For 1915, a proper three-speed transmission was offered, along with a magneto and electric lighting system incorporating a taillight that could be removed for use as a nighttime service light.
The model featured in this article, however, is equipped with a Prest-O-Lite headlight, which is powered by acetylene gas.
Harley-Davidson’s 61-cubic-inch F-head V-twin, while not a true overhead-valve design (only the intake was ohv), was more advanced than the flathead engines that powered some competitors.
Furthermore, the 1915 models gained an automatic oiler and larger intake valves, ..read more
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In 1914 Sidecars are made available. Some models are briefly available with a two-speed transmission in the rear hub. Also, belts go out of fashion – for the moment. Harley-Davidson is one of the last motorcycle manufacturers to switch from leather drive belts to chains. The leather belts slipped, stretched and rotted, so chains are a big improvement.
The Motor Company formally enters motorcycle racing this year. The first Racing Engineer is William S. Harley. Within a few short years, team Harley-Davidson is referred to informally as the “Wrecking Crew” because ..read more
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Model 9A
The 1-cylinder, 4-cycle, air-cooled engine has a 3 5/16-inch bore and a 4-inch stroke. The cylinder casting and its integral head are of heat-treated gray iron, and the heat-treated, ground piston is fitted with three rings and a hollow steel wrist pin. An I-beam section of chrome-vanadium steel, fitted at both ends with phosphor-bronze bushings, serves as the connecting rod. Separate camshafts for the intake and exhaust valves are driven by gears in the magneto drive train. The overhead intake valve is of nickel ..read more
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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: ..read more
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In 1910 the famed “Bar & Shield” logo is used for the first time. It is trademarked at the U.S. Patent office one year later.
At least seven different first place finishes are captured at races, endurance contests and hillclimbs across America. All seven winners are riding Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.
1911 Harley-Davidson Model 7A – The Art of the Motorcycle – Memphis. 30.17 cu-in. Power: 4 bhp, top speed 40 mph. Collection of Tom Bumpus, Bumpus Harley-Davidson of Memphis.
In 1911, an improved V-Twin ..read more
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