1918 Harley Davidson Model J Combination

Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Frame No: 659260
Engine No: L18T7271
cc: 1000

Harley Davidson introduced their first F head, or inlet over exhaust engine in 1903 and would remain faithful to the concept until 1929 when the last F head twins left the factory to be replaced for the following season by side valve models. Although the company did employ other valve configurations in the period between 1903 and 1929, Harley's success in the first three decades of their existence was largely due to their faith in a valve configuration that had largely been abandoned by European manufacturers during the pioneer period. In part this adherence to what is often regarded as an obsolete valve configuration came about due to the designs suitability when applied to North American roads. Unlike Europe, where (comparatively) high revving medium displacement engines would run at constantly varying revs, the States long straight roads resulted in engines running at constant revs for sustained periods. Harley Davidson sought and attained reliability through capacity, their first 1000cc twin had been placed on the market in 1912, coupled to low revs and easy maintenance with continual development and refinement improving the product year on year.
The first of the 60.3 cubic inch J series twins appeared in 1915, offering 60 mph performance and the luxury of electric lights. A comprehensive mechanical redesign occurred for the 1920 and was followed by the adoption of a new frame design for 1925 whilst styling and mechanical refinements appeared with each season launch. By 1929 when this example was built, Harley Davidson were fitting a front brake as standard to their machines and offered five versions of the "61" including a specialist sidecar model and a sports variant with narrower tanks and smaller tyres.

This early combination, fitted with a Harley sidecar, is offered in the traditional green with red lining livery and has been restored to high standard. It is equipped with a lighting set and offered with Spanish documentation.