Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/03/16
Subject: HD tidbits from '36
HD tidbits from '36
[ Knuckle up to the competition. ]
The new 61ci motorcycle was an instant success. The polished aluminum bulbous cover just looked like power. The overwhelming concensus of the customer base was, "The best damn motorcycle I've ever seen". Apparent in 1936, Harley Davidson had managed to stay alive during the depression, introduce a new motorcycle, eclipse Indian and start a new chapter entitled, 'The Knucklehead'.
Many cool things came from this year.
The 61 was the first engine to demand a doubledown tube. So much so, that HD would have to reinforce the frame in '37 even more. HD utilize a single cam shaft and discovered the hemispherical combustion chamber with 90 degree valve set. The "Skull Face" dashboard topped the tank. What is perfectly numbing to the nostalgic, is that for '36 and '37, the left "eye" was an analog ammeter, and the right was an analog oil guage. In '38, the guages would be replaced by the more familiar red and green lights. The speedometer was white faced.
And what else would you expect to find with all this power, but another gear. The 61 also featured the first HD 4 speed, (forward). Also enter the dry sump oil system, (recirculation of oil between oil tank and the engine), instead of the total loss system. The oil tank was 4 qts, and was the horseshoe shape commonly seen today. The oil fittings would soon after be moved to the top of the tank.
The contour of the tear drop gas tank would change slightly to look pretty much like it does today. The front fork employed oval tube struts as opposed to the forged I-beam. This is it boys and girls.
This is the look that opitimizes Harley Davidson.
There would still be an oil leak problem resolved next year, and the valves leaked, also resolved shortly after with larger rocker boxes.
Kickstarting would be made easier midyear with change in mainshaft and crank gearing.
Specs for the EL, (the high compression model):
60.33ci, (988.56cc), 3.31" x 3.5" bore/stroke, 40 horses @ 4,800 rpm,
32mm Linkert carb, duplex primary chain, drum brakes, coil/points
ignition, 59.5" wheelbase, 565 lbs, 3.75 gallon tank, 95 mph.
The seat height was 26", and the tires 18".
Main Models, (Production #'s), 3 speeds, Flatheads:
V-Twins 45ci:
R Solo, low compression, (539), $295
RL Solo, high compression, (355), $295
RLD Special Sport Solo, (540) $295
RS Sidecar Twin, low compression, (437), $295
RLDR Competition, (79), $320
Servi-Cars, 45ci, 3 speed and reverse.
G Servi-Car, w/tow bar, (382), $440
GA Servi-Car, w/o tow bar, (55), $425
GD Servi-Car Large Compartment, w/o tow bar, (96), $440
GE Servi-Car Large Compartment, w/air tank, (30), $495
GDT Servi-Car Large Compartment, w/ tow bar, (85), $455
Big-Twins:
Flatheads: (3 speed)
VD Solo, 74ci, (176), $320
VDS Sidecar Twin, 74ci, (623), $320
VLD Special Sport Solo, 74ci, (1,577), $320
VLH Sport Solo, 80ci, solo bars, (2,046), $340
VHS Sidecar, 80ci, (305), $340
Knuckleheads: 61ci OHV, (4 speed)
EL Special Sport Solo, high compression, (1,526), $380
E Solo, medium compression, (152), $380
ES Sidecar, high compression, (26), $380
Specialty models: VFD, RSR, VFDS-(600), VMG, VFH, VHFS, EM.
Sidecars & Chassis:
K - Sidecar for 74ci
LE - Sidecar for 61ci
LS - Sidecar for 45ci
MC - chassis for M's
M - Side van w/cover
MO - Side van w/o cover
LEC- chassis for LE
MWC- chassis for MW
KC - chassis for K
The following were available as body only - K, LS, M, LE.
Options: Accessories are now sold in groups: You got your
Standard Solo, Deluxe Solo, Standard Police, Deluxe Police, Standard
Servicar, Deluxe Servicar, Standard Sport Sidecars, Deluxe Sport
Sidecars, and your Deluxe Truck Group. Prices range from
$14-(standard) to $90.50-(deluxe police).
Paint:
Sherwood Green w/silver panels & rims,
teak red w/black panels & red rims,
dusk gray w/royal buff panels & rims,
venetian blue w/croydon cream panels & rims,
maroon w/nile green panels & rims.
MoCo minutes:
-Profits = $381.277.
-Denver Police dpt receives 6 servicars.
-testing experimental police radios.
-4th and final royalty from Sankyo of $10,000
-First year Jack Pine Gypsies are credited with starting the Black Hills
Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota.
Racing:
Joe Petrali wins National Dirt Track.
HD wins Miniature TT Race National.
***tidbits taken from various sources.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.
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