The ‘flat head’ (sidevalve) Harley-Davidson VL ‘Big Twin’ was announced in July 1929 as a replacement for the inlet-over-exhaust ‘pocket valve’ twins that had been in production since 1911. The twin headlamps, round toolbox and Klaxon horn were carried over from its immediate predecessor, but nearly all of the rest of the bike was new. Harley’s 1930 brochure described the new 74ci machine as ‘standing head and shoulders above all comers, with such startling new features as a 20% more powerful motor with Ricardo removable heads, interchangeable wheels, bigger tires, drop-centre rims, lower riding position, greater road clearance, automatic increase of generator output, drop forged forks, 100% stronger frame, theft proof lock, dual front drive chain, improved clutch, and many other features making the 1930 Big Twin the greatest motorcycle value ever offered.’ Despite its maker’s evident enthusiasm, the model V was far from an instant success. More massively built and heavier than its predecessor, the V lacked top-end power to such an extent that the first examples were recalled for an extensive engine redesign. A larger crankcase accommodating heavier flywheels did the trick and, its problems solved, the 74ci ‘flat head’ went on to win the hearts of Harley enthusiasts everywhere. This example’s ‘VLD’ nomenclature indicates a generator-equipped model fitted with high-compression pistons. Purchased by the vendor’s late uncle in 1965, the machine comes with bill of sale and a letter from the then owner - a Mr A W Adams - stating that it had recorded 65,000 miles when he last rode it in 1944. The Harley was extensively restored during the 1990s, there being sundry related invoices and photographs on file, and is believed not to have been touched since completion. Inherited by the vendor in 2003, the machine is presented in very good condition and offered with old-style buff logbook, expired MoT (1993-94), original Harley-Davidson Rider’s Handbook, assorted wiring diagrams, copy old-style Swansea V5 and current V5C documents.
The ‘flat head’ (sidevalve) Harley-Davidson VL ‘Big Twin’ was announced in July 1929 as a replacement for the inlet-over-exhaust ‘pocket valve’ twins that had been in production since 1911. The twin headlamps, round toolbox and Klaxon horn were carried over from its immediate predecessor, but nearly all of the rest of the bike was new. Harley’s 1930 brochure described the new 74ci machine as ‘standing head and shoulders above all comers, with such startling new features as a 20% more powerful motor with Ricardo removable heads, interchangeable wheels, bigger tires, drop-centre rims, lower riding position, greater road clearance, automatic increase of generator output, drop forged forks, 100% stronger frame, theft proof lock, dual front drive chain, improved clutch, and many other features making the 1930 Big Twin the greatest motorcycle value ever offered.’ Despite its maker’s evident enthusiasm, the model V was far from an instant success. More massively built and heavier than its predecessor, the V lacked top-end power to such an extent that the first examples were recalled for an extensive engine redesign. A larger crankcase accommodating heavier flywheels did the trick and, its problems solved, the 74ci ‘flat head’ went on to win the hearts of Harley enthusiasts everywhere. This example’s ‘VLD’ nomenclature indicates a generator-equipped model fitted with high-compression pistons. Purchased by the vendor’s late uncle in 1965, the machine comes with bill of sale and a letter from the then owner - a Mr A W Adams - stating that it had recorded 65,000 miles when he last rode it in 1944. The Harley was extensively restored during the 1990s, there being sundry related invoices and photographs on file, and is believed not to have been touched since completion. Inherited by the vendor in 2003, the machine is presented in very good condition and offered with old-style buff logbook, expired MoT (1993-94), original Harley-Davidson Rider’s Handbook, assorted wiring diagrams, copy old-style Swansea V5 and current V5C documents.
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