SPRUNG - Harley-Davidson® Springer Enthusiast

HD tidbits from 1914

Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/03/05
Subject: HD tidbits from '14

HD tidbits from '14

HD developes a 2 speed tranny to try and compete once again in racing.
Norton's 2 speed was eating them up. HD would lose more races in 1914 because of engine and drive train failures. William Ottaway was hired to manage HD racing department.

Their biggest sales competitors were George Hendee of Indian, Ignatz
Schwinn of Excelesior, the Henderson brothers of inline 4'rs, and Henry
Ford making automobiles. (The inline 4's were more smooth and powerful, but lacked the reliability of the slower reving V-twins).

Starting could now be accomplished by 'stepping' on either pedal, (the
original kick start).

Main models, (production #'s):

10-A 35ci-Single, w/belt drive, (316), $200

10-B 35ci-Single, w/chain drive, (2,034), $210

10-C 35ci-Single, w/chain drive, 2 speed, (877), $245

10-E 61ci-V-Twin, w/chain drive, (5,055), $250

10-F 61ci-V-Twin, w/chain drive, 2 speed, (7,956), $285

10-G Delivery Van: 61ci, w/2 speed rear hub, (171).

Options: tank transfers w/red or gold centers, tank lettering gold w/red
outline or red w/gold outline. Schebler Model H carb.
Acetylene lighting, 26" wheels, chain drive, belt drive, metal tube for
speedo gearing, large canister for lighting, (mounted by rear wheel),
Troxel saddles, US Studded or Goodyear tires.

Paint: Renault gray w/broad red striping edged in black w/gold center
pinstripe; or at extra cost, (broad gray, dark gray, black or dark blue
striping) each edged in red w/gold center stripe.

F-head singles: Step starter system, tapered cyclinder bores w/straight
pistons, concentric piston rings, carberator choke, clutch pedal, HD
brand brakes, (except on model 10A), 2 piece telescopic enclosure for
exhaust valves, 1 piece connecting rods, Fender= 4.5", footboards,
internal expanding rear brake bands.

F-head V-twins: step starter, nine-lug crankcase, clutch pedal, 4.5"
fender, folding footboards, concentric pistion rings, HD brand brakes,
mechanically operated rotary relief valve, (for one year-2 speed rear
hub on 10-F).

MoCo minutes:
-Sales up to $16,284
-sixth floor added, (total square footage now = 297,110)
-First traffic light is in Clevaland, OH, at 105th & Euclid. It has a
green light, a red light, and buzzers.
-HD orders 2,500 sidecars from Rogers Compnay.
-By now, 4,800 motorcycles were purchased for mail service.

Racing: HD wins One Hour National Championship in Birmingham, Al.
Walter Cunningham places 2nd in 300 mile Dodge City Classic on an 11-K, (it's debut).

***tidbits taken from various sources.

Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.

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