Vintage Harleys

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Feb 6, 2011
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Hey guys, so bit of future research this really just weighing up letting all my Japanese bikes an nos spares go.

Anyone got any experience with JD/J/JE/Model R Harley's if so what one would you go for n why. Been having a bit of a nosey at Liberator's as well an Panheads.

Thanks in advance.
 
I have a 1948 Panhead and love it. Kind of like an old tractor, just keeps going and simple to maintain.
 

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Did have a -30 DL as my first bike. Renovated it and run it for two years until I bought my first Norton, a slimline 99.
A very reliable bike, never had any problem riding it. The only big drawback was the brakes.
 
Mine were more recent from 48-77. CL, EL, FL, XL, KL. If you can maintain a John Deere, Minneapolis Moline, or an Oliver an old HD is a sure match for you.....
 
I think old HDs have huge attraction and are so cool. But you gotta remember, they are SO heavy, and slow, and do not have remotely good brakes. If you factor all that in you‘ll probably love one. If you don‘t, you won’t.

A mate used to have an ex WW2 flat head Harley, he rode it really well, including long distances and even through London traffic once without issue.

I say that because it had the stock set up of foot clutch, hand change, throttle on the right twistgrip and advance / retard on the left. I tried riding it once, I gave it back, my brain just could not handle it!
 
My old '60 Servicar had all that plus reverse, but those were tricycles. Slow with lousy brakes is an understatement FE. It was a slow motion blast though...... I shoulda kept it just because..... 1st kick everytime & always ran.
 
My bike weighs 550lbs and sets low so is easy to handle. Not quick but once you get those flywheels spinning it will go all day. It was about 12 years since I had ridden and after new resto, ran into my garage door twice, remembering not to take my foot off clutch. Brakes are not great, so being careful and looking ahead is very important.
 
Thanks guys yeah I love the looks on the flathead onward tanks with the gauge in the centre so awesome looking, I've never had a bike from the 30s or before though so that's really interesting me at the moment with the J models. I think as you guys say the pace on the flathead on will probably suit the way I like to take the scenery in rather than go flat out everywhere I guess I'll see where I end up money wise once the Japanese bikes sell.
 
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