1912 Harley Davidson Model 8

he 1912 Harley-Davidson X8A motorcycle was a far more advanced model than Harley-Davidson’s first motorcycle, built in 1903. That one was little more than a bicycle with a single-cylinder three-horsepower engine mounted within the frame tubes. Though the V-twins that would make the company famous appeared six years later, single-cylinder machines continued to represent the bulk of Harley’s sales. By 1912, public demand for more power was answered with the X8A, which was powered by a 30-cubic-inch single producing 4.3 horsepower.

ENGINE: IOE Single
Bore x Stroke: 3.5 x 3.3125in (89 x 84mm)
Displacement: 30.16ci (494.28cc)
Horsepower: 4.3
Carburetion: Schebler
Transmission: Direct drive
Clutch: Reat Hub
Final Drive: Belt
Brakes: Rear coaster
Ignition: Bosch Magneto
Frame: Steel, single downtube
Suspension: Dual Spring fork
Wheelbase: 56.5in (143.5cm)
Weight: 245lb (111kg)
Fuel capacity: 2.5gal (9.5lit)
Oil capacity: 1gal (3.8lit)
Tires: 28 x 2.5in (71.1 x 6.35cm)
Top speed: 50mph (80km/h)
Color: Renault gray

In 1912 Construction begins on what will become the six story headquarters and main factory building at Juneau Ave. in Milwaukee. A separate Parts and Accessories Department is formed. H-D exports motorcycles to Japan, marking the first ever sales outside of the U.S. Dealer network grows to over 200 nationwide.

• 1913 Harley Davidson Model 9A, 9B, 9E
• 1914 Harley Davidson Model 11
• 1915-1916 Harley Davidson Model 11-12
• 1917 Harley Davidson Model 17J

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