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??
1947 Ariel Red Hunter
Post Sale Update: This Red Hunter sold for $6,300 after 21 bids on eBay. Val Page was the original designer of the Ariel Red Hunter in 1932 but Edward Turner had a huge influence on the line shortly before the war. By 1947 the Red Hunter (all of which had a red fuel tank and a distinctive red stripe on …
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 …
1939 Velocette KSS
By 1939 the K series Velocette featuring the overhead cam single had been in production for 14 years. The ‘39 was a Mk2 motor that was extensively and successfully raced in Europe, particularly at the Isle of Man. The KSS was a detoxified version of the racing bike that included electric lighting, illuminated speedometer, electric horn and the positive stop …
1921 Harley Davidson Model J Solo
The HD model J was introduced in 1915 with the 61 CID flathead V-twin. By 1921 there were two model J’s and two JD’s (Solo and Sidecar). The JD used a 74 CID motor and there were three variants of that motor offered: A=High Speed Police, B=High Compression for high altitude use, and E=Special Racing Motor. The J and J …
1916 Harley-Davidson Model J Twin
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.
Incomplete – 1933/4 Comerford-Special JAP Speedway Racer
Post Sale Update: This Comerford Special sold for $5,799 after 25 bids on eBay. This vintage speedway racer is missing a whole lot of parts and I suspect it’s probably doomed to spend the rest of its life as a display piece, but just look at it! Here’s a textbook example of classic cool, even if the engine is missing …
Exquisite Trike – 1898 De Dion Bouton 1 3/4hp Tricycle
Post Listing Update: 74 bids got the action up to $38,233 but that wasn’t enough to meet reserve. It was later relisted with an opening bid of $52,000 and that got no interest. This is the oldest vehicle I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing on this site, and it’s an absolute beauty.
1936 Sunbeam Model 9
Harry Sucher (RIP) was an early member of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America and one of the most knowledgeable men out there on classic motorcycles – he wrote impressive histories on both Indian and Harley-Davidson. As you might expect from such a guy, he also had a great personal collection of motorcycles, one of which was this Sunbeam Model …
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 …
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.
1939 Gilera Saturno 500
Another marquee I had never heard of…but in this case, probably should have. Gilera was an Italian motorcycle company that was in business from 1909 to 1969 when it was acquired by Piaggio. By 1939 the company had 3 500 cc models and would dominate the racing world with them right after the war. They had 2 four cylinder models …
Rare Restoration – 1936 Douglas Endeavour
Post Listing Update: This Endeavour did not get any action at the BIN of $45,000. The Endeavour was a groundbreaking bike for Douglas, and their marketing materials reflected that notion with descriptions like “the motorcycle of the age, a masterpiece on who wheels…silent, safe, light, luxurious. The last word in engineering practice and design.“. Despite all that, very few were …
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 …
Knucklehead Hillclimber – 1936 Harley-Davidson EL
Post Sale Update: This hillclimbing EL sold for $18,000 after 26 bids on eBay. 1936 was the first year of Harley’s famous Knucklehead engine. The EL model debuted with a MSRP of $380 and the new engine was good for 40 horsepower. There are of course other specifications worth sharing, but they won’t relate to this specific example – which …