SPRUNG - Harley-Davidson® Springer Enthusiast

HD tidbits from 1909

Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/03/03
Subject: HD tidbits from 1909

HD tidbits from 1909

HD starts a model designation system.
Using 1904 as a base production year with Model 0 up to 1908 as model 4, 1909 has 5 preceding model designations

Main Models, (production #'s):

5 - 30ci, 28" wheels, battery ignition, (864), $210

5A - 30ci, 28" wheels, magneto ignition, (54), $250

5B - 30ci, 26" wheels, battery ignition, (168), $210

5C - 30ci, 26" wheels, magneto ignition, (36), $250

5D - 50ci, 28" wheels, magneto ignition, (27), $325

Options: tank transfers w/red or gold centers, tank lettering gold w/red
outline or red w/gold outline.
Schebler Model H carb.

Paint: Renault gray w/red double pinstripping, or Piano-finish Black
w/gold pinstripping at extra cost.

New Engine: F-Head, 30.16 ci, (494cc): Estimated 4 hp, leather belt
final, 45mph.

F-Head Singles: front fender mounted to spring fork, Bosch magneto on
such equipped models, longer contoured tanks, wire operated controls
enclosed in handlebars, 56.5" wheelbase, added fin for cooler exhaust
valve.
An exhaust flap was incorporated to allow for better performance,
(outside of city limits, of course).

F-Head V-Twin: 3" X 3.5" bore/stroke, 49ci, 810cc, 7 hp.
Step joint piston rings on iron pistons, 7/8" diameter flywheel
crankpin, .79mm inlet vavle opening, tapered pistons, chrome-nickle 2
piece exhaust valves, 8 lug crankcase, twist grip compression release, 7
piece handlebars with wiring, right tank for gas, left for oil, 3.75"
fender, mudguard, loop frame with curved downtube.

Unfortunetly, the twin did not perform well, in fact, it bombed. The
atmospheric inlet valves were at odds with the crankcase pressure, it
was hard to start, and it did not include a belt tensioner. Of the 27
built, only 2 remain in existance today.

MoCo minutes:
-Arthur Davidson make sales at a Rural Mail Carriers meeting.
-HD now will use trucks instead of horses for delivery needs.
-First motorcycle sold for police duty, Pittsburg P.D.

Racing: Walter Davidson, Robert Underhill, Crolius Lacey and Frank
Ollerman win team prize in Cleveland to Indy endurance run.

***tidbits taken from various sources. Some exceptions may apply

Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.

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