Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 2000/01/02
Subject: HD tidbits from '50
[Use links below to see pics, or view via the actual web page at:
http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/p50hd.htm ]
[Ed. Note: Links in below post were not enabled because they no longer exist.]
HD tidbits from '50
[ Get 'Dressed' ]
HD returns to the options groups as it's realized that dressing your
bike is still vogue.
45ci changes: air flow fenders, optional chrome muffler, Mellow Tone muffler which was straight - no fishtail, recalibrated carb w/fixed jet, fuel filter w/rubber sleeved gas line, riveted front fender brackets.
Pans: The primary chain cover on the '48 & '49 had the screws set at 3 and 9 O'clock,
http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/images/3and9.jpg
while subsequent years are 6 and 12 O'clock. Also, the gear cover screws were changed to phillips.
http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/images/6and12.jpg
Redesigned cylinder heads w/enlarged cylinder inlet ports equate to 10%
more power, valve guides made of bronze, die-cast fork sliders, Mellow-Tone mufflers, (shown on pic below), "Hyrdra-Glide" name stamped into fork upper front panel, bracket frame bolted to hold oil filter, chrome plated front safety guard optional. The carbs were newly equiped with a fixed jet, limited adjustability of high speed needle and a larger accelerating well. The new carbs were so successful, that HD offered a $5 tradein on older carbs. The oil filter was moved away from the oil tank to isolate it from vibration.
Main Models, (Production #'s):
S Lightweight, 125cc single flathead, 3 speed, (4708), $325
WL Solo, 45ci Flathead, 3 speed, (1108), $590
Servi-Cars, 45ci Flatheads, 3 speed and reverse.
G Servi-Car, w/tow bar, (520), $860
GA Servi-Car, w/o tow bar, (483), $845
Panheads: OHV, (4 speed).
EL Hydra-Glide Sport Solo, 61ci, high compression, (2046), $735 --->
http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/images/1950EL61.jpg
E Hydra-Glide Solo, 61ci, medium compresssion, $735
ES Hydra-Glide Sidecar Twin, 61ci, medium compression, (268), $735
FL Hydra-Glide Sport Solo, 74ci, high compression, (7407), $750 --->
http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/images/1950fl.jpg
F Hydra-Glide, Solo, 74ci, med-compression, $750
FS Hydra-Glide Sidecar Twin, 74ci, med-compression, (544), $750
Specialty Models:
WL-SP 45ci, w/aluminum heads
WLS Sidecar Twin, 45ci
WR Racer, 45ci, (69)
Sidecar and Chassis:
LE - right hand sidecar
M - Package Truck w/cover
MC - chassis for M
Paint:
Brilliant black, ruby red, riviera blue, police silver.
At extra cost - metallic green, white, flight red, azure blue.
Singles - brillian black, flight red, sportsman yellow, riviera blue.
Options:
Deluxe Solo, Sport Solo, Utility Solo, Standard Police, Utility for
sidecare or Package Truck, Deluxe Solo for WL, Sport Solo for WL, Utility Solo for WL, Deluxe servicar, Utility servicar, Deluxe sidecar.
MoCo Minutes:
-Dealers are supplied with demonstrator motorcycles.
-October "Popular Mechanics" advertisement, "Hydra-Glide as the nearest thing to flying and modern as a spaceship."
-Arthur Davidson, last of the four original founders, is killed in a car
accident.
--
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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