1927 Harley-Davidson 61ci 'Model J' Motorcycle Combination

• Present family ownership since 2012
• First registered in the UK in 2021
• An older restoration
• Requires recommissioning

1909 marked the appearance of Harley-Davidson's first v-twin motorcycle, though it was not until the adoption of mechanically operated inlet valves in 1911 (replacing the 'atmospheric' type inherited from the single) that production really took off. Known by the sobriquet 'pocket valve', this 'F-head' (inlet-over-exhaust) engine - built in 61ci and 74ci capacities (1,000cc and 1,200cc respectively) - would remain in production for the next 20 years. The Harley single's transmission arrangements - direct drive by means of a leather belt - were continued at first on the twin, but the need to make better use of the engine's power characteristics, particularly for sidecar pulling, prompted the introduction of a two-speed rear hub for 1914, by which time chain drive and a proper clutch had been adopted. Later that same year a conventional, three-speed, sliding-gear transmission with 'step starter' was introduced on the top-of-the-range version of the twin which, with full electrical equipment, was listed from now on as the 'Model J'. Periodically revised and up-dated, the 'J' had gained a front brake, stronger fork and pumped lubrication by the time production ceased in 1929.

Imported by a previous owner (date unknown), this Model J was purchased by the vendor's late relative in 2012 but not first registered in the UK until 2021. It was in its current restored condition when purchased but has been unused for many years since. We are advised that the deceased owner had the sidecar manufactured to accommodate family members. It is fitted with a brake but otherwise the sidecar's origin and specification are not known.

It is not known when the machine last ran, and recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent will be required before further use (the engine turns over, with compression). Sold strictly as viewed, the machine comes with a 2012 V62 Application to Register an Imported Vehicle; a 2013 receipt for various electrical works; and a current V5C document. It should be noted that the frame and engine numbers listed suggest that the motorcycle is made up of both Model F and Model J components. Furthermore, the engine number is not an original factory stamping (per the AMCA dating letter); accordingly, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves with regard to the condition, completeness, authenticity and correctness of the machine's components prior to bidding. The machine also comes with a quantity of photocopied parts listings; a photocopied rider's handbook; and keys for the ignition and sidecar boot.