1929 Harley Davidson 747cc model 30-D

• Single family ownership for over 40 years
• Lovely middleweight vintage Harley
• Ride something different on the Banbury Run!

Around the middle of 1926 Harley Davidson saw the need to compete directly with Indian's 600cc (37 cubic inch) Scout. Accordingly, they planned their own new middleweight rival, but these plans were completely upended when Indian launched the larger 750cc (45 cubic inch) Scout in February 1927. Harley were forced back to the drawing board, and their own "45" finally became available only in August 1928. Cost saving had dictated the use of the frame, forks, tanks, brakes etc from their lightweight singles, and this may have been partly responsible for some of the numerous issues that plagued this new model. The 1930 version, released in late 1929, addressed these shortcomings with, amongst many other things, a stronger clutch and a revised frame with more ground clearance.

The motorcycle offered for sale is one of these much-improved 1930 models, manufactured in late 1929 and thought to have been shipped to the Netherlands from new. The vendor thinks that it was probably imported into the UK in the late 1970s. When this machine was built Harley Davidson didn't stamp their frames with numbers, but the DVLA will have required a frame number when the bike was registered here following importation, and it is likely that the frame number listed above and on the accompanying V5C, was taken from the plaque (believed Dutch) which is still riveted to the chaincase.

The vendor tells us that he and his father bought the Harley in the early 1980s, that the engine's bottom end was rebuilt by Fred Warr, and that his father rebuilt the rest of the engine. He says that the headlights, toolbox, and saddle are replica items, and that it was ridden in a couple of Banbury Runs but has seen little use in recent years. It was registered in the vendor's name in March 1995. He believes that the plated components: chaincase etc, may well have been extra cost items from new. The Harley was last started on 30th January this year. Known defects include but are not necessarily limited to: a crack in the rear chainguard, a dented front mudguard, a slight oil leak from the pushrod covers, and a blockage to the right hand petrol tap.

Various old MOT certificates and tax discs are supplied, along with a spare battery, a pair of footboard rubbers, and a selection of books including Johnny Sells' invaluable "Restoration Guide for 1929-1936 HD 45 inch Twins". Recommissioning will be required following a period of limited use. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the motorcycle's completeness and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Sold strictly as viewed. There is a toggle switch for the ignition, but keys are supplied for the lights and toolbox.