SPRUNG - Harley-Davidson® Springer Enthusiast

HD tidbits from 1915

Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/03/06
Subject: HD tidbits from '15

HD tidbits from '15
[ Three speeds ]

Enter the 3 speed for V-twins. Enclose w/final and primary on same side.
The boost needed to win races again.
The reason for the low price of the racing models was to compete with
Indian, who was selling lower priced racers to the public.

The sidecar was majorly improved for 1915. Aside from more availability, they would be longer and offer folding tops and side curtains.

A gear driven oiler is introduced to help combat the problems of too much or too little manual oiling.

More power for the sidecar versions was created with a 14 tooth countershaft sprocket for a higher gear ratio.

Main models, (production #'s):

11-B 35ci-Single, (670), $200

11-C 35ci-Single, 2 speed, (545), $230

11-E 61ci-V-Twin, 1 speed, (1,275), $240

11-F 61ci-V-Twin, 3 speed, (9,855), $275

11-G Delivery Van: 61ci, 3 speed, (98).

11-h 61ci-V-Twin, 1 speed, electric lighting, (140), $275

11-J 61ci-V-Twin, 3 speed, electric lighting, (3,719), $310

11-K Stripped Stock 61ci, 3 speed, $250
(There were various specialty models; Singles-K4= Track Racer, K5=
'Roadster Racer'. V-Twin-K12='Fast Motor', K12H= 'Fast Motor electric', KT= 'Track Racer', KR= 'Roadster Racer', KRH= 'Roadster Racer electric, KTH= 'Truck Racer'.

Sidecars:
11-L = right handed
L-11-L = left handed
11-M = commercial

Options: tank transfers w/red or gold centers, tank lettering gold w/red
outline or red w/gold outline. Acetylene lighting, 26" wheels, magneto
ignition, extra large tanks for V-twins, hand painting of
logos/names/info, Troxel saddles, US Studded or Goodyear tires.

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.

F-head singles: 45 degree seats on valves, rear brake is double acting
with pressure at both sides, motor driven oiler, 1" flywheel crankpin,
grease cups on fork rocker cups, the tank mounted hand oil pump remains for emergency use.

F-head V-twins: steel mufflers w/foot control cutouts, double acting
rear brake, oil pump and magneto drive cover are integrated, 45 degree
valve seats, crankcase breather at top of valve action housing, Remy
Model 15 magneto-generator for electric light system, 1" crankpin, HD
brand roller bearings, (2 row on each connecting rod big end).

MoCo minutes:
-Sales up to $16,645
-Model 11-K developed by Ottaway and Harry Ricardo.
-hand painting of logos and such= 10 cents a letter.
-5,000 sidecars ordered.

Racing:
Otto Walker takes 2nd at Tocoma Board Track,
Red Park wins Sheepshead Bay Board Track, (record 89 MPH),
HD wins 200 mile Pheonix race,
HD Team Riders place 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th at Sheepshead Bay Board,
Ott Walker wins 100 mile Maywood Board Speedway Race w/record 89.11mph, Irving Janke wins 300 mile Dodge City Classic, HD wins Venice International Grand Race.

***tidbits taken from various sources.

Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.

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