1916 Harley-Davidson Model E Engine no. 5428M

1916 Harley-Davidson Model EEngine no. 5428M
• Recent restoration by TR Restorations• One of only 252 Model E's built in 1916Boyhood friends William S Harley and Arthur Davidson began experimenting with powered transport in the early 1900s, producing their first complete motorcycle in 1903. Little more than a motorized bicycle, the prototype Harley-Davidson proved fragile, prompting a major redesign and the establishment of a reputation for ruggedness that endures to this day. Like many of their contemporaries, Harley-Davidson laid out their first engine along De Dion lines. A single-cylinder four-stroke displacing 25ci (400cc), the latter remained in production essentially unchanged until superseded by a 35ci cubic-inch (575cc) version in 1909. Of greater significance though, was the appearance that same year of the firm's first v-twin. Dropped at the year's end, the twin returned for 1911 in redesigned form boasting mechanically operated inlet valves (replacing the 'atmospheric' type inherited from the single) and production really took off. Known by the sobriquet 'pocket valve', this inlet-over-exhaust engine - built in 61 and 74ci capacities - would remain in production for the next 20 years. The need to make better use of the engine's power characteristics, particularly for sidecar pulling, prompted the introduction of a two-speed rear hub for 1914, by which time chain drive and a proper clutch had been adopted. Later that same year a conventional, three-speed, sliding-gear transmission with 'step starter' was introduced on the top-of-the-range version of the twin, which with full electrical equipment, was listed from now on as the Model J. Inside the engine, the cams were altered from two-lobe to four-lobe, making alterations to valve timing - previously achieved by reshaping the followers - that much simpler. The Harley-Davidson twin in this general outline would endure for the next eight years. A newly completed restoration by TR Restorations in Kansas, it began life as a collection of disparate genuine 1916 specification Model E Harley-Davidson parts. Within the all-Harley structure – there are a few repro parts such as the tool box and chain guard – is an all steel motor carefully assembled with an original magneto and a single speed transmission – single speed were still manufactured in 1916.

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.