Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/02/28
Subject: HD tidbits from 1906
HD tidbits from 1906
[The enduring 'Silent Gray Fellow']
Model 2: 26.8 ci, (439.9cc) F-head, (50 made), $210.
The first options: Renault Gray w/carmine red double pinstripping and
lettering, at extra cost, hand crank, 26" wheels.
HD moves to a new production facility on Chestnut Street, (later to be
known as Juneau). Apparently, the railroad company bitched that the new facility encroached on their right-of-way by a foot.
So the boys, with the help of 8-10 fellows, picked up the new facility, and moved it a foot and a half. A loan was acquired from their uncle James McLay for purchase of the land. "Honey Uncle" was a beekeeper.
Catalogs are produced to advertise the new Silent Gray Fellow.
The new model:
3.125 X 3.5" bore/stroke,
4 bhp, Schebler carb,
leather belt final, rear coaster brake,
6 volt dry cell battery, coil/points ignition,
51" wheelbase, 28" tires,
1.5 gallon fuel tank, 2 quarts oil tank,
185 lbs, 40-45 mph.
And, a muffler, (ie.. 'Silent' Gray Fellow).
The first front end suspension was being designed.
There were several "backyard shed" motorcycle operations.
HD was gaining in popularity and sales though, because of their refined
look and feel, and their reliability and longevity. [How's that for
idiosyncratic?!]
***tidbits taken from various sources.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.
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