SPRUNG - Harley-Davidson® Springer Enthusiast

HD tidbits from 1937

Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/03/20
Subject: HD tidbits from '37

HD tidbits from '37

In 1937 the R Series became the W Series, and the V series became the U series, (which got the doubledown tube). Although pretty much the same models, they incorporate enough of the Knucklehead technologies to be redesignated.

The rest of the line up receives the same oil system and gas tank dash as the Knuckle. The 74 & 80's get the horseshoe oil tank, but the others still have the oil tanks as the right side of the 'fuel' tank, (no seperate oil tank).

The speedometer includes tripometers, and is 120mph on all except the
Servicars which are 100mph, (they are all made by Stewart-Warner).

The 45ci gets the patents decal placed ON the toolbox, while the 61ci
decal is removed from the toolbox. The 61 also gets a balancing spring
added to the clutch release pedal, (as well as the changes mentioned in
the '36 post).

The 74ci & 80ci get the 61's 4 speed tranny, and the Servicar brakes on
each rear wheel. The Servicar also gets the patent decal on the toolbox,
large hub caps, stronger brake lock.

The 45, 74, 80 and servicars get an upright ignition timer with chrome
cover.

Main Models, (Production #'s):

V-Twins 45ci, 3 speeds, Flatheads:
W Solo, low compression, (509), $355
WL Solo, high compression, (560), $355
WLD Special Sport Solo, (581) $355
WS Sidecar Twin, low compression, (232), $355
WLDR Competition Special, (145), $380

Servi-Cars, 45ci, 3 speed and reverse.
G Servi-Car, w/tow bar, (491), $515
GA Servi-Car, w/o tow bar, (55), $500
GD Servi-Car Large Compartment, w/o tow bar, (112), $515
GE Servi-Car Large Compartment, w/air tank, (22), $570
GDT Servi-Car Large Compartment, w/ tow bar, (136), $530

Big-Twins:
Flatheads: (4 speed)
U Solo, 74ci, (612), $395
US Sidecar Twin, 74ci, (1,080), $395
UL Special Sport Solo, 74ci, (2,861), $395

UH Solo, 80ci, med-compression, (185), $415
ULH Sport Solo, 80ci, hi-compression, (1,513), $415
UHS Sidecar, 80ci, med-compression, (400), $415

Knuckleheads: 61ci OHV, (4 speed), $435
EL Special Sport Solo, high compression, (1,829)
E Solo, medium compression, (126)
ES Sidecar, high compression, (70)

Specialty models: WSR, (45ci Japan export); UMG, (74ci Bosch magneto).

Sidecars & Chassis:

LE - Sidecar for 61ci, 74ci, 80ci
LS - Sidecar for 45ci
MC - chassis for M's
M - Side van w/cover
MO - Side van w/o cover
LEC- chassis for LE
LSC- chassis for LS
MC - chassis for M

The following were available as body only - LE, M, MO.

Options: Accessories are sold in groups: You got your
Standard Solo, Deluxe Solo, Standard Police, Deluxe Police, Standard
Servicar, Deluxe Servicar, Standard Sport Sidecars, Deluxe Sport
Sidecars, and your Deluxe Truck Group. Prices range from
$21.90-(standard) to $83.50-(deluxe police).

Paint:
Olive Green w/black stripe & gold edge,
teak red w/black stripe & gold edge,
bronze brown w/blue stripe & gold edge,
Police silver w/black stripe & gold edge,
delphine blue w/tead red stripe & gold edge.

MoCo minutes:
-William H Davidson named VP.
-4/21/37, William A. Davidson, Production Head, dies.
-Actor Clark Gable buys a model UL, [oh boy! Now HD is famous.].

Racing:
[HD friggin EXPLODES on the scene w/Knuckles].

Joe Petrali on a Model EL alcohol/benzoyl burning twin carb Knuckle,
blasts new World Speed Record w/136.183 mph at Daytona.
[That is fast. This is REAL fast in the sand!]

Joe Petrali wins National Hill Climbing.

***tidbits taken from various sources.

Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.

[home]