Harley-Davidson Motorcyke- 1918

Harley- Davidson (H-D) started by making motorized bicycles in 1901. By 1904, after testing, they moved on to a bigger engine and loop-frame design that took it out of the motorized bicycle category and down the road to succeeding motorcycle designs. By 1917, they were a very successful company, producing over 20,000 motorcycles for the U.S. military.

It was during this time, in 1917, when H-D launched a line of bicycles. Primarily it was an attempt to form a patronage with the youth at the time. The brand, styling them after their motorcycles, focused on quality and dependability. They came painted in the “soldier color” of olive drab and advertised as “a true brother to the Harley-Davidson.” The bicycles were built for H-D in Dayton, Ohio by the Davis Machine Company, which also made bicycles for H-D’s primary competitor, Indian. The bicycles never took off for H-D, and because of discouraging sales H-D, discontinued bicycle production in 1923.

The bicycle you see here is a rare, fully restored, 1918 Harley-Davidson Motorcyke, Model 418, with “Shelby Motorbike Handlebars” and kerosene “Solar Bicycle Gas Lamp”. The Motorcyke was one of six models offered by H-D; it was specifically adapted for the use of an auxiliary motor.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Country of Origin: USA
Engine: Pedal-powered
Transmission: 3 speed manual
Years of Production: 1918
Number Produced: Unknown
Original Cost: $46.00