The Great Depression ravaged the entire economy of the United States, and Harley Davidson was no exception. Total production plummeted and dealers and the company struggled to survive. The 1930 model year saw the introduction of a brand new 74 CID V-Twin motor. Sidevalve design it would become known as ‘the Flathead’ in the HD lexicon. It offered a huge …
One Year Only – 1936 Harley-Davidson VLH with Sidecar
A one year only model, the VLH was arguably Harley’s ultimate flathead. This example stands out as it was ordered with several choice options: the 80 ci engine, 4-speed transmission (a $15 option), 19″ wheels/tires, speedometer, and a sidecar. It has been sitting for 3 decades but it runs and rides!
1949 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide
1948 was the first year for the PanHead motor which featured alloy heads and hydraulic valve adjustment. In 1949 Harley Davidson introduced hydraulic telescopic fork front suspension to their big twins. The combination put a dagger in Indian’s heart. Harley had become the technology leader by a large margin. Hydra Glide. Doesn’t seem like much today, but the Hydra Glide …
1911 Harley-Davidson Model 7
1911 was a very big year in the history of Harley Davidson. The motor company expanded from 150 employees in 1910 to 550 at the end of 1911. They put out a stunning 5,625 units, more than double the 1910 production. All were model 7, and most were the 30 CID single cylinder but the Model 7 D featured a …
Ending Soon – 1968 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide
1968 was not a particularly good year in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Electra Glide had debuted as a 1965 model and 1966 saw the brand new Shovelhead motor for the big twins. The Shovelhead made roughly 10% more power than the Panhead which more than made up for the added weight associated with electric start and rear suspension. That part was …
1912 Indian V-Twin
1912 was a very good year for Hendee Manufacturing Company of Springfield, Massachusetts. So good that the Indian brand would sell 32,000 units in 1913 to make them the largest manufacturer of motorcycles on the planet with 42% of the US market. The company didn’t officially change it’s name until 1923 when it became the Indian Motocycle (no r) Company.
1973 Triumph Hurricane X-75
Considered by some to be the world’s first “factory custom”, the Triumph Hurricane was the brainchild of Craig Vetter (well known as a motorcycle designer and manufacturer of custom motorcycle fairings) and Don Brown (General Manager of BSA). Brown wanted a better looking British triple, as he believed the Trident and Rocket III weren’t selling well in the US because …
Return from WWII – 1946 Indian Chief
In 1946 Indian resumed production after the war with exactly one model: the Chief. The Duponts were actively trying to sell the company and decided that just marketing their most popular model was the economic choice for the company. Turns out that was another decision that contributed to the demise of Indian.
1924 Indian Scout
Indian introduced the Scout in late 1919 as a 1920 model. Designed by Charles B. Franklin the Scout would continue in the Indian line up until it was interrupted by WWII as one of their most popular brands. Indian didn’t resume the Scout after the war, opting instead to give the name to an all new parallel twin model in …
1948 Harley-Davidson FL w/Sidecar and Questions
Post Sale Update: This beautiful sidecar sold for $33,900 – looks like the BIN price was bumped after the seller learned it was a Goulding sidecar. This is a gorgeous looking motorcycle with perilously few details and a story to match it. I have some questions about the package that I could use some help with. It’s a 1948 Harley …
Christmas Present – 1965 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
It being the season I decided I would look for my Christmas present. This is not a bike I would normally write up, or even consider buying. But I clocked through the offerings on EBay today and decided this would do. There were three Chiefs that I didn’t trust (I don’t think they were represented properly), several HDs that didn’t …
1970 Moto Guzzi V7 Ambassador
Post Listing Update: This V7 did not meet reserve with 24 bids up to $5,200. Moto Guzzi’s Ambassador was a hit with the US motorcycling press, who saw it as an excellent platform that was well designed for touring with a large fuel tank and comfortable seat.
1934 Harley-Davidson CB
Harley Davidson experts. I need your help. I am researching this motorcycle, and I can’t find any information to corroborate the seller’s claim that this is a 500 cc motorcycle. Everything I can find indicates that the model C was a 750 cc and the B’s were 350 CC. Bueller? Anybody??
Evel Knievel Tribute – 1985 Harley Davidson XLX-61
Post Sale Update: This XLX-61 sold for $4,000 after 37 bids on eBay. The Harley-Davidson XLX-61 Sportster was built between 1983 and 1985 – here’s an example from the last year that’s been turned into a Evel Knievel tribute.
1 of 750 – 1996 Moto Guzzi California 75th Anniversary Edition
Moto Guzzi turned 75 years old in 1996, and they celebrated with their loyal customers by releasing a special edition of the California which was limited to just 750 examples worldwide.. The special edition was $400 extra for a MSRP of $11,390.