Web Analytics

 Harley Davidson - 564 S Flat track
 Back to brands list


Harley Davidson S Flat track motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : H. Ludwig
4815

Capacity : 564
Model : S Flat track
Production : 1917 -
Category : (Off-Road) Speedway & other

HARLEY-DAVIDSON

35 ci Flat Track Racer - 1917

A winning technique

 

William S.Harley, the designer, and Arthur Davidson completed their first motorcycle in in 1903. It incorporated the best current technology and proved strong and reliable enough to attract a growing band of customers. They built a factory and brought in Davidson's two brothers to assist in what was formalized as the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in 1907.

 

Demand for More Power

In response to the demands of the clientele, who were always asking for more power, and as a riposte to the launch of a 430cc Indian racing single in 1905 (followed two years later by a production version), Harley brought out a new 564cc (84x102 mm) single in 1907.

 

Racing Program

It developed 4 hp and was good for 50 mph. It was joined in 1909 by an 880cc V-twin capable of 55 mph. The single was redesigned in 1913 with magneto ignition, dual-ratio chain drive with a hub clutch and the remarkable Harley leading-link front fork. Built to high standards of quality, it used vanadium steel in its construction as did another contemporary American icon, the Model T Ford – and cost just $235. Though Indian was still the sales leader, Harley-Davidson was coming up fast – aided by the many wins achieved by private owners in races and endurance runs, though the factory refused to back a competition program until 1913, when William Ottaway was recruited from Thor. He developed a catalogue racer, the II-K V-twin (which gained 8 valves in a Ricardo head in 1915) from which a single was born. It was rare (30 built) and costly; many private owners preferred to build their own racers around production Harleys, like this well-preserved 1917 flat-track racer.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 564cc (84x102 mm) air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke; total-loss lubrication with mechanical pump; magneto ignition

Power Rating: 5 hp

Valves: "pocket" overhead intake, side exhaust

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: direct chain drive

Suspension: leading-link forks (front); rigid (rear)

Wheels: 28 inch wire clincher (front & rear)

 

This 35 ci, shown on a West Coast flat-track, was converted in 1917 out of a standard "Silent Gray Fellow" roadster with a pocket-valve power unit.

 



Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.