Ray Price

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Ray Price: The Pioneer of the Funny Bike Revolution

In the annals of motorcycle drag racing, few names resonate as profoundly as that of Ray Price. His groundbreaking contributions have not only transformed the sport but have also set the stage for a new era of high-performance motorcycles. The journey began years ago when two innovators, Harris and Strong, approached Ray with an audacious idea: to create a stock-looking Harley-Davidson with a large rear tire, reminiscent of a “Funny Car,” designed to run on nitromethane. This vision would soon lead to the birth of the “Funny Bike” class, a significant milestone in drag racing history.

From Slicks to Speed

Ray’s foray into high-performance motorcycle racing was initially sparked by his experimentation with discarded road race slicks. He utilized advanced tire technology to modify his small Sportster, ultimately earning the title of street modified Champion. However, the transition to slick tires necessitated the addition of a wheelie bar to manage the increased traction that lifted his bike off the line. This evolution in design allowed Ray to experiment with larger rear tires, leading to the creation of his first exhibition bike, aptly named THE FUNNY BIKE.

The Ray Price machine became a cornerstone of the Pro Fuel class, competing in Super Eliminator. This innovative bike featured fuel injection and a 2-speed automatic transmission, all housed within a compact 64-inch wheelbase frame. 

Collaborating with John Gregory, Ray successfully developed his own lightweight 2-speed automatic transmission that could be seamlessly integrated into the stock Sportster cases. This innovation would soon become a standard in the motorcycle drag racing industry.

A Historic Milestone

Ray Price’s contributions to motorcycle performance culminated in a significant achievement when his design was featured on the first bike to surpass 200 MPH in a quarter mile. This extraordinary machine, a short wheel-based 64" Sportster equipped with an oversized rear tire and faux shocks, redefined the boundaries of speed in motorcycle drag racing.

His expertise and ingenuity did not go unnoticed. Wally Parks, the president of the NHRA, sought Ray's insight on which motorcycle classes should be invited to participate in select NHRA National events. Impressed by Ray’s innovations, Parks accepted his suggestion to include the "Funny Bike" class, which would compete under that iconic name.

The Harley-Davidson Connection

Ray Price’s remarkable accomplishments captured the attention of Dick O'Brien, head of the racing department at Harley-Davidson. This led to a groundbreaking moment in motorcycle drag racing history—Ray became the first drag racer to receive factory sponsorship from Harley-Davidson. This partnership underscored the significance of his work and the extraordinary power generated by his machines.

To handle the immense output of his motorcycles, Ray developed several types of bottom ends, technology that remains influential in the industry today. In fact, Harley’s EVO engines still utilize principles derived from Price’s innovative designs.

The Legacy of the Funny Bike

The Funny Bike class that Ray Price invented has evolved into the premier class in the International Drag Bike Association (IDBA). These machines are now among the quickest and fastest motorcycles in the world, boasting impressive elapsed times in the 6.80-second range and speeds exceeding 210 MPH.

Ray Price’s pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of performance have left an indelible mark on the world of motorcycle drag racing. His legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations of racers and engineers, proving that with vision, innovation, and determination, the sky is the limit. As the Funny Bike class continues to thrive, Ray Price’s name will forever be synonymous with speed, innovation, and the relentless spirit of motorcycle racing.