Showing posts with label Harley davidson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harley davidson. Show all posts

Stars of the Century, MV and Harley-Davidson


    A restored 1913 Harley Davidson V-Twin and a 1999 MV Agusta F4 750 Oro side by side,
    both sporting machines for road use from companies with a racing heritage.  
    The four-wheeled equivalent might be a Ford Model T and a Ferrari F40, but don't be fooled into thinking it was just affluent Country Gentlemen riding Harley's in the pre WWI era, the Harleys used for Boardtrack racing and Hill climbs were as aggressively campaigned as any of their contemporaries. 

    The big V-Twin Harley is the epitome of refinement, from its rear stand for easier pedal starts to the chain drive which replaced the leather belt now offering more positive drive. That deluxe leather saddle has springs discreetly tucked underneath and the front forks end now offered minimal springing for a more plush ride too.  

    The V-Twin offered more than twice the horsepower than the earlier single cylinder model that allowed Harley Davidson to become the dominant force in American motorcycling.  


    From Carbide lights to Carbon Fiber bodywork, the evolution of  motorcycles and the materials they're made from continues to move forward.

    MV Oro #289 /300 worldwide production, it's a rare sight on the roads ten years after it's introduction, but pointed the way forward for the new MV Agusta company and all it's current models.


    Those lovely four pipes tucked under the seat of the MV F4 sound fantastic even in stock form

    Full carbon fiber bodywork, magnesium wheels and engine plates, sand cast engine cases, alloy sub-frame, Ferrari designed 750cc  four cylinder inline short stroke engine. This bike was hailed as both an engineering and asthetic tour de force. It still holds up well with the passage of time.

Post Title

Stars of the Century, MV and Harley-Davidson


Post URL

https://alldesign-motorcyle.blogspot.com/2011/03/stars-of-century-mv-and-harley-davidson.html


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1911 Harley-Davidson 'Creek Find'

           
     This 1911 single cylinder Harley-Davidson has spent the majority of its life broken up in a big way. Yet today it's been reunited and is a time capsule of originality despite it's long faded finish. Once upon a time, this was Harley-Davidson's most popular machine, that was in production from 1904-1918, the "Silent Gray Fellow", which featured a De Dion Bouton engine 35 cubic inches and producing 5 horsepower. Top speed was a claimed 45 mph.

    According to the current owner, the bike was cut in two with a saw, and it's motor was plucked out and put to work as a pump engine in a mill. The frame, now in two parts, was thrown in a nearby river, seemingly lost forever. Just old junk afterall.

    But when the water dried up, the remains of the bike protruded from the now dry riverbed
     and the crafty new owner, undaunted by the challenge, set off to find the engine. A nearby mill was located and the old Harley engine was purchased and put back in the correct slot after the frame was welded back together again. Amazing, but true.

    Fortunately, the current owner sees no reason to restore the bike, content that it now runs very well and has a fantastic story to share with others. The collector who owns the bike has over twenty pre-1920 Harley-Davidson, but this is one of his favorites. From the carbide lamp to the California license plate from pre-war era this is a usable one hundred year old motorcycle.

    This bike is virually 100 % percent orignal except for the replacement leather drive belt and tires.

    Those brass plungers on the tank help the oil keep flowing. Below is the magneto and exhaust cutout for maximum performance. Primitive and rustic she may be, but in her time she was
    'state of the art'.  






    Not every bike should be restored to showroom shape,
    some proudly wear the scars of a long and interesting life and are better bikes for that reason.
    Think before you restore ! 








Post Title

1911 Harley-Davidson 'Creek Find'


Post URL

https://alldesign-motorcyle.blogspot.com/2011/03/1911-harley-davidson-find.html


Visit BIKER MOTORCYLE for Daily Updated Wedding Dresses Collection

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