No, I didn’t find an illegal way to access Harley-Davidson archives. And if it was the case, of course I would not tell you. But I am excited (and you are going to be too) by the fact that you can read online a lot of letters (dating back from the beginning of last century) sent by the Milwaukee factory to his dealers and customers. How is it possible? Because people like motorcycle journalist Charlie Lecach are searching all the time everything and anything having a potential historic and collector value. And Charlie has decided to share with you his collection of Harley literature in a new site called Hardavmocy. Strange name until you find out that hardavmocy (it stands for “Harley-Davidson Motor Cycles") was the cable address of the Motor Factory. Have a beer, sit back and relax and read some of these letters. I did and learned a lot. Charlie tells me that he is also about to upload vintage racing pictures, memorabilia, listings of Harley pilots and even old movies that you never seen before. I can’t wait. Hardavmocy Website.
Pretty cool. Thank you for sharing.
Charlie,
Thank you for sharing these fasinating documents. Most enthusiasts are not exposed to this form of first line history due to the expense and rarity. Most paper collections are tucked away in the owners closet only to be seen at his estate liquidation. I’m looking forward your future additions to this great site. Thanks again.
John K. Endrizzi
Great find. Definitely bookmarked.
thanks for the info will like this site all ready and have not been there
I’m looking for a copy of a Harley magazine from the 1920’s. On the cover was my father Stanley Turko along with my aunt Vig. My mother had it until she had to sell her house, and move into a nurseing home. My older sister was given all of her things, but some how she lost this copy. I would like to have at least a picture of the cover if anyone has one.
would like to know what stock colors were available for the 79 sporster xlh thanks
Hi,
Can the Enthusiast archives still be accessed free through Hardavmocy. I get a “forbidden” message when I try the link. I am trying to find access to issues from 1916.
Thanks.
I have a small twin left side crankcase. I has a serial number FWD36 on the boss with an “M” stamped on the case at the end. I have not been able to find a reference to this number. Can you help me identify this case?
Lyle
would like to know about springer casting numbers on a old fork TC-20 TF A 14, right rocker SC4A, left rocker SC3A any Information would be helffull thanksTed
Interested in anyone who knows about 95th seals for 98 anni. additlion springer.
Hi there
Do you have any information on the Engine dating of the 1926/1927 and 1928 Single models ie BA 23456
for an example
My bikes show BA then number but NO YEAR date ie26BA etc.
I came across two sidevalve bikes with engine nubers such as 28R then number
All of my info fails to show a R model for singles in that period
Also do you no what date Harley made statioary motors
Your advice would be appreciated
Norm Hart Western Australia
second query do you know the production numbers of 1929 1928 JDF Models
I cant find that info any where either
Many thanks Norm Hart
Norm
Do you have the Harley-Davidson Data Book by Rick Conner as it has a bit of the production info in it. It was distributed by Motorbooks International for one but I do not know if it is still in release?
It states/shows no 1928 JDF but does show a 1929 JDF but with no production quantity numbers listed only stating under specialty models the following;
“29JDF: 74 CI V-twin with two unit system”
In regards to your 1926 and 1927 single models question a Harley archive reference with assistance from Conrad Schemmer states/shows that the 1926 and 1927 single model flatheads and BA ohv single model did not have the two digit year designation as a prefix to the B12345 vin example for instance as it, the two digit year prefix started in 1928 for the single models as far as I can tell with the exception of the 1926 and 1927 S and SA single OHV factory racer models.
I have 1926 and 1927 B single flathead model bikes and they reflect same with no two digit year prefix in front of the letter model designate so that seems to correspond and those years single belly numbers also do not have a two digit year prefix. My 1927 B single reflects this in vin number B 8**** for example.
I do also have a 1927s single HD factory racer model the shows the two year prefix so that is an exception as I have seen same on museum racers, i.e., S and SA models. 1927S 5*** , with 500 series supposebly the racer designate series sequence of those models.
Further to the Data Book referenced above; info it shows the following production quantities for 1926 and 1927 single B and BA production quantites for instance.
1926 B single flathead model production quantity 5,979
1926 BA single OHV model production quantity 515
1927 B single flathead model production quantity 3711
1927BA single OHV model production quantity 481
Thus/again my 1927 B single flathead model with vin number B 8**** is a 1927 model for instance.
Hope this helps
Grayhawk
Thanks to Grayhawk You confirm what I had thought.
However have you seen in a Harley sidevalve with an engine number of 28R23…etc
I have seen one on ebay and the other in a friends shed
Both bikes sure looked like a B model. of 1926 or 1927
Also I asked about production of a 1928/1929 JDF
Sorry this should have been Model JDH
I look forward to your reply
Many thanks Norm
Is the sidevalve you refer to a single or twin, as far as I know the only R models were 45 twins that followed the D, DL, vertical generator twin series etc. but their, the D series, first year was 1929, the R models ran from 1932 to 1936.
Does it, your 28R motor have an industrial shaft coming out of the case half for drive as it may be for a pump drive or other industrial use and not motorcycle. for instance I have a 20’s Indian Prince single cylinder motor with a WM prefix that is an identical; motor wise to my 26 Prince but is an industrial use Indian single cylinder motor and that also would be my guess on your 28r if its a single HD or someone had buggered the numbers, etc.
In respect to your 28/29 JDH production numbers they list the JDH models in 28/29 years in the data book that I have found references of but do not breakout separate production quantity numbers for JDH separatley as they were JD’s with the 2 cam shaft motors and different trim out; pretty rare and the so called performance JD not counting the 8 valve of course.
The book; Harley and Indians Wars, has a pretty good write up on the JDH but no production quantities?
Dale at WTT follows this blog site and he may shed some light on JDH and he has the museum/ website out of Maggie Valley.
If I find something in my references for the JDH productions I will post it, good hunting.
Hello again Norm, when in doubt just google it, 1929 harley davidson JDH, as per an auction listing; Motorbase it said less than 100 produced??
Hi to Grayhawk
I sent a message yesterday but it appears it did not go through
The two 28R models I believe may have been B models and that the photos did not clearly show the bottom of the lettter B
Both motors were in complete bikes
I have a 1930BA Model engine in a frame etc but it has 1926/7 forks
I now have the later forks
Finding parts in Australia is not easy
Anyway again thanks for info If you do get further news on the JDH models I would be
please to receive it
Best wishes from the South West of Western Australia Norm
I am looking for info on fiberglass sidecar bodies that look like the metal ones. have found some articles that HD made these for around 3 years and that most were sold to police depart. in northeast us and canada. I have one and found a number stamped on the frame that looks like 69-1040. not doing very good getting info about these.
Thanks
I am looking for a list with pictures and dates of all the steins and decanters that have been officially sanctioned by Harley-Davidson. Thanks – Merle in Iwa
hello. I write from Spain Madrid. I would like to know some information on this model. how many were manufactured. some picture. I have a Harley TT ROAD RACER 1927 factory, nº motor 27 S 508.
regards
Manuel