Classic Harley-Davidson, 1903-1941

by Wagner, Herbert; Mitchell, Mark; Mitchell, Mark

• ISBN13: 9780760305577
• ISBN10: 0760305579
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-04-01
• Publisher: Motorbooks Intl

Summary

Motorcycles built by the Milwaukee-based company from its inception in 1903 until the suspension of civilian manufacturing at the outbreak of World War II are the most prized bikes among motorcycle collectors. Color photography of restored models features such classics as early singles and twins, World War I military models, racers, Flatheads and Knuckleheads. These early Harley-Davidsons also inform the inspiration for many of the aesthetic touches, including paint schemes and logos, on Harley-Davidson's modern offerings. Included in this history is a remarkable, never-before-published prototype drawing from 1901.

Table of Contents

FOREWORD	6	(1)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS	6	(1)
INTRODUCTION	7	(2)
CHAPTER 1 PENNINGTON'S MOTORCYCLE. TWO FRENCHMEN. AND THE 1901 BICYCLE MOTOR	9	(6)
CHAPTER 2 THE 1903 PROTOTYPE	15	(4)
CHAPTER 3 EARLY SINGLES	19	(10)
CHAPTER 4 FACTORY EXPANSION AND THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON TWIN	29	(10)
CHAPTER 5 THE FIGHTING MOTORCYCLE	39	(6)
CHAPTER 6 THE GANG'S ALL HERE	45	(8)
CHAPTER 7 SINGLES FOR THE MASSES	53	(8)
CHAPTER 8 HOME-BREW AND FACTORY 45 OHVs	61	(8)
CHAPTER 9 CHANGING TECHNOLOGY	69	(10)
CHAPTER 10 DREAM BABIES	79	(14)
CONCLUSION THE GHOST IN THE MACHINE	93	(3)
BIBLIOGRAPHY	96	(1)
INDEX	96