer with an entry, there’s a hidden…
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A nitrous-fueled Indian Scout racer in Siberia, the first Yamaha Yamaha FZX750 we’ve featured, a classy Monster from Revival Cycles, and what appears to be a two-stroke Suzuki Katana … but isn’t.
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A couple of years ago, Sinroja Motorcycles were one of the first workshops to join Royal Enfield’s new custom program. They built a couple of bikes, and the relationship went well. So when Sinroja were looking for a brand partner for their latest project, they knew just who to call. The Leicester-based custom shop wanted…
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In Europe, the Sultans of Sprint competition produces some of the wackiest drag bikes, year on year. It’s written in the rules: contestants vie for gold over an eighth-mile track, but points are also awarded for imagination and creativity. It means we end up with some very eccentric motorcycles, like this BMW-powered race bike.
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