Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/04/03
Subject: HD tidbits from '52
HD tidbits from '52
[ It's ELF'n magic, K? ]
1952 saw the introduction of the foot shift.
Riders would compliment
it's ease in riding in traffic, while some geezers would
find it hard to
get used to, (after all, hand shift is how cars worked).
The hand clutch was outfitted with a leverage booster which
was
nicknamed the "mouse trap".
The Pan's are now only offered in the high
compression configuration,
plus, this is the last year for the 61ci, (the F-Series being
far more
popular now), making the ELF-61ci-Pan-Footshift a rare model.
Difficulties with dirty oil clogging filters was addressed
by the
addition of a check valve and screen, which lasted until
the screen was
clogged. Placement of the 1953 lifters would resolve this.
The K Model is introduced in this year.
Like the W, (which came from the R, which came from the D
introduced in 1929, it was a 45ci Flathead). But this
bike had significant other changes. First, it has many
features which make it look like early Sportsters, especially
with the integrated engine and gearbox. Second, it was
the first model to have rear forks, (aka..automotive
style shocks), thus the intro of the swingarm. Too bad
it's performance was less than impressive by the growing
standard.
K specs: 45.32ci, (742.66cc), 6:1 compression,
30hp, Linkert carb, duplex chain primary, hydraulic spring
front and rear forks, 4.5 gallon fuel, 3 qt oil, 80mph.
It featured primary drive on the left, and final on the
right. The aluminum cylinder heads were removable. Aluminum pistons
and four cams and enclosed oil pump. Centered fill cap,
folding pegs, rubber mounted handlebars, drum cast rear
brake and black enamel frame.
Main Models, (Production #'s):
S Lightweight, 125cc single Flathead, 3 speed,
(4576)
K Sport, 45ci Flathead, 4 speed, (1970),
$865
Servi-Cars, 45ci Flatheads, 3 speed and reverse.
G Servi-Car, w/tow bar, (515), $1,175
GA Servi-Car, w/o tow bar, (532), $1,160
Panheads: OHV, 4 speed, (production #'s):
61ci: $955
EL Sport Solo, (918)
ELS Sidecar Twin
ELF Sport Solo, foot-shift
74ci: $970
FL Sport Solo, (5554)
FLS Sidecar Twin
FLF Sport Solo, foot-shift
Specialty Models, (Flatheads):
WLS Sidecar Twin, 45ci
KR Racer, 45ci, (17)
KRTT Racer, 45ci, TT racer
Sidecar and Chassis:
LE - right hand sidecar
M - Package Truck w/cover
MC - chassis for M
Paint:
Brilliant black, persian red, rio blue, tropical green, police
silver.
At extra cost - marine blue metallic, white, bronco brown
metallic.
S - persian red, tropical green, rio blue,
(extra cost is marine blue
metallic).
K - black, rio blue, persian red, (extra
cost is bronco bronze
metallic).
Options:
Deluxe Solo, Utility Solo, Standard Police, Utility for servicar,
Deluxe
for K, Deluxe servicar, Deluxe sidecar.
Other Panhead changes:
Revised wishbone frame with inverted "U"-shaped
toolbox brackets,
quieter muffler, partial chain cutaway recess in rear fender.
MoCo Minutes:
-The Model K is the only motorcycle on which Hollywood stars
are insured on, as it can not go as fast as the others.
Tidbits taken from various sources. Exceptions
may apply.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.
