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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 28 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 updated, the 'J' had gained a front brake, stronger fork and pumped lubrication by the time production ceased in 1929. For the final two years of production a more powerful twin-cam model was offered alongside the long-established single-cam type.

The Harley-Davidson Model J was widely exported and this example carries a plaque which appears to refer to previous ownership/registration in Sweden. Approximately translated it reads:

Registration: W 989
Owner: Karl Gudmundsäter
Residence: Högstrand
Home district: Transtrand (Dalarna, Sweden)

Offered from a private collection in Amsterdam, the Harley carries Netherlands registration dating to November 2005, and according to the owner underwent a full restoration in that country: "The machine was disassembled and all mechanical components inspected, cleaned and overhauled, following which it was reassembled retaining original components wherever possible." The Coach Maroon paintwork is said to be a factory option offered alongside the traditional Olive Green. Other notable features include leather saddlebags; a Harley-Davidson Johns-Manville Model 210-AA 'km/h' speedometer complete with inspection light; a Harley-Davidson Model 2 rear light; and a Klaxon horn.

Matching the engine, this example's frame number was almost certainly stamped by a past owner to satisfy licensing, sale, insurance or customs requirements. A lovely older restoration (the engine turns over with compression), the machine is offered with Netherlands registration papers recording the date of first registration as 30th June 1928.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
Offered with key