Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/03/14
Subject: HD tidbits from '32
HD tidbits from '32
[ We be 3 WHEELin! ]
Enter the Servi-car.
The 3 wheeled Servi-car was an idea borrowed from the East, which had such a design for 10 years already. It would be used in law enforcement primarily to ticket parking violators. Service stations would utilize the back as a parts bin, but could also use the bike as a "tow truck".
Of course, corporate delivery would utilize them as well. The automobile style rear end had a tire track of 3' 6" wide.
HD was feeling the full effect of the depression by now. Exports totalled 1,974, [no doubt, a life preserver for HD in the black sea].
The new generation of Harley and Davidsons would have their hands full in providing input to keep HD afloat.
The Model D was replaced by the Model R.
While very much an identical type motorcycle series, the engine for the Model R would see a mass overhaul. For one, the generator was mounted horizontally in front of the engine, leading to the nickname, "The three cylinder Harley".
Amoungst some 35 additions, changes, updates, ..etc were; valves, cylinders, baffles, flywheels, crankcases, pistons, rings, connecting rods, covers, oil pump, oiling, clutch, throw-out bearing, chainguard, gas strainer, Linkert carb, downtube, muffler and heavier forks.
Returning is the Model B. While the B was available as a specialty model during it's off years, it returned to the line up in '32 with a 21ci flathead single.
Main Models, (Production #'s), 3 speeds, Flatheads:
32-B Solo, 21ci, flathead, (535), $195
32-C Solo, 30.5ci, flathead, (213), $235
V-Twins 45ci, $295:
32-R Solo, low compression, (410)
32-RL Sport Solo, high compression, (628)
32-RS Sidecar Twin, low compression, (111)
32-RLD Special Sport Solo, high compression, (98) $310
Servi-Cars, 45ci, $450
32-G Servi-Car, w/tow bar, (and GA, 219)
32-GA Servi-Car, w/o tow bar
32-GD Servi-Car Large Compartment, w/o tow bar, (36)
32-GE Servi-Car Large Compartment, w/air tank, (5)
V-Twins 74ci, $320:
32-V Solo, medium compression, (478)
32-VL Sport Solo, high compression, (2,684)
32-VS Sidecar Twin, medium compression, (1,233)
32-VC Commercial, low compression, (239)
Specialty models CC, CR, CS, (327).
Sidecars & Chassis:
32-LC - chassis for LT
32-MC - chassis for M's
32-LT - single passenger w/o apron
32-LS - Sidecar for 45ci
32-M - Package Truck
32-MO - Package Truck w/o cover
32-Q - chassis for QT
32-QT - 2 passenger
(other various Package Truck models: MW, MXP, MWC, MWP, MT - differences being in width, screens or panels), MNP-Newspaper, MDC-Dryers/cleaners.
The following were available as body only - LT, LS, QT, M, MO, MXP, MDC, MT, MNP, MW, MWP.
Options: Various Balloon Cord tires, 80 or 100 MPH or special Police
speedo, jiffy stand, luggage carrier, Tandem seat, passenger pegs,
winter windshield, hand clutch-(C & D), front stand, left foot clutch,
speedo light, air cleaner, Model D hi-performance kit, fancy dual
ignition keys, solo bars, scroll work and decals for tank, ride control
on forks.
Paint:
Olive Green w/vermilion broad stripe, edged in maroon w/gold center
pinstripe. Also available at extra cost:
Deft blue and turquoise, vermillion w/gold striping;
Vermilion and black, white w/gold striping;
police blue and cream, police blue or delft blue w/gold striping.
MoCo minutes:
- operating loss now at $321,670.
- Alfred Rich Child, the Japanese sales rep, sells for $32,320, the
blueprints, tool and dies and machinery to Sankyo to produce HD
motorcycles under the name 'Rikuo', (which translates to "King of the
Road). Royalty's were to be paid to HD.
Note: The Japanese would ride the Rikuo RTII in WWII.
Racing:
Joe Petrali win National Hill Climb.
HD wins Daytona Grand National.
***tidbits taken from various sources.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.
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