Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/03/21
Subject: HD tidbits from '39
HD tidbits from '39
[ Lookin' at ya with Cat's Eyes ]
New for '39 is the more streamline dash with sharp oval indicator
lights, arranged is such away to begat the nickname, "cat's-eye".
Also in the lighting department, was the introduction of the "Boattail"
taillight, the body of which is painted to match the fender.
HD sent (2) WLA 45ci prototypes to Fort Knox, just prior to Germany's
invasion of Poland. The Army solicited 750cc models also from Indian and Delco. HD was also working on 61ci war prototypes.
The Triumph plant was bombed which led to an order in the fall of '39
for 5,000 Solo's from HD.
Universal changes: Stainless steel fender tips, fuel filters with
compression fit bottom feed connection, extra large oil cup on front
brake cable, drain plug on carb bowl, Russet rhino grain leather
saddles, Neoprene covered spark plug cables.
Knuckle and other Big Twin changes: Front piston has 3 rings and rear has 2 with a lower oil control ring, one piece pinion gear shaft, self tapping screws on rocker arm covers, spline fit oil pump and pinion gears, oil pump bypass spring pressure reduced from 10 to 6 pounds, stronger clutch springs, option 3 speed and 3 speed w/revers trannies, voltage regulator for radio equipped bikes, mechanical brake stop lamp switch.
And for one year, neutral is in between 2nd and 3rd gear.
Main Models, (Production #'s):
V-Twins 45ci, 4 speeds, Flatheads:
WL Solo, high compression, (212), $355
WLD Sport Solo, (326) $355
WLDR Competition Special, (173), $380
Servi-Cars, 45ci, 3 speed and reverse.
G Servi-Car, w/tow bar, (320), $515
GA Servi-Car, w/o tow bar, (126), $500
GD Servi-Car Large Compartment, w/o tow bar, (90), $515
GDT Servi-Car Large Compartment, w/ tow bar, (114), $530
Big-Twins:
Flatheads: (4 speed)
U Solo, 74ci, (421), $395
US Sidecar Twin, 74ci, (1327), $395
UL Sport Solo, 74ci, (902), $395
UH Solo, 80ci, med-compression, (92), $415
ULH Special Sport Solo, 80ci, hi-compression, (384), $415
UHS Sidecar, 80ci, med-compression, (109), $415
Knuckleheads: 61ci OHV, (4 speed), $435
EL Special Sport Solo, high compression, (2695)
ES Sidecar, (214)
Specialty models: GE; W, (45ci w/6.8ci head volume); WS , (sidecar
45ci); UMG, (74ci Bosch magneto).
Sidecars & Chassis:
LE - Sidecar single passenger
M - Side van w/cover
MO - Side van w/o cover
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 ($12.50-$47.00).
Paint:
black w/ivory panel,
teak red w/black panel,
Police silver w/black stripe,
airway blue w/white panel.
Racing:
-Ben Campanale wins Daytona 200-Mile expert w/record 76.68
-HD wins National Miniature TT Races.
-Jack Cottrell wins Oakland 200-mile National Speedway on a WLDR.
-Armando Magri takes 2nd at Oakland 200-mile National on a WLDR.
***tidbits taken from various sources.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.
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