April 12, 2021 – Santa Fe Springs CA – Performance product maker Vance & Hines today announced the launch of a new 160-cubic-inch V-Twin motor for use in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle drag racing. The motor is specifically designed for use with the NHRA-approved Buell 1190RX bodywork. This is the first time that Vance & Hines has designed a motor for use in a Buell race bike.
The new powerplant, tagged the “VH160VT,” was developed at the company’s Racing Development Center (RDC) in Brownsburg, Indiana. The engine architecture is a 60-degree v-twin with pushrod-driven valves and is capable of turning 10,000+ RPM. It has been approved by NHRA and will be offered to teams participating in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle racing.
The engine will be sold as a complete, running engine or components may be ordered through the Vance & Hines RDC as well. Some teams are expected to purchase a builder’s kit, which allows a racing team to take advantage of Vance & Hines proven technology while incorporating their own cams and cylinder head porting specs to create a powerplant that works best for their team.
“This is a natural extension of our company’s involvement in motorcycle drag racing,” said Mike Kennedy, president of Vance & Hines. “Terry Vance and Byron Hines became legends in the NHRA with their history of winning. As we have for the past 40 years, we continue to support teams by providing great vehicles, great engines and great components.”
Vance & Hines launched a four-valve Suzuki-based racing engine earlier this year which can be used in several drag racing classes. In its first outing at the NHRA Gatornationals race in Florida, Vance & Hines rider Angelle Sampey hit 200 MPH in her second run and was the #1 PSM qualifier at the event.
The VH160VT engine will be available starting on June 1, 2021 through the Vance & Hines Racing Development Center.
