Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/03/06
Subject: HD tidbits from '16
HD tidbits from '16
[It ain't no bicycle, no more]
[The pedal system was removed, leaving only a single step peddle for
starting, (aka-kickstarter). With the larger fenders and slightly
rounded tanks, it looks more like a motorcycle, (by todays standards),
than a bicycle.]
Indian had started producing 8 valve engines in 1912.
HD, who decided to take a backseat approach to new technology, was
losing large amounts of sales to a public that favored companies who won races, (William Harley suggested this, but was not being heard).
In 1916, HD made three 8 OHV engines, based on the 61ci twin.
6:1 compression, about 15 hp, magneto ignition, 51.5" wheelbase, 5 qts
oil, 105-115 mph. The pedals were bolted solid to only act as footrests,
and starting was accomplished via tow rope. The first versions had a
single cam, while 1919 would bring twin cams.
Aircraft influences meant a 90 degree valve seat and hemispherical
combustion chambers. The exhaust pipes were very short, [about 10" best guess].
Main models, (production #'s):
16-B 35ci-Single, (292), $200
16-C 35ci-Single, 3 speed, (862), $230
16-E 61ci-V-Twin, 1 speed, (252), $240
16-F 61ci-V-Twin, Stock Competition, 3 speed, (9,496), $265
16-J 61ci-V-Twin, 3 speed, electric lighting, (5,898), $295
16-S Stripped Stock Racer 35ci, (12)
16-R Roadster Racer, 61ci, (82)
16-T Track Racer, 61ci, (23)
Delivery Van, (7)
Sidecars & Chassis:
16-LC - right side chassis
16-XT - Double bar chassis w/suit box.
16-L - right side car
16-LCL- left side chasis
16-M - commercial
16-RFD- commerical w/rural free delivery box
16-P - commercial, double-bar chassis, closed box
16-U - commercial, double-bar chassis, open box
16-V - commercial, double-bar chassis, double covered
16-GC - gun car
16-AC - ammnunition car
16-SC - chassis and stretcher, complete
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, U.S./Firestone/Goodyear tires,
foot/hand clutch.
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.
All:
Wider front forks, 5.25" fenders, 1.5" filler caps, stronger wheel rims,
rounded tanks, steering head bearing receives larger head and 2 more
bearings, more "standardized" policy for frame, footboards and brake
rods, new model number begins with actual year, small working parts are
heat treated, dual function left tank=gas and oil compartments for 22
pints of gas, (2.75 gallon).
V twin model 16-J: 60.33ci, (987.67cc), 3 speed, Schebler carb, chain
primary/final drives, rear drum brake, 59.5" wheelbase, 325lbs, 5 pts
oil, 60mph.
MoCo minutes:
-Arthur Davidson announces new system for factory to dealer liasons.
-Racing suspended in the fall.
-First year HD magazine "The Enthusiast". It's sent out to all
registered HD owners and sold for a nickel.
-Last year of HD's publication "The Dealer", (started in 1912).
Racing:
-HD takes first and second at 450-Mile Omaha, Nebraska run.
-HD team sidecar riders win 24-hour Worcester, Massachusetts run w/1,000 points and a gold medal.
-HD team sidecar riders win 24-hour Poughkeepsie run w/1,000 pts.
-Leslie "Red" Parkhurst sets new 24-hour record at Sheepshead Bay, NY
with 1,452 total miles.
-Floyd Clymer wins World Dirt Track Title.
-Otto Walker and Carl Lutgens set motorcycle sidecar record totaling
1,158 miles.
-Irving Janke takes first place in 300-mile Dodge City Race.
***tidbits taken from various sources.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.
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