Dan Rognvoog (a.k.a. Cabana Dan) belongs to this category of non-professional builders who spends all his free time building and tinkering in his personal workshop. Each year, he completes a new project whose quality is such that you would swear it comes for an household name custom builder.
His passion is for vintage motorcycles that he restores or that he uses as inspiration for modern creations. A few years ago, he fell in love for a vintage looking sidecar built by Arlen Ness from new parts. So, he went to see him, asked him advice on how to build this type of machine and eventually decided to build a Harley Package Truck, not to be confused with a Harley Motorcycle Truck.
After a test with the US postal service during 2-year run (1913-1914), Harley produced the Motorcycle Truck featuring a dual front wheel with container (550 lbs capacity) front of the rider mounted between the 2 wheels. Then the company canceled production of the Motorcycle Truck replaced in 1915 by the Package Truck for the commercial market, using first a sidecar chassis in which a cargo was installed. The Package Truck was an immediate success for Harley because it was much cheaper to buy and operate than an automobile and it was easy for the owner to remove the cargo for personal use of the motorcycle during weekends. A success that will last 42 years until production ceased in 1957.
Rognwood is a true passionate about the bygone days of motorcycling, and although all parts are new (except a 20’s Klaxon horn), his modern Harley Package Truck respects the lines of those used in the 10’s and 20’s. For motor, as Ness recommended to him, he used the motor and driveline of a 2003 Sportster 1200. Rognwood fabricated the whole chassis, the front end, gas tank, both fenders and of course the container on which, like it was done the past, he advertises his name and phone number. I wish we could see again many of the original Harley Package Trucks in the streets of big cities. Most containers were very customized and quite funny. Maybe you will see this one, but probably only at the location of a rally or bike show. Dan Rognswoog may be contacted at 262-909-6937 or cabanadanscustoms@gmail.com (Photography copyright Colleen Swartz for Cyril Huze)
Very cool! Great to see the creations and builds from the non pro builders that use their own resources and skills!
What’s not to like about this beauty!
Cantrell
Love it.
Something different. Well done.
A beautiful creation in every sense. The choice of engine really balances the design.
How does it ride, turn? But very nice.
Good find, Cyril.
VERY NICE!
I am an old guy that grew up in the “Big City”. Despite this being built until 1957, I do not remember ever seeing one. Cyril, posters…does anyone have a photo of one of the originals?
The way UPS should deliver my stuff!
Good lookin’ rig. Very tastefully done
Richard,
I just Googled “harley package delivery sidecar” under images and got quite a few photos of originals.
I recall San Diego Harley’s sidecar rig for hauling other bikes at the old downtown shop where you had to watch your step through the oil puddles. Good times.
Googling “Harley package delivery sidecar” under images turns up some pix.
One looks like the bike tow rig I saw in the old San Diego Harley shop in the sixties on the oil-slick showroom floor.
Cabana Dan – check out “Ghostruck”. If you are familiar with the Uber car service, these guys do a similar service for moving stuff. Clever way to pay for your next project?
http://ghostruck.com/
Well Dan!
STSN….Thanks! I found three examples. Also, Cyril e-mailed me pictures of a couple. I don’t know why I don’t remember these….it must be old age setting in. Thanks again to you and Cyril (or the nice lady that works for him with whom I have previously talked ).
Its a custom built delivery sidecar ! Whats not to love ?
Two thumbs up … from stem to stern .
PS ; If I may Cyril & Co . More sidecar [ any and all styles … new or old .. custom or manufactured ] articles …….. please ?
Great guy, Great Bike, Great Builder, Great Hamster!
Vice nice, very nice, indeed!!!!!
Awesome build, such a refreshing change from what we so often see here. Steering should be as well as any similar sidecar bike, and dependant on how the outboard wheel is set up. This type of period vehicle is almost forgotten, but really was common in it’s day. The founder of my local dealership would deliver new bikes and pick up ones for service with a sidehack type bike. Love it!
Seriously cool! Absolutely love it, well done!
Ah yes, “… oil-slick showroom floor(s)…” in a converted warehouse or an old barn.
Brings back memories & puts a smile on old faces…… 🙂
Nice to see garage building (the orig9nis of the industry) hasn’t completely gone completely out of style. Thanks Dan.
-nicker-
Remember seeing Dan and this bike at the Donny Smith bike show and swap meet in St Paul/Minneapolis. Great guy and awesome work on this beauty.
I like it a lot! Great job Dan.
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