Harley Davidson Classic Motorcycles

This racing model was built from 1914 to 1924.

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The first of the 60.3 cubic inch J series twins appeared in 1915, offering 60 mph performance and the luxury of electric lights. A comprehensive mechanical redesign occurred for the 1920 and was followed by the adoption of a new frame design for 1925 whilst styling and mechanical refinements appeared with each season launch. By 1929 when this example was built, Harley Davidson were fitting a front brake as standard to their machines and offered five versions of the "61" including a specialist sidecar model and a sports variant with narrower tanks and smaller tyres.
The machine offered is an example of the standard J model which utilised the 17 bhp motor.

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This bike was raced in Seattle area Hillclimbs in the early 1970's.  In classic hillclimber style, the bike was lightened up with a hydraulic front end and different rear fender.  The large rear sprocket also helped to get the bike "up the hill." This bike still has the roller chain on the rear wheel, which was another asset in trying to get up the hill.

The bike was bought in 1971 from Jack Wadkins who was an expert Class C rider.  The tuner for the bike was John Martinolich who was the Class C Professional Hill Climb champion in the 40's and 50's. 

• 88" S/S stroker
• Pistons .050 over
• Compression 9.5 to 1
• S/S B grind cam
• Solid Lifters
• Outside oiler heads
• 12V electrical system
• Disc brakes front and rear
• 1 1/2" belt drive
  

Dimensions
Wheel Base: 51-1/2 in.
Overall Length: 81 in.
Overall Width: 28-1/2 in.

Capacities
Fuel Tank: 1-3/4 U.S. Gallons
Transmission: 1-1/4 Pints

Engine
Number of Cylinders: 1
Type: 2 cycle
Horsepower: 3.5
Piston Displacement: 10.1 cu. in. (125 cc)
Compression Ratio: 6.6 to 1

Transmission
Type: Constant Mesh
Speeds: 3 Forward

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Harley Davidson introduced a telescopic fork to their 61 and 74 cubic inch twins during 1949, giving machines thus equipped the title Hydra-Glide, interestingly, the loss of Indian as a major rival and the combination of a sprung saddle, telescopic forks, long wheelbase and "balloon" tyres led Harley to dismiss the need for rear springing until 1958 and the introduction of the Duo-Glide series. The Hydra-Glides are arguably the most attractive of Harley's post war tourers with clean flowing lines.

Image provided by www.classic-auctions.com.

Dimensions
Wheel Base: 51-1/2 in.
Overall Length: 81 in.
Overall Width: 28-1/2 in.

Capacities
Fuel Tank: 1-3/4 U.S. Gallons
Transmission: 1-1/4 Pints

Engine
Number of Cylinders: 1
Type: 2 cycle
Horsepower: 3.5
Piston Displacement: 10.1 cu. in. (125 cc)
Compression Ratio: 6.6 to 1

Transmission
Type: Constant Mesh
Speeds: 3 Forward

Image provided by www.tomgrayvintagecollectibles.com.

These are often mistaked for Hummers, but the Hummers are 125 cc. This is the big brother at 165 cc. It is a two stroke hardtail motorcycle with a sprung saddle and front telescopic forks. This bike has the optional Hi Fi red paint that is a metallic deep red. The wheel size is 18". This bike is restored and everything on her is correct for the 1959 year.

Picture kindly provided by www.nemusclebikes.com

More Harley Hummer info...

This powerful little motor bike was made in Italy (by Italians) at what once was "Aeronautica Macchi" until 1961 when HD bought 50% to create "Aermacchi Harley Davidson". This may well explain why the kick stand is on the right side and the kick starter is on the left. As we all know Italians are almost all left handed (and legged to be sure).

The first Electra Glide model, introduced in 1965, retained the "Panhead" engine developing approximately 55bhp. Riders of the new model appreciated the ease of starting that the electric start brought, but noted a loss in performance due to the increase in weight. Harley Davidson remedied this deficiency the following year with the introduction of a revised engine featuring "Sporster" style cylinder heads. Nicknamed "Shovelheads" the redesigned engine offered approximately 5 bhp more than its predecessor restoring the Electra Glides performance to Duo Glide levels. Little changed on the machines until 1970 when the generator was replaced by an alternator. It is interesting to note that a hand change variant of the Electra Glide was still available for police use as late as 1972! Handlebar fairing (part).

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This beautiful Sportster is very close to how it left the show room in 1971. By this time the XLH had a windshield, fiberglass bags from the Tommahawk plant, white seat with an aluminum grab bar, turtle gas tank and no spare kicker

Picture kindly provided by www.nemusclebikes.com

Here we have the 1971 Harley Davidson XLH in its factory optional alter ego with the fiberglass boat tail seat section that was available for a $60 up charge. There is a shorty fender under the tail that is painted to match. The reflector sticker usually says "Sportster" as well as the decal near the brake, but in this case it also says Harley Davidson as well.The turtle tank looks and fits much better than the peanut tank next to the Tail section.

Picture kindly provided by www.nemusclebikes.com

Flat track racing has inevitably been viewed as Harley Davidson's domain, with the company achieving a succession of "number 1" plates over the years. When foreign machinery has threatened to brake the Harley dominance the sports governing body has interceded with rule changes designed to restore the American products advantage. In recent years Honda have posed the greatest threat until rule changes effectively forced their withdrawal form the sport.

The RS883 followed continued the tradition established by the XR750. Derived from the road going Sportster, the engine was housed in a special frame equipped with purpose designed suspension.

Image provided by www.classic-auctions.com.