1928 Harley-Davidson 61ci Model J, Engine no. 28J5689

1928 Harley-Davidson 61ci Model J
Engine no. 28J5689
• Restored by Matt Walksler
• Unique color scheme

Following an abortive debut in 1909, the twin-cylinder Harley-Davidson returned for 1911 in redesigned form boasting mechanically operated inlet valves, replacing the 'atmospheric' type inherited from the single. Production really took off and this 'F-head' (inlet-over-exhaust) 'pocket valve' engine - built in 61ci and 74ci capacities (1,000cc and 1,200cc respectively) - would remain in production for the next 20 years. The Harley single's transmission arrangements - direct drive by means of a leather belt - were continued at first on the twin but 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. Periodically revised and up-dated, the Harley-Davidson F-head twin had gained a front brake, stronger fork and pumped lubrication – and an enviable reputation - by the time production ceased in 1929. Classic America Iron says this about the Model J, 'The J models dominated Harley's offerings in 1928. It included the following: J Solo, JS Sidecar, JX Sport Solo, JXL Special Sport Solo, JH (61 cubic inch 2-cam)... Costs were $310 for the J, JS, & JX models...$325 for the JXL... and $360 for the JH... 4,184 Harley J models sold...This was the year Harley introduced the front brake...' And then there's the JD but that's another series.

This 61ci was beautifully restored by Matt Walksler, son of Dale Walksler, founder of the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the scenic Smokey Mountains. The work was commissioned by an Ohioan collector. And very splendid it is too. Many admirers love the color but it isn't from the original Harley-Davidson palette. You decide. But there's no questioning the quality of the paint or of the rest of the bike. It's really a very good example of a well restored Model J.