Beschreibung:

Introduced in 1909, Harley-Davidson's first v-twin, although based on the new 5-35 single, incorporated the innovation of mechanically operated inlet valves in place of the single's 'atmospheric' type. Known by the sobriquet 'pocket valve', this engine - built in 61ci and (later) 74ci displacements - would remain in production for the next twenty years. The single's belt-drive transmission was continued at first on the twin, but the need to make better use of the engine's power characteristics, particularly for sidecar pulling, prompted the introduction of a two-speed rear hub for 1914, by which time chain drive and a proper clutch had been adopted. Later that same year a conventional three-speed sliding-gear transmission was introduced for the 1915 season on the top-of-the-range twin, which now was listed as the Model J. The following year a magneto-equipped version of the three-speed twin, the Model F, joined the range and these basic model distinctions - 'J' for generator-electrics machines, 'F' for those with magneto ignition - would continue after the introduction of the 74cid twin in 1922. The story goes that this Model F was sold new via a Chicago Harley-Davidson dealership to one Alphie Steinbeck, of Springfield, Illinois, who took delivery on 10th November 1918. In 1926 Alphie Steinback inherited his uncle's hardware store. The Harley, which had been attached to a sidecar for a few years, was sold to an employee, Max Pedersen, the following year. Max Pedersen removed the sidecar and used the machine for several years until a car crash rendered him unable to ride it. He sold the Harley to its third owner, Mike Kinghorn, in 1937. A resident of Belleville, Illinois, Mike Kinghorn restored his new acquisition, repainting it in Brewster Green and applying tank decals from Harley-Davidson's latest models. While home on leave from military service in 1942, Mike Kinghorn sold the machine to his cousin, John Kinghorn, who followed Mike into war service in 1943. The Harley was coated in axle grease and stored in the barn of Mike's parents' farm. Neither Mike nor John returned home. The Harley stayed in the barn, untouched, until the farm went bust in 1988, whereupon it was purchased by John Davey, of The Harley Shop, Leeds and imported in 1989. The current vendor purchased the machine from John Davey in 1999 and since then has treated it to a full mechanical refurbishment and refinishing in the correct colour scheme, though the patinated brightwork has been left untouched. These works were completed in 2005 and 'BF 5199' was first MoT'd in 2009. Described by the vendor as in generally very good condition, this early Vintage Harley-Davidson is offered with dating certificate, MoT to October 2011 and Swansea V5.