'Sons of Speed', 1915 Harley-Davidson Twin Model F Board Track Racing Motorcycle
'Sons of Speed'
1915 Harley-Davidson Twin Model F Board Track Racing Motorcycle
Engine no. 8235K
· An excellent example of a 'modern take' on a boardtrack racer
· Beautifully constructed by Billy Lane and Matt Walksler
· Race winner first time out
When the Harley company entered the world of racing as a factory late in 1914, it was with a motorcycle that was not quite as reliable as other race equipment being based upon the company's sturdy road engine. Success came in a big way in Dodge City on July 4, 1915 following many humiliating losses. Harley-Davidson, after 300 miles of racing, crossed the line in 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th places, showing the industry that Harley-Davidson had arrived.
The company was serious and included the Model 11-K, a twin cylinder 61 cubic inch engine in their 1915 sales catalog with a list of mechanical descriptions that included 'mechanical construction to meet any requirements' with optional equipment of mechanical or hand oilers, various wheel sizes, saddles, transmissions and chassis equipment. They also reserved the right to change any feature without notice. In those days, any rider could order a competition motorcycle directly from the factory. Little did Harley-Davidson realize that following their 1915 catalog, the world would take notice of their achievements.
The Model F on offer is a custom purpose-built machine for the Sons of Speed 'modern era' boardtrack races in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Its Keystone framed chassis, race forks and drop bars were built by legendary custom builder Billy Lane, also the organizer of the SoS vintage motorcycle races. The frame is one of the first dozen frames Billy built.
The 1915 Harley F-head 61ci, 45-degree, air-cooled, v-twin engine was rebuilt and raced-tuned by Matt Walksler – master builder of some of the fastest early Harley engines in the world - of the Wheels Through Time Museum of Maggie Valley, North Carolina. He added a 'hop-up' race cam, aluminum 30-over pistons, all new valvetrain, large flange race manifold and more.
No brakes, no suspension, no transmission or clutch is the order of the day. This magneto-equipped, air-cooled Harley V-twin can hit speeds approaching 80mph. Controls are limited to throttle, magneto kill-switch and compression release only. It is geared for a ½-mile oval racetrack so 80mph is not of the question should you be wondering. Buzz Kanter raced this bike, in unpainted form and on clincher wheels, in the first Sons of Speed heat race which he won (dramatically passing Billy Lane on the last lap for the win.) The second year Buzz had Matt Walksler rebuild the engine and drive train and race-tune it. adding at least 10mph onto the top end. Buzz had the 'raw' bike painted orange and swapped the clincher wheels and tires for safer drop center rims and tires for safety's sake. Buzz raced the bike for just two years. It remains as raced today.
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'Sons of Speed'
1915 Harley-Davidson Twin Model F Board Track Racing Motorcycle
Engine no. 8235K
· An excellent example of a 'modern take' on a boardtrack racer
· Beautifully constructed by Billy Lane and Matt Walksler
· Race winner first time out
When the Harley company entered the world of racing as a factory late in 1914, it was with a motorcycle that was not quite as reliable as other race equipment being based upon the company's sturdy road engine. Success came in a big way in Dodge City on July 4, 1915 following many humiliating losses. Harley-Davidson, after 300 miles of racing, crossed the line in 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th places, showing the industry that Harley-Davidson had arrived.
The company was serious and included the Model 11-K, a twin cylinder 61 cubic inch engine in their 1915 sales catalog with a list of mechanical descriptions that included 'mechanical construction to meet any requirements' with optional equipment of mechanical or hand oilers, various wheel sizes, saddles, transmissions and chassis equipment. They also reserved the right to change any feature without notice. In those days, any rider could order a competition motorcycle directly from the factory. Little did Harley-Davidson realize that following their 1915 catalog, the world would take notice of their achievements.
The Model F on offer is a custom purpose-built machine for the Sons of Speed 'modern era' boardtrack races in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Its Keystone framed chassis, race forks and drop bars were built by legendary custom builder Billy Lane, also the organizer of the SoS vintage motorcycle races. The frame is one of the first dozen frames Billy built.
The 1915 Harley F-head 61ci, 45-degree, air-cooled, v-twin engine was rebuilt and raced-tuned by Matt Walksler – master builder of some of the fastest early Harley engines in the world - of the Wheels Through Time Museum of Maggie Valley, North Carolina. He added a 'hop-up' race cam, aluminum 30-over pistons, all new valvetrain, large flange race manifold and more.
No brakes, no suspension, no transmission or clutch is the order of the day. This magneto-equipped, air-cooled Harley V-twin can hit speeds approaching 80mph. Controls are limited to throttle, magneto kill-switch and compression release only. It is geared for a ½-mile oval racetrack so 80mph is not of the question should you be wondering. Buzz Kanter raced this bike, in unpainted form and on clincher wheels, in the first Sons of Speed heat race which he won (dramatically passing Billy Lane on the last lap for the win.) The second year Buzz had Matt Walksler rebuild the engine and drive train and race-tune it. adding at least 10mph onto the top end. Buzz had the 'raw' bike painted orange and swapped the clincher wheels and tires for safer drop center rims and tires for safety's sake. Buzz raced the bike for just two years. It remains as raced today.
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