Bonnie Truett

Bonnie Truett: A Pioneer of Motorcycle Drag Racing

Born in the rugged hills of Havana, Arkansas, and raised in a modest cabin in Vian, Oklahoma, Bonnie Truett always felt the urge to escape his small-town roots. His journey eventually led him to Wichita, Kansas, where his love for motorcycles blossomed with the purchase of his first Harley Davidson—a 1957 Sportster. This was just the beginning of a thrilling career that would see him become a pivotal figure in the world of motorcycle drag racing.

The Spark of Innovation

Unsatisfied with the stock power of his Sportster, Bonnie began experimenting with modifications, swapping out the flywheels for an old set of K model flywheels. Word quickly spread about the power boost his modifications provided, and soon fellow riders were lining up for Bonnie's expertise. This hands-on tinkering led to a passion for speed that would ultimately take him and his friend Paul Osborn to the drag strip, where they could unleash their bikes without fear of tickets.

In an era where performance was king, Bonnie embraced innovation, becoming one of the earliest racers to experiment with nitromethane—an explosive fuel that significantly increased horsepower and speed. The drag strip quickly became his playground.

Building a Legacy

In 1968, Bonnie and Paul established “Truett & Osborn” cycles, a small shop in Wichita dedicated to tuning street bikes to support their racing ambitions. Just two years later, they took another leap of faith by renting an old landing strip to host the first Truett & Osborn Drags. Today, this event stands as the oldest motorcycle drag race continuously operated by the same team, celebrating 43 years of thrilling competition this summer.

As business owners, Bonnie and Paul became known as innovators in the industry. They crafted flywheels from a special cast iron, designed for stability in both racing and street riding. They also produced custom cams, cylinders, and rods, showcasing their relentless pursuit of performance. Bonnie’s passion for racing didn’t stop there; he soon created his own drag bike frame, giving birth to “Truett Frameworks,” a venture that further solidified his reputation in the motorcycle community.

A Community Spirit

Bonnie’s competitive nature on the track never overshadowed his friendly demeanor off the track. Competing against legends like Elmer Trett and Pete Hill, Bonnie made a name for himself not only as a fierce competitor but also as a generous mentor. Known for his kindness, he often loaned his drag bikes to fellow racers, many of whom would later invest in his custom frames after experiencing the thrill of riding his machines. Bonnie spent countless hours helping others tune their bikes, guiding many to the winner's circle and solidifying his legacy as a community leader.

Retirement and Family Legacy

In 1984, Bonnie stepped back from professional racing, returning to Vian to focus on his drag racing frame business. He expanded his offerings to include motor plates, jack shafts, and complete rolling chassis. Renowned in the Harley Davidson drag racing world, he earned a reputation not just as a pioneer but as one of the nicest guys in the sport.

In 1997, Bonnie crafted his last frame for his son, Scott Truett, a four-time National Champion. Even in retirement, Bonnie remained active, rebuilding and tuning the occasional Harley, often managing up to ten projects in his garage while supporting Scott on the race circuit. His final build, completed in 2008, utilized one of his unused frames from the 1980s, which he proudly called the last of his legacy.

A Life Well Lived

Today, Bonnie and his wife, Dianne, enjoy a peaceful life in their hometown. Though retired, Bonnie’s passion for motorcycles and racing remains strong. He relishes the time spent with his daughters—Wendy, Teri, and Pam—and his beloved grandchildren, always eager to lend a hand to Scott on the racing circuit.

Bonnie Truett’s journey from the small hills of Arkansas to the fast lanes of motorcycle drag racing exemplifies a life driven by passion, innovation, and community spirit. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations of racers and motorcycle enthusiasts alike.