After sitting in a barn in Utah since 1950, this WLA was discovered in May. It runs and the seller has put on 200 miles since bringing it back to life – are you going to put it on the street or race with it?
Bond, James Bond – 1998 BMW R1200C
There are always some sort of exotic vehicles in Bond movies. In “Tomorrow Never Dies,” Pierce Brosnan had a chase scene on a BMW R1200C. Now, I know Pierce Brosnan is no Sean Connery, but he WAS better than Timothy Dalton or George Lazenby, but I digress…
Built for the Army – Harley-Davidson 42 WLA
In 1939 Harley Davidson produced 2 39WLA models as prototypes for the US Army to test (along with models from Indian and Delco) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After the war broke out in Europe the Army bought 400 WLAs designated 40WLA. By the time Japan attacked 41WLAs were common in the US Military. Between January 1942 and September 1945 HD …
Mini Chopper – 1979 Suzuki OR50
Post Sale Update: This OR50 sold for $1,075 after 22 bids on eBay. “Whopper of a chopper.” That what Suzuki’s tongue-in-cheek branding for the OR50 (called the Mame-Tan in Japan). It’s a rare mini chopper with a two-stroke, 49cc engine that put down 5.5 horsepower.
Harley-Davidson Collection
This is a somewhat different post for me. I’m not the monster Harley fan, and this won’t have much tech in it. It is to alert our readers that the collection in residence at Surf City Garage in Huntington Beach, California is being thinned out. I have been to Surf City in the last 3 years and it is a …
TROG Racer – 1940 Harley-Davidson WL
Post Sale Update: This Harley flathead racer sold for $13,522 after 49 bids on eBay. Built to run in this year’s Race of Gentlemen in Pismo Beach, California, this WL flathead racer features a rebuilt motor with the original cases (matching numbers), original fuel tanks, and original rebuilt Linkert M88 carb. It is plated and could be street legal with …
Upgraded – 1948 Indian Chief
Those of you that have been around here for a while know how I feel about Indians in general and Chiefs specifically. It’s always a pleasure for me to find and write up another Chief. At the start of 1948 the Chief was the only model that Indian sold. By the end of 1948 Indian had introduced the parallel twin …
Raw Steel – 1978 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Custom
Starting as a ’78 FLH, this bike has been converted into a custom by the seller over the last 5 years. The most distinctive feature is the raw steel finish, which does not have a clear coat on it (so you’ll have to paint it, clear coat it, or stay diligent about keeping the finish maintained.
Original Military – 1942 Harley Davidson WLA
I have intimate knowledge of the ‘42 WLA. In 1980 a friend of a friend caused to appear in the US a new in crate WLA. I have seen photos of the original assembly and have seen many photos of the bike since then. This looks to be every bit as original as the one I have seen.
1915 Harley-Davidson Model 11F
The 1915 HD Model 11F was one of the most advanced motorcycles available on the planet. It featured an overhead valve V-Twin motor (only the intake valve was overhead-the exhaust valve remained flathead) that had an automatic oiler. A magneto was offered and the Model 11F had a proper transmission and clutch. The Model 11J offered electrical lighting but cost …
First and Last – 1965 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide FLHFB
Post Listing Update: This Electra Glide did not meet reserve despite 18 bids up to $18,799 on eBay. Harley Davidson really did have big news for the 1965 model year. First year for the electric starter and it caused quite a stir along with 12V electrics and auto advance distributor. The entire FL model line changed it’s name from Duo-Glide …
1979 Yamaha XS650 Special
Post Sale Update: After 39 bids on eBay, this XS650 sold for $5,015. The “Special” variant of Yamaha’s XS650 were modified with a teardrop tank and pull back handlebars for some extra style. Here’s a Midnight Black and Gold example of the popular bike, and it has just 2,700 miles.
2006 Harley-Davidson Night Rod VRSCD
In 2001, Harley-Davidson released the V-Twin Racing Street Custom (VRSC). You may remember it as the V-Rod. A muscle bike that was used as a base for drag racing, Harley got some attention with this bike because the Revolution v-twin engine was jointly developed with Porsche. The V-Rod spawned a multitude of models, including the “Night Rod” of 2006-2008. Here’s …
Cow Glide – 1993 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail FLSTN
Called the Mooglide or the Cowglide, this bike was more formally known as the Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail FLSTN, or the Nostalgia. 2,700 examples were created, and the changes were entirely cosmetic. But what changes! Raven Black and Birch White paint with red pinstripes complemented seat and bag accents with a “cow-fur” design. I don’t get it.
Flathead V8 Power – 1973 Honest Charley
Post Sale Update: This Honest Charley sold for the opening bid of $14,500. Want 8 cylinder power in a cruiser but think that Boss Hoss bikes are ostentatious and ridiculous? Check out this Honest Charley-branded bike, which features a 60 horsepower Ford flathead! Honest Charley was one of the original speed shops – older readers may remember seeing ads for …