The 1916 Model J brought about a couple of moderate changes for Harley-Davidson. It was the first year they got rid of the bicycle pedals and featured a kickstarter, plus the styling of the tank took on a rounder aesthetic. This was also the last year Harley painted their bikes in grey before they switched to the also-iconic Olive Drab.
1957 Cushman Eagle
Introduced in 1949, the Cushman Eagle was an attempt to copy ‘real’ motorcycle styling, and it obviously worked. The Eagle was by far Cushman’s most successful model, the flagship of the venerable company.
1969 Indian Boy Racer
In 1968 Floyd Clymer bought the Indian Motorcycle name and some of the tooling with the idea of resurrecting the legendary marquee. Clymer was a legend in the motorcycle world before he bought Indian as a publisher of books and magazines, including Cycle. He was a car dealer, a motorcycle dealer and distributor, and mostly successful at all of them. …
Ending Soon – The Last Indian 1953 Chief
By 1953 Indian had expired. All that was left was to put out the last Chief and close the doors. The Chief was introduced in 1922 and was the staple of the Indian line until the very end. There can be little doubt that the 1953 Chief was the finest motorcycle that Indian built, but it wasn’t enough to save …
2013 Cleveland CycleWerks Ace
There are two quotes that I always remember when I see small displacement, lightweight bikes. 1. “Simplify, then add lightness” – Colin Chapman 2. “It’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than drive a fast car slow” – Abner Perney These quotes were directed by car people at car people but in reality, apply just as perfectly to …
Ending Soon – 1964 Harley-Davidson FLH
Classic and simple, this numbers matching Panhead is said to be entirely stock except for a repaint several years ago. With a full set of bags and a batwing fairing, it’s ready for you to tour in style.
DOA – 1949 Indian Scout
Indian is dying. It’s 1949 and the Indian Motor Company is bleeding money in the midst of the biggest boom economy ever. Many of the wounds are self inflicted, but Indian has an idea. Since the end of WWII they have poured their development money into a brand new model, based on the English twins of the period. The venerable …
1959 Cushman Highlander – Or Not?
The Cushman company was created in 1903 in Lincoln, Nebraska and in 1913 they incorporated as Cushman Motor Works. The company built engines for pumps, farm equipment, lawn mowers and boats, most notably their ‘Husky’ brand. A strategy for survival in the Great Depression the company began making scooters in 1936 and continued until 1966. OMC (Outboard Marine Corp) acquired …
1971 Aermacchi Harley-Davidson Rapido
Post Listing Update: Despite 24 bids on eBay, this Rapido did not meet reserve at $2,325.01. However, it was relisted and the seller must have lowered the reserve because it sold for $3,100. In 1965 Harley Davidson bought a 50% stake in the Italian manufacturer Aermacchi. For over 10 years they sold the small Italian bikes in HD dealerships under …
1948 Simplex Servi-Cycle
In the early 1930’s Baton Rouge, LA Harley Davidson dealer Paul Treen pitched HD with the idea of making an inexpensive motorcycle that would provide cheap transportation and a steady stream of aspiring Harley Davidson riders. The Motor Corp. turned him down and he decided to make them himself. In 1935 the first Servi-Cycle appeared and continued in operation until …
1946 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Chopper
Flashback to 1971. Literally. Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper had sprung “Easy Rider” on the unsuspecting public in 1969 and the drive in theaters were full of classic movies like “The Hard Ride”, “Chrome and Hot Leather” and “The Wild Riders”. All of which seemed to star motorcycles, and particularly choppers. Lots of chrome, lots of noise, little substance.
1999 Harley-Davidson MT500
Editor’s Note: Earlier this week, I introduced you to Vipin Shri. Here’s his first feature for you to enjoy. I want to take a moment to thank him and the other contributors because their posts allow me some free time to create side projects like the Zero video for you, too!
Vintage Flat Tracker – 1928 Harley-Davidson JD Twin Cam
Homer Knapp was a legendary gearhead who founded Hollywood Motorcycle Machine back in 1966. Unfortunately, he passed away late last year, and his bikes have been moving on to their next owners thanks to Classic Motorcycle Consignments – hopefully you’ve seen their ad on the sidebar as they’re a Bike-urious sponsor. Of Homer’s extensive motorcycle collection, one of the most …
The End of a Long Line – 1941 Indian 441
The 1941 Indian 441 was the absolute end of the four cylinder in line motor in american motorcycles. It’s motor had started out as a Will Henderson design in the early 1920’s that was used in Ace motorcycles. Will Henderson was killed in a testing accident and Ace was sold to Indian in 1927. Indian debuted the Indian 4 less …
1968 Hodaka Ace 100 MX Custom
A company named PABATCO (Pacific Basin Trading Company) based out of Athena, Oregon negotiated with Hodaka Motorcycles of Japan to produce and market a series of dirt specific bikes in the early 1960’s. Wildly successful from the start, for about 10 years they were THE most successful American dealer. I just happen to know that you could go to Athena …