In 1910, Harley-Davidson was still only making single-cylinder powered motorcycles. That year, they built 3,168 example – 334 of which were top-of-the-line as they were equipped with a magneto (a $40 option on a $210 bike). One of those 334 has survived 115 years until today, and according to the seller it’s the “only known complete original magneto-ignition 1910 in the world.” Quite a claim!
The seller continues: “A number of distinct features set it apart from the more common battery-ignition variant including the Bosch “open” magneto, the magneto drive gear chest & cover with correct internal part numbers, a frame with the proper castings unique to the magneto model, and a 1910-only magneto model toolbox. The motor is numbers matching – confirming its authenticity and originality. While a few replicas and copies exist, this is the only genuine, unrestored example of this model known today.”
This example is highly original (even down to the drive belt), and impressively it does fire up – the listing includes a running video which is worth a look. I admittedly don’t know much about vintage Harleys so I don’t know what it’s worth, but I can tell you that a lovely restored example sold for $115,000 at a Mecum auction in Monterey this summer.
Find this Harley for sale in Ben Lomond, California for $125,000 here on eBay.