Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/03/04
Subject: HD tidbits from '12
HD tidbits from '12
[ Cool features, man. ]
[In 1911, Indian had a superior V-twin bike on the racing circuit. It was a 1,000cc 2 speed. While HD had a more comfortable riding cylce, they needed to catch up, and 1912 was a huge leap.]
The E model was the first production clutch design by William Harley.
[Free Wheelie!!], Called the Frewheel Control, X would designate clutch models.
The independant pedal crank adjustment means that you no longer had to move the rear wheel for chain adjust. The crankcase saw self aligning ball bearings on the crankshaft and roller bearings supported connecting rods.
Also helpful to the early HD V-twin woes, the crankcase breather.
The improvements over 1911 meant 1.5 more horses, and up to 65 MPH.
Saddles would be provided by 'Ful-Floeting Seats' and 'Kute Speling',
and down tubes would increase to 4" travel. [Much better riding].
European exports would take place for the first time through Duncan
Watson. Unfortunately, WWI would affect european interests.
Exact production numbers lost, estimate: 3,852 total.
Main Models, (production #'s):
8 - 30ci, F-head single, battery ignition, $200
[Woooooe, an actual price reduction during good years.]
X-8 - 30ci, F-head single w/rear clutch, $210
8-A - 30ci, F-head, magneto ignition, $225
X-8-A - 30ci, rear clutch & magneto ignition, $235
8-D - 50ci, F-head, magneto ignition, $275
X-8-D - 50ci, F-head, magneto & rear-wheel clutch, $285
X-8-E - 61ci, F-head, chain final, magneto, rear-wheel clutch, $285
Options: tank transfers w/red or gold centers, tank lettering gold w/red
outline or red w/gold outline.
Schebler Model H carb.
Acetylene lighting.
Paint: Renault gray w/broad red striping edged in black w/gold center
pinstripe; or at extra cost, (broad gray, dark gray, black or dark blue striping) each edged in red w/gold center stripe.
Note: Piano-finish Black w/gold pinstripping no longer available.
MoCo minutes:
- 1,076 employees
- construction of 5 story building begins to total 187,000+ square feet
of HD space.
- A seperate Parts and Accessories departement if formed.
- The freewheel clutch assembly w/multiple plates, [developed in the
automotive industry], advances starting/stopping/shifting to new levels.
- Japan orders motorcycles for their army use.
- 200+ HD dealers nationwide now.
***tidbits taken from various sources.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.
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