LOT 427 *N
The Hans Schifferle Collection 1956 Harley-Davidson 55ci Model KH Registration no. not registered Frame no. M709861701RM Engine no. 56KH2378
The Hans Schifferle Collection, 1956 Harley-Davidson 55ci Model KHRegistration no. not registered Frame no. M709861701RM Engine no. 56KH2378
The Hans Schifferle Collection
1956 Harley-Davidson 55ci Model KH
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. M709861701RM
Engine no. 56KH2378
1956 Harley-Davidson 55ci Model KH
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. M709861701RM
Engine no. 56KH2378
• Purchased circa 2017
• 3,178 miles since restoration
Introduced in 1952, the 45ci (750cc) Model K effectively replaced the long-running WL that had done such sterling work during WW2 as the WLD. The Model K would turn out to be Harley's final 'flat head'. Almost a complete break with the past, the K adopted many ideas from Europe: unitary construction of engine/transmission; swinging-arm rear suspension; and foot operated gear change and hand clutch, but despite better handling than its similar-sized predecessor, proved little faster. Not so the racing KR that it inspired. Harley-Davidson had not won the prestigious Daytona Beach race since WW2, so the KR's winning debut there in 1953 was greeted with intense relief back in Milwaukee. BSA struck back the following year, but for the next seven events it would be a Harley in the winner's circle. In 1953, five AMA Class C flat track national events were won, and in 1954 KR racers won 13 of 18 races. On flat tracks the KR raced with a rigid rear end, retaining the swinging arm for circuit races such as the Daytona 200.
The Model K roadster continued in the line-up until the end of 1956, from 1954 onwards as the heavily revised and much improved 55ci (900cc) KH. For the latter, almost every engine component was upgraded; the crankcase strengthened; the clutch beefed up; and the frame modified for better handling. Although the KH street bike lasted for only a couple of years, the racer ran on successfully well into the 1960s; indeed, its final Daytona victory in 1969 was the KR's 12th at the Florida track. The KH was one of the many Harley-Davidsons model types owned by Elvis Presley.
Beautifully presented in Ocean Blue, this KH was purchased circa 2017 from a Turin-based collector and has covered only 3,178 miles since restoration. KHs commonly have wet-sumping problems but this example is said to have been configured correctly. Accompanying documentation consists of German registration papers; old ASI papers; expired TüV (MoT) certificate; and assorted correspondence.
Footnotes
* Import VAT Low Rate
Import tax at the reduced rate of 5% of the Hammer Price and Buyers Premium will apply should the lot remain in the UK.
N (NOVA): This lot is subject to a fee of £125 + VAT payable by the Buyer, to undertake the relevant NOVA and C88 (Customs) clearance applications. Please see the Conditions of Sale for further information.
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 ASI paper mentioned in the description is in fact an ACI (Automobil Club d'Italia) document.
Additional information
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Lot symbols
| * | Import low rate |
| VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. | |
| N | NOVA declaration |
| If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice. |
