Bike Del

Showing posts with label Old H-D Photos. Show all posts

Rarin' to Go?

I don't know about Rarin' to Go, but I'm back from a very long absence. As a matter of fact the last 10 posts plus last month's header were actually done on the fly. I'll try to update the blog more often now that I'm back. There's still one big problemo. My ancient computer's operating system and browser is now way out of date, so until I rectify that, I'm stuck with using my wife's lap top for the blog.

Sac CHP

Kerry Crist sent this photo from Big Roy's collection. It's a CHP officer on his new ride (VL), at the Scaramento Bridge. I'm going to guess it's around 1934-35.

There are several interesting things about this photo. The bike has several chrome items that one wouldn't normally expect on a police bike. Most notable is the completely chromed out front wheel, hub and brake assembly with the center of the rim painted. In addition to the handle bars and crash bar, it's very surprising that the fuel line and clutch pedal and linkage recieved a dip in the chrome tank. Were these factory options, or done after the fact? The officer's uniform is pretty dapper too. Check out the winged wheel on the hat. Riding around on a slick ride all decked out and getting paid for it (especially during the Depression), sounds like a good job. Of course there is one draw back, you still have to be a cop.

Hey Doc. Sprocket. Surely you have something to add.

The New "Down Under" Look

For a long time, I figured H-D came out with the oval mirror around '71 since the owners manual for the '70 Electra-Glide shows round mirrors. This page from the '70 accessory catalog, shows the long stem oval's part numbers are from'67. What really surprised me, is the (new for '70), short stem mirror was originally designed to be mounted on the under side of the lever. These are the adjustable (slider), types that can be used for left or right.

In the late '70's, I had a friend that ran his this way to be cool. I don't think he knew that's what H-D had intended.

That's what I dig about this stuff. You can always learn something new.

Studs Don't Last Long?

There's several jokes in there. You think they were going for a Peter Fonda look?

Gift Ideas?

H-D T-shirts sure have changed. I like these better than the shirts today (especially the psychedelic trademark and XLCH), albeit not so tight fitting.

Cop Owned Dealer

What is it about this shop that makes me not want to stop and hang out?

You'd think selling bikes to your own P.D. would have been a conflict of interest. In '42 cops were some of the only ones able to buy new bikes and even they had to make a strong case for it. I believe Larry Ketzel also raced in hill climbs.

Memorial Day 2009

Remembering

It's okay to have a good time (that's what they fought for too), Just don't forget what today is about.

Had to throw a bike in. You sure don't see many WLA's with a buddy seat and foot board extensions. Don't know what that stuff is (behind the blackout light), on the top front fender. Also, note the high mounted head light and the early tail light set up.

For comparison, here's a typical WLA sans gun scab bard, ammo box, and bags . Note headlight and horn position and side by side rear tail lights. It also has later style oil bath air cleaner and rear ultility rack.