Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 2000/01/18
Subject: HD tidbits from '53
[Ed. Note: Links in below post were not enabled because they no longer exist.]
HD tidbits from '53
[ Cool Grand for a lotta 'liftin' ]
Buy a Panhead for an even $1000.
Major lifter changes.
The models ST & STU get an increased engine bore at 165cc, (10ci: 2.375" x 2.281"). A carb restrictor disc is available to comply with 5hp license restrictions.
Pans:
Lifters relocated from top of pushrods to the top of the tappets, below
the pushrod and closer to the oil pump for more constant oil pressure.
The lifters feature a checkball assembly in a cylinder, and a hole in
the flat side helping to pick oil from the tappet block, then feeding
the lifter. Cast iron tappet blocks feature an oil passage from the case
to the tappet. Pushrods designed w/ball end at top, pressed in fitting
threaded for a screw-in adjuster. Crankcase features tappet block oil
feed passages.
The FLE 74ci "Traffic Combination" motor is introduced for slow speed
and escort work. Previoulsy, the 61ci models were perfect for this type
of use, since the had lower end cams and smaller carbs. The FLE would
keep those features. 4 ribbed gear case cover. Pinion shaft has 24
rollers instead of 12. The speedo gets a coloration change, the
combination of which is only used this year, (also the only change on
the servicar).
Main Models, (Production #'s):
ST Lightweight, 165cc single Flathead, 3 speed, (4225), $405
K Sport, 45ci Flathead, 4 speed, (1723), $875
Servi-Cars, 45ci Flatheads, 3 speed and reverse.
G Servi-Car, w/tow bar, (1146), $1,190
GA Servi-Car, w/o tow bar, $1,175
Panheads: 74ci, 4 speed, (production #'s), $1,000:
http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/images/1953pan.jpg
http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/images/1953HYDR.jpg
FL Sport Solo, (1986)
FLF Sport Solo, foot-shift, (3351)
FLE Solo, Traffic Combination
FLEF Solo, Traffic Combination, foot-shift
Specialty Models, 45ci (Flatheads):
KK KR components in a K frame --->
http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/images/1953kk.jpg
KR Racer
KRTT TT Racer
Sidecar and Chassis:
LE - right hand sidecar
M - Package Truck w/cover
MC - chassis for M
Paint:
Twins - Brilliant black, pepper red, glacier blue, forest green,
(police) silver. (Motor maids option = Cadillac gray tanks & azure blue
fenders)
At extra cost - white, cavalier brown, glamour green.
Single - pepper red, forest green, glacier blue, (extra cost- glamour
green ).
Options:
Deluxe Solo, Standard Solo, Utility Solo, Standard Police, Standard Solo
for K, Deluxe for K, Standard servicar, Deluxe servicar, Deluxe sidecar.
MoCo Minutes:
-Sales down 20%
-Indian, (HD's main competitor), closes their doors.
-HD experiments with a 60 degree 45ci, but pantent restrictions with
Vincent Motorcyle Company, scraps the idea.
Racing:
-Paul Goldsmith on a KR, wins the Daytona 200-Mile Expert.
-Don Pink on a KH, wins the Jack Pine endurance run.
--
Bruce - 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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