SPRUNG - Harley-Davidson® Springer Enthusiast

HD tidbits from 1947

Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/03/25
Subject: HD tidbits from '47

HD tidbits from '47
[ Is that an HD behind that 'Tombstone'? ]
Enter the 'Tombstone' taillight.

All changes for the year were pretty much universal throughout the
different models: black rubber handles-(plastic optional), black leather
solo seat w/plastic skirt, speedo face lift-(red pointer, gradual
shading, larger numbers), spotlight terminal post, revised circuit
breaker adjustment, and tank emblem-( small red ball with trailing tail
with red HD lettering. Designed by Brooks Stevens, became known as
" speed ball".

This is the last year for the Knucklehead.
[The Knuckle brought many advances in engine and frame technologies that can be seen yet today. For such a short life, it carries a long and
noteworthy legacy. IMHO].

Main Models, (Production #'s):

WL Solo, 45ci, Flathead, (3338), $490

Servi-Cars, 45ci, 3 speed and reverse.
G Servi-Car, w/tow bar, (1307), $710
GA Servi-Car, w/o tow bar, (870), $695

Big-Twins:
Flatheads: (4 speed), $545
U Commercial, 74ci, med-compress, (422)
UL Solo, 74ci, hi-compress, (1243)
US Sidecar Twin, 74ci, med-compress, (1267)

Knuckleheads: OHV, (4 speed)
EL Special Sport Solo, 61ci, hi-compression, (4117), $590
E Solo, 61ci, medium compression, $590
ES Sidecar Twin, 61ci, (237), $590

FL Special Sport Solo, 74ci, hi-compression, (6893), $605
F Solo, 74i, medium compression, $605
FS Sidecar Twin, 74ci, (401), $605

Specialty models:
WL-SP 45ci, w/aluminum heads

Sidecars & Chassis:

LE - Sidecar single passenger
LEC - LE chassis
LS - sidecare for 45ci
LSC - LS chassis
LLE - left hand LE
LLEC- LLE chassis
LLECC left hand chassis, component parts
LLS - left hand LS
LLSC- LLS chassis
M - Side van w/cover
MC - M chassis
LMC- left hand chassis
LMCC left hand chassis, component parts

Option Groups:
Special Solo with hydraulic shock or with ride control, Utility Solo
with hydraulic shock or with ride control, Standard Police with
hydraulic shock or with ride control, Utility for sidecar or package
truck with hydraulic shock or with ride control, Deluxe servicar, Deluxe
Sport sidecar, Utility servicar. [shock absorbers were a Monroe].
Price ranges from $24 to $100.

Paint: Brilliant black, flight red, skyway blue, police silver, olive
green-(export).

MoCo Minutes:
-Capital drive plant is purchased.
-HD largest catalog printed offering more accessories.
-1st year HD black leather jacket is advertised.
-HD and BSA are granted rights to the 125cc DKW.
(This is a spoil of war. The DKW was a German motorcycle.)

Racing:
-Jimmy Chann wins Grand National.
-Babe Tancrede wins Laconia 100-Mile Road Race.

***tidbits taken from various sources.

Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.

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