Beschreibung:

1909 marked the appearance of Harley-Davidson’s first v-twin, though it was not until the adoption of mechanically operated inlet valves in 1911 (replacing the ‘atmospheric’ type inherited from the single) that production really took off. Known by the sobriquet ‘pocket valve’, this inlet-over-exhaust engine - built in 61ci and 74ci capacities (1,000cc and 1,200cc respectively) - would remain in production for the next 20 years. The Harley single’s transmission arrangements - direct drive by means of a leather belt - were 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 with ‘step starter’ was introduced on the top-of-the-range version of the twin which, with full electrical equipment, was listed from now on as the Model J. Periodically revised and up-dated, the Model J had gained a front brake, stronger fork and pumped lubrication by the time production ceased in 1929. This early Harley-Davidson v-twin has been restored in the style of a board track racer. Board track racing became popular in the USA in the early 20th Century, when purpose-built tracks sprang up catering for both cars and motorcycles. The racing was spectacular and often dangerous – there were numerous fatal accidents – but what eventually led to its decline was the expense of maintenance and relocation, and the sporting scene shifted to horseracing dirt ovals. This motorcycle features a reproduction frame of the kind first adopted by Harley-Davidson for its works racers in 1916. Known as the ‘keystone’ type, this chassis used a pair of plates instead of a conventional lower loop, thus enabling the engine to function as a stressed member. These rigid frames had the engine slightly offset to the left to assist cornering on the bankings and were in common use from 1916 to 1925. The vendor, a qualified mechanical engineer and experienced restorer, advises us that he bought the machine, which was then in pieces, many years ago. Complete at time of purchase, the engine has since been rebuilt with new crankcases, crankshaft, con-rods and bearings, and the rest of the machine restored to a high standard. Although not a feature of such motorcycles originally, a rear wheel brake has been fitted for safety reasons. Offered fresh from its two-year rebuild, this beautiful machine is presented in ‘as new’ condition throughout.