Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/03/20
Subject: HD tidbits from '38
HD tidbits from '38
The 45's got the improvements that the Knuckle had brought to the table. More detail would not be placed on the small twin, because of the
popularity of Indian's Sport Scout. [Lee might have more on this.].
Class C became the prominent racing category. Since Class C was amateur, racers were expected to ride up to the race on their motorcycle, and strip off all the unnecessary lights and accessories.
HD's WLDR was the closest thing they had to a racing bike, so it featured higher compression and larger valves. A large amount of credit goes to a San Jose Harley dealer named Tom Sifton, for his contributions in tuning, resolving problems such as lubrication, breathing and overheating.
WLDR 1939 specs: 45.32 ci, (746.33cc), 27hp, Linkert carb, duplex
primary, single downtube, 56.5" wheelbase, 3.5 gallon tank, 390lbs,
85mph.
Universal changes: Shaved timing gears, analog oil and generator indicators replaced by lights, Zerk-Alemite grease fittings, 2mph hash marks on speedo's, black horn brackets, optional round chrome air cleaner w/four "J" slots, and new for this year - ALL motorcycles MUST be ordered with one of the "Option" packages.
Big Twin changes: Steering head redesigned with a lower self-aligning
head cone having a convex base. strengthened frames, Rex-Hide front
brake linings, "Parkerized" nuts and bolts, cadmium plated timer cover.
Main Models, (Production #'s):
V-Twins 45ci, 4 speeds, Flatheads:
WL Solo, high compression, (309), $355
WLD Special Sport Solo, (402) $355
WLDR Competition Special, (139), $380
Servi-Cars, 45ci, 3 speed and reverse.
G Servi-Car, w/tow bar, (259), $515
GA Servi-Car, w/o tow bar, (83), $500
GD Servi-Car Large Compartment, w/o tow bar, (81), $515
GDT Servi-Car Large Compartment, w/ tow bar, (102), $530
Big-Twins:
Flatheads: (4 speed)
U Solo, 74ci, (504), $395
US Sidecar Twin, 74ci, (1193), $395
UL Special Sport Solo, 74ci, (1099), $395
UH Solo, 80ci, med-compression, (108), $415
ULH Special Sport Solo, 80ci, hi-compression, (579), $415
UHS Sidecar, 80ci, med-compression, (132), $415
Knuckleheads: 61ci OHV, (4 speed), $435
EL Special Sport Solo, high compression, (2289)
ES Sidecar, (189)
Specialty models: GE; W, (45ci w/6.8ci head volume); WS , (sidecar
45ci); 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
"Options": Accessories are sold in groups: You got your Standard Solo, Deluxe Solo, Standard Police, Standard Servicar, Deluxe Servicar, (G/GA or GD/GDT), Standard Sport Sidecars, Deluxe Sport Sidecars, Standard for sidecar or package truck, and your Deluxe Truck Group. Prices range from ($14.25-$54.00).
Paint:
Hollywood Green w/gold stripe & black edge,
teak red w/black stripe & gold edge,
Silver tan w/sunshite blue stripe & gold edge,
Police silver w/black stripe,
venitian blue w/white stripe & burnt orange edge,
olive green w/black stripe & gold edge, (export).
MoCo minutes:
-The AMA sanctions Black Hill Rally in Sturgis.
-CHiPs installs radio receivers on their HD's, [now meeting for donuts
is a LOT easier].
Racing:
-Ben Campanale wins Daytona 200-Mile expert w/record 73.99mph.
-Joe Petrali wins National Hill Climb, then retires from HD to work for
Howard Hughes.
-Sam Arena wins 200-Mile National Speedway w/record 83mph.
-HD wins National Miniature TT Races.
***tidbits taken from various sources.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.
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