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Harley-Davidson Model WJ Sport Solo – 1920 publicity motorcycle racing photo

$ 5.14

Availability: 11 in stock
  • Item must be returned within: 14 Days
  • Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
  • Refund will be given as: Money Back
  • Condition: New
  • Restocking Fee: No
  • All returns accepted: Returns Accepted

    Description

    A superb and rare photo of the
    1920 Harley-Davidson Model WJ Sport Solo
    photographed in
    1920
    in front of H-D ‘s
    Juneau Avenue
    plant in
    Milwaukee
    . The WJ featured generator & battery powered
    electric lighting
    , which was new for HD at the time.
    It is a lovely and very historic image, as it is one of the very first photographs made of this new electric SportTwin model, that was introduced in the motorcycle world in the middle of 1920.
    A year before, in 1919, Harley Davidson introduced the all new H-D Sport Twin. It was a radical departure for Harley-Davidson. Then, as now, Harley was known mainly for its big V-twin machines. But as Ford’s Model T drove down the price of automobiles,
    U.S.
    customers found themselves facing higher prices for two-wheeled transportation than for four-wheelers. So the move was on to build smaller, more efficient bikes. The new HD Sport Twin Model W series were influenced by machines produced by
    Britain
    ’s
    Douglas
    brand, which pioneered the opposed-twin design more than a decade earlier. In building the Sport Twin, Harley took
    Douglas
    ’ lead in orienting the cylinders in line with the frame. The side-valve engine displaced 36 cubic inches (about 600cc). The new HD Sport Twin was a big seller overseas. But in the
    U.S.
    , it was a different story. It remained in the Harley line through 1923, then was dropped.
    The negative comes from the collection of one of the worlds oldest Harley Davidson dealers that was in business from the early 1910’s until the end of the 1970’s. We took over the old inventory from the grandson of the owner. There was a lot of literature amongst the inventory, mostly very old, and amongst the Harley literature was also quite a bit of Indian and other American motorcycle literature. There are a lot of old negatives, both on celluloid as glass plates, in the files we took over, we consider this material very historic.
    We have more photos, also listed on Ebay, of various Harley Davidson and other (racing) machines. Please check out our auctions and take advantage of our shipping discount! The auction selection is refreshed and changed continuously.
    It is a superb and rare
    non period
    photo, and this is your rare chance to own it! It reflects a very interesting and historic piece of motorcycling history in a great way! The size is perfectly suited for framing as it is large: ca. 8 x 12” (ca. 20 cm x 30 cm).
    Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
    (Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
    No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
    All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
    and board backed envelopes.
    We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
    After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
    First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.