Harley-Davidson, 1930-1941


Book Description

Relive the golden age of Milwaukee motorcycling with this unique book that goes beyond the rest. Read intimate accounts from company officials, dealers, and riders of classic Harley Davidson motorcyles of the 1930s. Hundreds of period photographs from private collections and massive text trace the development of the H-D Big Twin from the sidevalve VL to the '61 and '74 models, and the legendary Knucklehead. Experience the Milwaukee motorcycle scene from the men and women who lived it.




American Police Motorcycles


Book Description

This book, revised and updated, is a catalogue of American police motorcycles from the earliest days of use to today, with chapters covering the decades chronologically. From the early days of machines with no front brakes, 1913 Harley-Davidson VLs, rows of Indian Police specials lined up to leave the factory, armoured ones with machine-guns fitted to fight the gangs of Al Capone, the introduction of women police motorcycle riders and their machines for the first time, and much more.




Harley Davidson Lore 1903-1965


Book Description

An elegant little book (9.25x6.75") presenting 125 charming black and white photos representing the history of the Harley-Davidson--its use, manufacture, and design evolution--between 1903 and 1965. The accompanying captions are a compendium of facts, beliefs, and traditions--a delight for connoisseurs and, even, for those with less passion for the subject. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR




The Complete Harley-Davidson


Book Description

Arranged chronologically, presents a history of every major motorcycle model produced by the legendary company since 1903.




Growing Up Harley-Davidson


Book Description

Motorcycles have been a way of life for Jean Davidson. Her grandfather was Walter Davidson, one of the four founders and the first president of Harley-Davidson. Her father was company vice president Gordon Davidson. And Jean herself was a Harley-Davidson dealer, rubbing elbows with all the Harleys and Davidsons as well as the Hell's Angels and Outlaws, famous racers, and Evel Knievel. This is the history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles no one else knew-until now! Here is the fairy-tale story of how four boys built their first motorcycle in a shed; how a slippery-handed maid stole all the company's earnings from the coffee can that served as their "bank"; and how a hermit uncle donated his life's savings to resurrect the company and set it on the path to becoming the world's most famous motorcycle maker. Here is the inside scoop on behind-the-boardroom-door politics and corporate battles, the unknown history of the first Knucklehead and Sportster, the secret friendship with arch-rival Indian motorcycles, and more. Here are family stories and rare photos from the family album that no one else has seen before.




BMW R 75: And Other BMW Motorcycles in the German Army in 1930-1945


Book Description

The BMW R75 is a World War II-era motorcycle and sidecar combination produced by the German company BMW. In the 1930s BMW were producing a number of popular and highly effective motorcycles. In 1938 development of the R75 started in response to a request from the German Army.




The Old Man and the Harley


Book Description

Ride with a father and his son on an amazing journey through America's past. In the summer of 1939, with the nation balanced between the Great Depression and the gathering winds of war, young Jack Newkirk set off on a rickety Harley to see both the New York and San Francisco World's Fairs. He had no way of knowing it was to e the autumn of his youth, and that his entire generation would soon be thrust into the most devastating conflict in history. Seven decades later, author John J. Newkirk retraces this epic ride with his father, Jack, in a silent hope the old soldier will still be proud of the America he fought for. Each mile brings discovery as the author learns of his namesake, the heroic Squadron Leader of the legendar Flying Tigers, and of his father's life on the road and in the jungles of the South Pacific during World War II. The result is quintessential Americana, a sweeping portrait of the grit, guts, ingenuity, and sacrifice that defined a nation, and a timely lesson from the Greatest Generation on how we can overcome our most pressing challenges and reclaim the American Dream.




At the Creation


Book Description

At the Creation by Herbert Wagner brings to life the human side of Harley-Davidson's quest to motorize the bicycle and then to promote it as a powerful, fast, reliable, and thrilling means of personal transportation. This book examines the origins of two-wheeled transportation from a time when combining the gasoline engine with the bicycle was the province of dreamers and con men. This is the definitive account of the beginnings of the only American motorcycle brand to ultimately succeed and survive. Backed by a decade of research, At the Creation documents for the first time the early years of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle in its birthplace of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, an area that was an early center of motorcycle manufacturing. Previous books on Harley-Davidson have failed to adequately cover this critical period, which has been described as the "era of mystery" by Harley-Davidson company historian Martin Jack Rosenblum. At the Creation takes on several long-standing puzzles and myths, and then, through the use of period documents and original photographs, recreates the actual events of Harley's first years as they most plausibly occurred.




American Iron Magazine Presents 1001 Harley-Davidson Facts


Book Description

When anyone thinks of motorcycling, whether they are enthusiasts or only casually interested, the name Harley-Davidson immediately comes to mind. Harley-Davidson is among the oldest surviving motorcycle manufacturers; the company began in 1903 and continues to this day. As you can imagine, over the course of more than 100 years, the company has seen prosperous times as well as lean times, changes in focus and direction, evolution and revolution. All of that leads to a lot of company history and trivia. American Iron Magazine associate editor Tyler Greenblatt has compiled 1,001 Harley-Davidson facts into this single volume, with subjects ranging from the historic powertrains to pop culture to Harley-Davidson as a company and manufacturer. Facts begin with the early years, when a motorcycle was not much more than a bicycle with an engine attached, to the war efforts of World War I, when 15,000 were put into service. During the 1920s, Harley-Davidson grew into the largest manufacturer in the world, and that momentum helped carry it through the Great Depression and into World War II. Postwar development and AMF ownership are also covered in detail, as well as the restructuring and revival of the brand in recent years. Whether you're a casual rider, racer, or restorer, Harley-Davidson enthusiasts will be sure to find something in this book for that next conversation with fellow hobbyists. This book will keep Harley-Davidson enthusiasts entertained for hours, and is a great edition to any motorcycling library. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial}




Donny’S Unauthorized Technical Guide to Harley-Davidson, 1936 to Present


Book Description

In this second part of his fifth volume on Harley-Davidsons motorcycles, Donny Petersen, who studied privately with Harley-Davidson engineers, shares practical knowledge and streetwise tips on the Shovelhead motorcycle. Donny presents what Harley-Davidson has to say through the myriad of service bulletins back in the day in everyday language. He also uses his extensive practical experience to constructively critique the official line, offers additional hard-earned information, and then shares what he does to his own bikes. He provides solutions to fix the Shovelheads teething problems; Harleys responses to ongoing problematic aspects of vibration, as well as the aftermarkets cures; tips on working with the Shovelheads carburetors and five ignitions; starter and charging systems, electrical switches, circuit breakers, and relays; and best practices for lubrication, as well as the progression of front forks and shocks, brakes, wheels, and tires. Written in straightforward language, this guide offers step-by-step instructions to help all levels of enthusiasts, from novices to expert mechanics. In his usual forthright manner, Donny makes technical issues understandable, interspersing explanations with entertaining stories about the lifestyle that comes with being a Harley rider.