Beschreibung:

1909 marked the appearance of Harley-Davidson’s first v-twin, though it was not until the adoption of mechanically operated inlet valves in 1911 (replacing the ‘atmospheric’ type inherited from the single) that production really took off. Known by the soubriquet ‘pocket valve’, this inlet-over-exhaust engine - built in 61 and 74cu in capacities - would remain in production for the next 20 years. The need to make better use of the engine’s power characteristics, particularly for sidecar pulling, prompted the introduction of a two-speed rear hub for 1914, by which time chain drive and a proper clutch had been adopted. Later that same year a conventional, three-speed, sliding-gear transmission with ‘step starter’ was introduced on the top-of-the-range version of the twin, which with full electrical equipment, was listed from now on as the Model J. Sold new in the UK and originally registered ‘S 6013’, the Harley-Davidson v-twin offered here is an example of the three-speed, magneto-equipped Model 16F, which when new was priced at $30 less than the Model J. Purchased by the vendor at Bonhams’ Stafford Sale on October 16th 2005 (Lot 403) it had been acquired by the previous owner in 1963 and comes with a fascinating letter from the immediately preceding owner, ‘C D L M’, recalling that the Harley had been bought new in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1916 by his brother who was serving with the Royal Engineers. The wheel discs were fitted immediately after WWI and the machine used in both solo and sidecar trim before C D L M’s brother sold it to him in 1925. The Harley was ridden solo extensively for the next 12-or-so years, mainly around Edinburgh and The Borders. Laid up briefly during WW2, it was back in service in 1945 and used regularly thereafter. The machine was repainted in its current livery in the 1950s and is equipped with acetylene headlight, luggage carrier, Klaxon horn and original tools, while benefiting from a recently rewound magneto. It is offered with import documentation and bill of sale.