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.
Unexpected Chopper – 1973 Honda CB350F
This is a little weird, but I appreciate that it’s a period chopper – according to the seller, this ’73 CB was converted into a chopper in 1974. The seller acquired it from the first owner and he’s got the original fork tubes if you want to bring it back to stock (but if you want a stock example, just …
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 …
Rare Custom – 1983 Amazonas
View PostEnding 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 …
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.
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 …
Icon Defined – 1929 Henderson KJ
In American motorcycling 3 manufacturers dominate any discussion. Harley Davidson, Indian and Henderson. From 1912 to 1931 they were generally considered as the cream of the American market. They led the market with a flair. In 1925 Henderson introduced a 45 CID V-Twin that HD and Indian BOTH copied, and which lives on today in the 883 Sportster.
1978 Honda CB550 Cafe Racer
In all honesty, I’m not a big fan of this sort of ‘custom’. The checkbook sort. Where all you have to do to be cool is have a deep enough cushion in your bank account to be one of the in crowd. Part of the problem for me is that the ‘trend’ will last just until reality TV tires of …
Stuck Motor – 1913 Harley-Davidson Model 9E
Post Listing Update: This 9E project did not meet reserve despite 77 bids up to $33,900. Featuring a “7-8 horsepower” engine, the Model 9E was a twin that had a roller chain transmission. 1913 got a few refinements over the previous year, including larger inlet and exhaust chambers, more clearance between the tires and mudguards, wider forks, and more. MSRP …
2003 Bourget Low Blow
Choppers bring out all kinds of passions in people. It could be “The freedom of the open road”, or “motorcycle art”, or “Outlaw” that springs to mind when you see a chopper. They can also be polarizing. Sport bike guys wonder why you would ride a bike that takes a block to turn around. Touring guys wonder where to put …
1991 Harley-Davidson FXRT Sport Glide
In 1982, Harley-Davidson introduced the FXR Super Glide II, and they promised handling on par with what other countries considered ‘sporty.’ It had larger lean angles and less vibration, and it’s remembered fondly by many HD riders. One year later, Harley introduced the FXRT – a touring variant that got a fairing and bags.
1991 Harley-Davidson FXDB Sturgis
Sturgis is about to end, which means the time is right to look at a special edition Harley dedicated to the event. In 1991, HD released a customized FXDB to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Sturgis rally. Here’s one of the 1,600 examples.
A Star is Born – 1973 Moto Guzzi Eldorado
The year was 1973 and Clint Eastwood’s “Magnum Force” is the #1 box office hit all over America. Probably the best supporting actor award should have gone to the Moto Guzzi Eldorados that all the rogue cops rode. It was great advertising for the new Eldorado line from Guzzi.