HARLEY DAVIDSON Racer (Privateer)
Year: 1918
Category: Privateer Racer
Engine Displacement: 61.02 cubic inches (1000cc)
Horsepower: 17 HP @ 3200 rpm’s
Bore/Stroke: 3.3x3.5 inches
Engine Type: V2 four-stroke
Head Configuration: F type
Engine Architecture: 45-degree V-twin
Engine Details: Inlet over exhaust valve
Fuel system: Carburetor
Ignition: Magneto
Final Drive: Chain
Seat: Single seat
Dry Weight: 230 pounds (approximate)
Overall length: 51.5 inches
Wheel: 28x2.25 inches Radial spoke
Tires: 28” Firestone white natural rubber
Brakes: n/a
Clutch: n/a
Transmission: n/a
This bike is based on the J Model Harley Davidson. To reduce weight the brakes, clutch, and transmission were eliminated. They are a direct chain drive that are push started. Racers were generally factory sponsored in the early days of racing, but if you were not factory sponsored you were known as a “Privateer”. The paint detail on this bike is based upon a Privateer racer of the day except for the paint color combination which was not adopted by Harley Davidson until much later. The white tires are made from natural rubber and were quite popular at the time. These motorcycles were normally raced on hardwood racetracks and thus were commonly referred to as “board track racers” and they obtained a top speed of over 100 miles per hour.
NOTE: When this motorcycle was manufactured titling was not required and therefore, because this is as racer no title was ever issued for this motorcycle, so it comes with a Bill of Sale only.
