Formerly in the collection of Norman 'Henry Africa' Hobday
1928 Harley-Davidson 21.1ci Model B Single

The Greenwich Auction|31 May 2026, 10:00 EDT|Greenwich

1928 Harley-Davidson 21.1ci Model B Single
Engine no. B11781

21.1ci Side-Valve Single Cylinder
Single Schebler Carburetor
8bhp
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Springer Fork and Hardtail
Front Drum and Rear Band Brake

* Formerly in the collection of Norman "Henry Africa" Hobday
* A longtime fixture of Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker bar in San Francisco
* Has spent decades in climate controlled, static display
* Ready for recommissioning

THE MOTORCYCLE OFFERED

Overseas sales have always been important to Harley-Davidson, which explains the 350cc singles that debuted in 1926. Riders in Great Britain, Europe and Australia, goaded by increased road taxes on larger-capacity machines, were the prime audience, as were fans of lightweight, maneuverable bikes here in the U.S. It also helped that the AMA had just instituted a 21-inch racing division for 350-class machines. For racers or those who wanted spirited road bikes, 12-horsepower overhead-valve 350s were available in limited numbers. These quickly gained the "Peashooter" nickname for their popping exhaust note. Most of the bikes, though, like this nicely restored B-model, ran 8-hp sidevalve-design engines, the B in this case representing battery ignition as opposed to the magneto-equipped A-models.

This particular Harley was part of the collection of Norman Hobday. A Bay Area character, he was known as Henry Africa and operated a number of local watering holes. An astute collector of vintage motorcycles and Tiffany lamps, this bike hung for decades above the bar at his San Francisco bar, Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker's, in SOMA below which countless Irish Coffees were no doubt consumed (including by this cataloger). After his passing in 2011, the motorcycle was sold at Bonhams's 2012 Quail Lodge Sale and entered the collection of the current keeper.

On long term static display since acquisition, it has been decades since this Harley was last actively ridden. Ready for a recommissioning, it will no doubt put a smile on the face of the next owner – whether they are riding it or having a cocktail underneath it.

Saleroom notices

Title in transit

Additional information

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