Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/12/30
Subject: HD tidbits from '49
A revised tidbit for 1949 including links to some pics, and more info.
[Ed. Note: Links in below post were not enabled because they no longer exist.]
HD tidbits from '49
[ Fluid Front End ]
Enter the Hydra-Glide, (named for the hydraulic front forks).
European models were starting to hit America. In fact, Indian was importing and selling a few European models to help stay afloat. They had hydraulic front ends and were fast. HD followed suite.
Despite the availability of hydraulic forks for package truck and sidecar models, the springer was recommended because the Hydra-Glide had insufficient trail for good stability for those configurations.
Universal changes include: "Siliconized" black painted mufflers, optional rubber mounted handlebars and stainless steel air cleaner cover, and for one year - stainless steel timer and generator covers and chrome relay cover.
Hyrdra-Glides: one piece Air-Flow front fender, 2 piece hinged Air-Flow rear fender with 3 "Sergeant stripes", [follow link]
http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/images/3stripes.jpg
horn mount between wishbone frame members, Timken roller bearings used in steering head, Silicon Silver painted cylinders, cast iron manifold, intake rocker bearings with oilers to spray intake valves. A new friction steering damper was mounted on the steering stem of the forks. A knob adjusted pressure on the unit's spider spring. The handlebars were adjustable. The rubber mounted handlebar option, ($18.75), were chrome, and the solid mounts were black. The handlebars also contained the coils from the spirals and wiring from horn and light switches. The headlamp went from the Springers 7" to the Hydra-Glides 8.19". The Hydra-glide also fashioned a larger 8" drum brake compared to it's 7.25" predecesor. HD updated the carb and manufactured their own breaker points in '49
Production ended on the Flathead cruisers. This '49 UL is one of the
last. http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/images/1949UL.jpg
Main Models, (Production #'s):
S Lightweight, 125cc single flathead, 3 speed, (7291), $325
WL Solo, 45ci Flathead, 3 speed, (2289), $590
Servi-Cars, 45ci Flatheads, 3 speed and reverse.
G Servi-Car, w/tow bar, (494), $860
GA Servi-Car, w/o tow bar, (545), $845
Panheads: OHV, (4 speed).
EL Hydra-Glide Sport Solo, 61ci, high compression, (3419), $735
E Hydra-Glide Solo, 61ci, medium compresssion, $735
ES Hydra-Glide Sidecar Twin, 61ci, medium compression, (177), $735
EP Sidecar Twin, 61ci, spring fork,
ELP Sport Solo, 61ci, spring fork, (99)
http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/images/1949fl.jpg
FL Hydra-Glide Sport Solo, 74ci, high compression, (8014), $750
F Hydra-Glide, Solo, 74ci, med-compression, $750
FS Hydra-Glide Sidecar Twin, 74ci, med-compression, (490), $750
FP Sidecar Twin, 74ci, spring fork,
FLP Sport Solo, 74ci, spring fork, (486)
Specialty Models:
WL-SP 45ci, w/aluminum heads
WLS Sidecar Twin, 45ci
WR Racer, 45ci, (121)
Sidecar and Chassis:
LE - right hand sidecar
M - Package Truck w/cover
MC - chassis for M
Paint:
Brilliant black, burgundy, peacock blue, police silver.
At extra cost - metallic congo green.
Singles - black only.
MoCo Minutes:
-John E Harley named to board of directors.
-Armando Magri buys out Frank Murray's Sacramento dealership to become one of the largest dealers.
Racing:
-HD wins 17 of 24 National Championship races.
-Jimmy Chann wins Grand National Championship and 100-Mile Race,
Langhorne, PA @ 87.09mph.
--
Bruce Bryner - BS#96
The Journey IS the Reward.
RMH Dyno Shootout - http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/dyno.html
HD tidbits - http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/hrlypage.html
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