Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/04/03
Subject: HD tidbits from '52
HD tidbits from '52
[ It's ELF'n magic, K? ]
1952 saw the introduction of the foot shift. Riders would compliment
it's ease in riding in traffic, while some geezers would find it hard to
get used to, (after all, hand shift is how cars worked).
The hand clutch was outfitted with a leverage booster which was
nicknamed the "mouse trap".
The Pan's are now only offered in the high compression configuration,
plus, this is the last year for the 61ci, (the F-Series being far more
popular now), making the ELF-61ci-Pan-Footshift a rare model.
Difficulties with dirty oil clogging filters was addressed by the
addition of a check valve and screen, which lasted until the screen was
clogged. Placement of the 1953 lifters would resolve this.
The K Model is introduced in this year.
Like the W, (which came from the R, which came from the D introduced in 1929, it was a 45ci Flathead). But this bike had significant other changes. First, it has many features which make it look like early Sportsters, especially with the integrated engine and gearbox. Second, it was the first model to have rear forks, (aka..automotive style shocks), thus the intro of the swingarm. Too bad it's performance was less than impressive by the growing standard.
K specs: 45.32ci, (742.66cc), 6:1 compression, 30hp, Linkert carb, duplex chain primary, hydraulic spring front and rear forks, 4.5 gallon fuel, 3 qt oil, 80mph. It featured primary drive on the left, and final on the right. The aluminum cylinder heads were removable. Aluminum pistons and four cams and enclosed oil pump. Centered fill cap, folding pegs, rubber mounted handlebars, drum cast rear brake and black enamel frame.
Main Models, (Production #'s):
S Lightweight, 125cc single Flathead, 3 speed, (4576)
K Sport, 45ci Flathead, 4 speed, (1970), $865
Servi-Cars, 45ci Flatheads, 3 speed and reverse.
G Servi-Car, w/tow bar, (515), $1,175
GA Servi-Car, w/o tow bar, (532), $1,160
Panheads: OHV, 4 speed, (production #'s):
61ci: $955
EL Sport Solo, (918)
ELS Sidecar Twin
ELF Sport Solo, foot-shift
74ci: $970
FL Sport Solo, (5554)
FLS Sidecar Twin
FLF Sport Solo, foot-shift
Specialty Models, (Flatheads):
WLS Sidecar Twin, 45ci
KR Racer, 45ci, (17)
KRTT Racer, 45ci, TT racer
Sidecar and Chassis:
LE - right hand sidecar
M - Package Truck w/cover
MC - chassis for M
Paint:
Brilliant black, persian red, rio blue, tropical green, police silver.
At extra cost - marine blue metallic, white, bronco brown metallic.
S - persian red, tropical green, rio blue, (extra cost is marine blue
metallic).
K - black, rio blue, persian red, (extra cost is bronco bronze
metallic).
Options:
Deluxe Solo, Utility Solo, Standard Police, Utility for servicar, Deluxe
for K, Deluxe servicar, Deluxe sidecar.
Other Panhead changes:
Revised wishbone frame with inverted "U"-shaped toolbox brackets,
quieter muffler, partial chain cutaway recess in rear fender.
MoCo Minutes:
-The Model K is the only motorcycle on which Hollywood stars are insured on, as it can not go as fast as the others.
Tidbits taken from various sources. Exceptions may apply.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.
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