LOT 159
1910 Harley-Davidson 30ci Model 6A Single Engine no. 6741
Estimate: US$85,000 - US$95,000
Lot 159
1910 Harley-Davidson 30ci Model 6A Single Engine no. 6741
The Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction|23 January 2020, 12:30 PST|Las Vegas, Caesar's Entertainment Studios
1910 Harley-Davidson 30ci Model 6A Single
Engine no. 6741
Engine no. 6741
· A most stunning restoration of a very early iconic model
· One of only 334 made
· Larry Wood restoration, early Harley specialist
'By the time Harley-Davidson built the X8 single in 1912 (the Silent Gray Fellow), the company was well on the way to establishing itself as a major motorcycle manufacturer, and the motorcycle was a more refined mode of transportation. The rugged engineering and rigorous development championed by Harley from day one had borne fruit in the form of sprung forks and magneto ignition, and the company wasted no time emphasizing that cubic inches were the key to increased power. The original 1903 Harley had a 24.74ci/405cc engine, rising to 26.8ci/440cc in 1906, and 30ci/494cc in 1909.' (The Ultimate Harley-Davidson Book).
This exquisite Model 6A (magneto ignition and 28-inch wheels) is one of only 334 built by Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1910. All Harley's models totaled only 3,168. Just how many are left 110 years later is a good question without an accurate answer. But it is, indeed, very few.
Harley's primitive F-head motor used atmospheric intake valves for the inlet charge. Using a weak spring, the intake valve was sucked open on the inlet stroke then allowed to close upon the compression-power exhaust stroke, aided by the spring. Equally primitive, it was not until this year, 1910, that there was a method to increase belt tension on the driving leather belt on a Harley-Davidson. It also meant that the rider had to kill the engine to stop the machine, and similarly he (or she) would have had to push start the motorcycle or pedal off to get the engine running. But this single uses a high-tension Bosch DA2 magneto, an option first in 1909, and so finally this simple electric generator would provide enough spark for the ignition. Couple this with the ¾-inch Schebler Model H carburetor and slowly but surely, Harley and others were making their engines much more reliable. First reliability and then speed.
In 1910, finally, a new idler pulley allowed the rider to pedal start the motorcycle but not have any tension on the drive belt. A lever on the left side of the bike allowed tension to be applied to the drive belt, which by then was 1-3/4-inch in width. So, at last a fair sized 'patch of grip.' Also new for 1910, were the-control cables hidden inside the handlebars. It was back in 1907 that Sager Cushion forks were first used on Harley-Davidsons and they continued for the 1910 model year. Comfort and handling for the front; at the rear there was only a sprung leather saddle which certainly did a good job but was substitute for a cushioned seat post or rear suspension yet to come.
This truly excellent example of the era was featured in American Glory 110 Years of Harley-Davidson having been restored to near perfection by famed early motorcycle builder Larry Wood of Edgewater, Florida.
This early Harley single is 'moto sculpture' at its finest.
· One of only 334 made
· Larry Wood restoration, early Harley specialist
'By the time Harley-Davidson built the X8 single in 1912 (the Silent Gray Fellow), the company was well on the way to establishing itself as a major motorcycle manufacturer, and the motorcycle was a more refined mode of transportation. The rugged engineering and rigorous development championed by Harley from day one had borne fruit in the form of sprung forks and magneto ignition, and the company wasted no time emphasizing that cubic inches were the key to increased power. The original 1903 Harley had a 24.74ci/405cc engine, rising to 26.8ci/440cc in 1906, and 30ci/494cc in 1909.' (The Ultimate Harley-Davidson Book).
This exquisite Model 6A (magneto ignition and 28-inch wheels) is one of only 334 built by Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1910. All Harley's models totaled only 3,168. Just how many are left 110 years later is a good question without an accurate answer. But it is, indeed, very few.
Harley's primitive F-head motor used atmospheric intake valves for the inlet charge. Using a weak spring, the intake valve was sucked open on the inlet stroke then allowed to close upon the compression-power exhaust stroke, aided by the spring. Equally primitive, it was not until this year, 1910, that there was a method to increase belt tension on the driving leather belt on a Harley-Davidson. It also meant that the rider had to kill the engine to stop the machine, and similarly he (or she) would have had to push start the motorcycle or pedal off to get the engine running. But this single uses a high-tension Bosch DA2 magneto, an option first in 1909, and so finally this simple electric generator would provide enough spark for the ignition. Couple this with the ¾-inch Schebler Model H carburetor and slowly but surely, Harley and others were making their engines much more reliable. First reliability and then speed.
In 1910, finally, a new idler pulley allowed the rider to pedal start the motorcycle but not have any tension on the drive belt. A lever on the left side of the bike allowed tension to be applied to the drive belt, which by then was 1-3/4-inch in width. So, at last a fair sized 'patch of grip.' Also new for 1910, were the-control cables hidden inside the handlebars. It was back in 1907 that Sager Cushion forks were first used on Harley-Davidsons and they continued for the 1910 model year. Comfort and handling for the front; at the rear there was only a sprung leather saddle which certainly did a good job but was substitute for a cushioned seat post or rear suspension yet to come.
This truly excellent example of the era was featured in American Glory 110 Years of Harley-Davidson having been restored to near perfection by famed early motorcycle builder Larry Wood of Edgewater, Florida.
This early Harley single is 'moto sculpture' at its finest.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the title will be in transit.
Additional information
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