SPRUNG - Harley-Davidson® Springer Enthusiast

HD tidbits from 1955

Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 2000/02/05
Subject: HD tidbits from '55

[Ed. Note: Links in below post were not enabled because they no longer exist.]

HD tidbits from '55
[Hot rod models. HD goes KHaKi.]

The KH is made into a "racing" model.

Also new is the FLH model, (a hot rod version for the F-Series) 1955 FLH specs: 73.73ci, (1208.19cc), 3.44" x 4" bore/stroke, 60 hp @ 4,800 rpm, 8:1 compression, 33mm Schebler carb, chain drives, 59.5" wheelbase, 598lbs, 3.75 gallon fuel, 1 gallon oil, 105mph.

New to the lightweights is the Model B Hummer, March 1955.
6.6:1 compression, 2 1/16 x 2 9/32 bore/stroke = 3.5bhp.
Black enamel handlebars; multi-disc clutch; 178lbs;
vinyle black "American style" seat w/ foam rubber padding;
5" fenders; sweeping exhaust; left handle clutch lever;
aluminum, silcon resin paint baked on to exhaust pipe;
air cooled spark plugs that could be disassembled;
the "H" on the tank emblem was long to start the two words
"Harley" and "Hummer", the names in long bar & winged.

Main Models, (Production #'s):

B Hummer, 125cc two-stroke, 3 speed, (1040), $320
ST Lightweight, 165cc single two-stroke, 3 speed, (2263), $405
STU Lightweight, 165cc, restricted intake, 3 speed, $405

KH Sport Solo, 55ci Flathead, 4 speed, (616), $925

Servi-Cars, 45ci Flatheads, 3 speed and reverse.
G Servi-Car, w/tow bar, (394), $1,240
GA Servi-Car, w/o tow bar, (647), $1,225

Panheads: Hydra-Glides, 74ci, 4 speed, (production #'s), $1,015:
http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/images/1955HYDR.jpg

FL Sport Solo, (953) --->
http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/images/1955FL74.jpg

FLF Sport Solo, foot-shift, (2013)
FLE Solo, Traffic Combination, (853)
FLEF Solo, Traffic Combination, foot-shift, (220)

FLH Super Sport Solo, (63), $1,083
FLHF Super Sport Solo, foot-shift, (1040), $1,083

Specialty Models (Flatheads):
KHK 55ci, w/speed kit, racer cams & polished heads, (449), $993 -->
http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/images/1955KHK.jpg

KHRM 55ci, for scrambles and trials, (77)
KR 45ci, Track Racer, (37)
KRTT 45ci, Tourist Trophy Racer [ TTR ], (14)
KHRTT 55ci, TTR

Sidecar and Chassis:
LE - right hand sidecar
M - Package Truck w/cover
MC - chassis for M

Paint:
Black, pepper red, atomic blue, aztec brown, anniversary yellow, police
-white or silver).
At extra cost - hollywood green or combinations of colors other than
hollywood green.

Panhead changes:
O-ring on intake for better sealing and vibration relief, new bottom end
w/larger cases and Timken main bearings, elimination of thrush washers on flywheels," crowned" right crankcase pinion shaft, "V" tank emblem,
http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/images/emblem55.jpg

rubber mounted headlight bracket, Oval shaped taillight ,
http://www.iusb.edu/~bbryner/tidbits/images/talite55.jpg

(tail light housing is painted same color as rear fender), front fork
cover w/three diagonal stripes on each side of headlight, wing nut on toolbox.

MoCo Minutes:
-National Drill Team Competition is won by HD riding Miami Beach Police Dept.

Racing:
-Dan Richards wins Daytona 100-Mile Junior w/record 92.43mph.
-Brad Andres wins AMA Grand National Championship & Daytona 200-Mile w/record 94.57mph
-Joe Leonard places 3rd at AMA Grand National Championship.
-Everett Brahear wins 2nd place at Grand National.

--
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

[home]