1910 Harley-Davidson 494cc Model 6A

• Ultra-rare early single cylinder
• Pioneer Certificate
• Superbly restored
• Pioneer and Banbury Run eligible

Apart from beer, Milwaukee's most famous product is the Harley Davidson motorcycle, which was first made by William Harley and Arthur Davidson. Starting in 1901, it took them two years to make their first machine, and another year to make a larger engine and improve the design. The first 'production' machines appeared in 1905, and sold in only small numbers, but the journey had begun and, with two other Davidson brothers on board, manufacture of the bikes was improved and increased. Initial models were powered by single-cylinder engines, and it wasn't until 1909 that the first V-twin engine appeared, setting the scene for future Harleys. In 1910 the model range reverted to single cylinder models only, the twin cylinder returning in 1911. V-twins became a fixture of the Harley Davidson range in subsequent years, but the original singles remained the backbone of the model range until 1915, when the twins began to out-number them.

In 1910 the model range comprised five models, the 6, 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6E. All were the same 30 cu. in. (494cc) capacity, and all had the same F-head cylinder with automatic inlet valve, although they varied in terms of ignition type and wheel sizes. All models were rated at 4 horsepower. The two most expensive models were the 6E Stock Racer, and the Model 6A – fitted with a Bosch DA2 magneto and 28-inch wheels. A total of 3168 machines were manufactured in 1910, of which only 334 were the 6A model.

Our private vendor purchased BF 7659 in 2015 from a seller in California. He had owned the machine for approximately 25 years after purchasing this and other early Harleys from Dale Gamal of Ohio, who had been the custodian of the bike since World War II. He restored BF 7659, which was almost completely original, and ultimately sold it to our vendor. It is fitted with correct period accessories such as the Jones 50 mph speedometer, an EA Klaxon air horn, an Old Sol carbide headlamp, and the tyre inflater. The standard of restoration can only be described as breathtaking; the superb paintwork is the traditional Harley Davidson Grey of the period, with Carmine striping. It has matching cylinder barrel and crankcase numbers, and the correct Schebler carburettor. After importing the Harley from the USA, the vendor recommissioned it, registered it with the DVLA, and subsequently registered it with the Sunbeam motorcycle club in 2017, gaining a Pioneer certificate. It is described as being fully operational, as reference to the video on our website will attest.
Documentation comprises a current V5C, the Sunbeam MCC certificate, import documentation, a dating certificate, a copy sales brochure, and sundry papers.
Key not required