SPRUNG - Harley-Davidson® Springer Enthusiast

HD tidbits from 1921

Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/03/09
Subject: HD tidbits from '21

HD tidbits from '21
[Bigger engines, smaller sales]

HD had accelerated production to ensure amble product for the war.
1920 had a record production of 27,000 bikes, which left a huge surplus
in 1921.

In 1921 two new models hit the market. 4 cylinder engines from Indian,
Henderson and Cleveland offered a threat to the smaller V-twin, so HD,
(not wanting to produce 4 cylinders), added the 74ci, (1200cc), to the
big twin line up which had 61ci, (1000cc) engines.

The model CD was a 37ci single, which was simply half of 74ci.

Model J Specs:
74.66ci, (1207.11cc), 3.42" x 4" bore/stroke, hp=18 @ 3,000 rpm, 1.25"
Schebler carb, coil/points, 365 lbs, 59.5" wheelbase, 4 qts oil, 2.75
gallon fuel tank, 70 mph.
The 74ci J model could be quickly identified from the preceeding 61ci by
the 6th cylinder fin above the exhaust port.

Main Models, 3 speeds, (production #):

Sport Twins;
21-WF Solo, 35.64ci, magneto, (1,100), $415

21-WJ Solo, 35.64ci, electric, (823), $445

Single;
21-CD Commercial, 37ci, magneto, $430

Big Twins;
21-F Solo, 61ci, magneto, (series-2,413), $450

21-FS Sidecar Twin, 61ci, $450

21-J Solo, 61ci, electric, (series-4,526), $485

21-JS Sidecar Twin, electric, $485

21-FD Solo, 74ci, magneto, (series-277), $485

21-FDS Sidecar Twin, 74ci, magneto, $485

21-JD Solo, 74ci, electrical, (series-2.321), $520

21-JDS Sidecar Twin, 74ci, electrical, $520

(FE, FCA, JE, FA, FDA, JDA, JA- Specialty models available. "A" engine is special high speed for police use. "B" is special high compression for high altitude. "E" is for racing.)

Sidecars & Chassis: (sidecars code named the "Meadow")
21-LC - right side chassis
L-21-L- left hand sidecar
21-L - right sidecar
21-LR - right hand sidecar for Roadster
21-LX - right hand sidecar for Speedster
21-M - commercial
21-Q - 2 passenger chassis, 56" tread
21-QA - closed commercial, 56" tread
21-QB - open commercial, 56" tread
21-QD - 2 compartment parcel, 56" tread

Options: Schebler Deluxe carb, flat front mudguard, hand brake on
Sport/Heel brake on Big Twins, ammeter, Firestone nonskid, Goodrich
Saftey tread, Goodyear Blue Streak tires, speedo by Corbin Brown or
Johns-Manville, front stand on big twins, luggage carrier.

Paint: Olive green w/Pullman Coach Green broad striping edged in gold
pinstripes w/black center pinstripe.

Changes: The F & J get revised piston assemblies, solid flywheels, a
center rib on the fenders, and revised-tank, footboard support, toolbox
cover & rear hub shell.

MoCo minutes:
-low sales caused factory shutdown for a month between March/April.
-HD officers take 15% cut in pay.

Racing:
-HD wins all 8 National Championships.
-Douglas Davidson sets new record at Brooklands, England at 100.76 mph.
-Otto Walker wins 25-mile board track race in Beverly Hills, CA at a
record 104.4 mph

***tidbits taken from various sources. Exceptions may apply.

Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.

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