Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/03/14
Subject: HD tidbits from '31
HD tidbits from '31
[ Getting kinda quiet in here. Something 'fishy's goin on. ]
Production in 1931 was about half of '29, HD's lowest figures since 20
years before.
Changes include an oval toolkit, (same shape as a primary cover), back
to a single headlight-(7" John Brown Motolamp), a new disk type
horn-(with chromed "Sunburst Face"), and the addition of a timing plug
to facilitate ignition adjustment. Also new for the twins, is a
'Fishtail' Burgess brand muffler with a single tube.
Main Models, (Production #'s), 3 speeds, Flatheads:
31-C Solo, 30.5ci, flathead, (874), $260
V-Twins 45ci, $310:
31-D Solo, high compression, (715)
31-DL Sport Solo, high compression, (1,306)
31-DS Sidecar Twin, low compression, (276)
31-DLD Special Sport Solo, high compression, (241) $325
V-Twins 74ci, $340:
31-V Solo, medium compression, (825)
31-VL Sport Solo, high compression, (3,477)
31-VS Sidecar Twin, medium compression, (1,994)
31-VC Commercial, low compresssion, (?)
Sidecars & Chassis:
31-LC - chassis for LT
31-MC - chassis for M's
31-LT - single passenger w/o apron
31-LS - Sidecar for 45ci
31-M - Package Truck
31-MO - Package Truck w/o cover
31-Q - chassis for QT
31-QT - 2 passenger
(other various Package Truck models: MW, MWC MWP, MT - differences being in width, screens or panels), MNP-Newspaper, MDC-Dryers/cleaners.
The following were available as body only - LT, LS, QT, M, MO, MXP, MDC, MT, MNP, MW, MWP.
Options: Various Balloon Cord tires, 80 or 100 MPH or special Police
speedo, jiffy stand, luggage carrier, Tandem seat, passenger pegs,
winter windshield, hand clutch-(C & D), front stand, left foot clutch,
speedo light, air cleaner, Model D hi-performance kit, fancy dual
ignition keys, solo bars.
Paint:
Olive Green w/vermilion broad stripe, edged in maroon w/gold center
pinstripe. Also available at extra cost:
(solid white or olive green and vermilion or black and
vermillion)-w/gold broad stripe edged w/gold pinstripe;
(maroon and cream or police blue and fawn gray) w/vermilion broad stripe and gold center pinstripe.
Changes:
Singles: chrome on small parts, piston pin locking rings, rear brake
same as big twins.
D Models: "Sifton Treatment"-reinforced welded frame, generator gear
set, revised oil pump with bleeder line.
V Models: Constant mesh starter, cadmium plated brake and clutch pedals, thicker piston cushion rings made of vanadium steel, new brake linings, chromed small parts.
MoCo minutes:
-William H Davidson named to board of directors
-factory runs at only 10% capacity.
-gross revenue is $4.2 million, with a $17,000 loss.
-Engineering Department get approval to design a 61ci OHV engine w/sump oiling system.
-HD's only competitor is Indian Motorcycle, made by Hendee
Manufacturing.
Racing:
- HD wins Daytona Grand National.
- Joe Petrali wins 10-Mile Race and the 5-mile Race, Hamilton Speedway,
June 21.
***tidbits taken from various sources.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.
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