S-22720-0-1

3241936 Harley-Davidson 80ci VLH ‘Big Twin’Registration no. EAS 433Frame no. 36VLH3708Engine no. 36VLH3708The ‘flat head’ (sidevalve) Harley-Davidson VL ‘Big Twin’ wasannounced in July 1929 as a replacement for the inlet-over-exhaust‘pocket valve’ twins that had been in production since 1911. Thetwin headlamps, round toolbox and Klaxon horn were carried overfrom its immediate predecessor but nearly all of the rest of the bikewas new. Harley’s 1930 brochure described the new 74ci (1,213cc)machine as ‘standing head and shoulders above all comers, withsuch startling new features as a 20% more powerful motor withRicardo removable heads, interchangeable wheels, bigger tires,drop-centre rims, lower riding position, greater road clearance,automatic increase of generator output, drop forged forks, 100%stronger frame, theft proof lock, dual front drive chain, improvedclutch, and many other features making the 1930 Big Twin thegreatest motorcycle value ever offered.’Despite its maker’s evident enthusiasm, the Model V was far froman instant success. More massively built and heavier than itspredecessor, the V lacked top-end power to such an extent thatthe first examples were recalled for an extensive engine redesign. Alarger crankcase accommodating heavier flywheels did the trick and,its problems solved, the Model V ‘flat head’ and its derivatives wenton to win the hearts of Harley enthusiasts everywhere.This Harley-Davidson VLH has the 80ci (1,311cc) engine newlyintroduced in 1935. An older restoration, the machine was firstregistered in the UK in January 2002 and has belonged to the currentvendor since then. It was last taxed for the road to 31st December2002. The Harley’s present mechanical condition is not known,though compression is good, and thus the machine is sold strictly asviewed. There are no documents with this Lot.£6,000 - 10,000€8,400 - 14,000108 | the spring stafford saleBidders must satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lotprior to bidding. All lots are sold “as is/where is” with all defects and faults.