Year:  1918

Category:  Privateer Racer

Engine Displacement:  61.02 cubic inches (1000cc)

Horsepower:  17 HP @ 3200 rpm’s

Bore/Stroke:  3.3x3.5 inches

Engine Type:  V2 four-stroke

Head Configuration:  F type

Engine Architecture:  45-degree V-twin

Engine Details:  Inlet over exhaust valve

Fuel system:  Carburetor

Ignition:  Magneto

Final Drive:  Chain

Seat:  Single seat

Dry Weight:  230 pounds (approximate)

Overall length:  51.5 inches

Wheel:  28x2.25 inches Radial spoke

Tires:  28” Firestone white natural rubber

Brakes:  n/a

Clutch:  n/a

Transmission:  n/a

 

This bike is based on the J Model Harley Davidson.  To reduce weight the brakes, clutch, and transmission were eliminated.  They are a direct chain drive that are push started.  Racers were generally factory sponsored in the early days of racing, but if you were not factory sponsored you were known as a “Privateer”.  The paint detail on this bike is based upon a  Privateer racer of the day except for the paint color combination which was not adopted by Harley Davidson until much later.  The white tires are made from natural rubber and were quite popular at the time.  These motorcycles were normally raced on hardwood  racetracks and thus were commonly referred to as “board track racers” and they obtained a top speed of over 100 miles per hour.

 

NOTE:  When this motorcycle was manufactured titling was not required and therefore, because this is as racer no title was ever issued for this motorcycle, so it comes with a Bill of Sale only.