1917 Harley Davidson

Specifications

Drivetrain: 2-cylinder

Displacement: 30 cu in

Horsepower: 11 hp

Transmission: 3 speed

A Little History

In 1901, William Harley of Milwaukee, age 20, designed plans for a small engine to be used with traditional pedal-bicycle frames. By 1903, with his childhood friend Arthur Davidson and Arthur’s brother Walter, Harley had revised and improved his design to include a bigger engine and an advanced loop-frame pattern similar to the 1903 Milwaukee Merkel motorcycle, a predecessor of the Flying Merkel.

The Design

The present Harley-Davidson Model 11 Twin represents the first year of the three-speed gearbox and primary case clutch. It gained a 37% power increase over the 1914 models because of its larger intake valves and both valve seats being chamfered at 45-degrees rather than the previous 60. Harley-Davidson claimed 29 new refinements in 1915 over its previous year. This Model 11 Twin is in remarkable original condition with original Renault grey paint and pin striping.

Did You Know?

The “hog” nickname for Harley riders originated in 1920, with a team of farm boys who consistently won races. The group was photographed giving the live hog team mascot a drink of soda before the race, and became known as the “hog boys.”