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History of the Legend
By Dr. Martin Jack Rosenblum
Perhaps you have been to the Harley-Davidson Juneau Avenue lobby and have seen the 1903/1904 model in the glass case. Currently, it is not in the lobby but is in our Archives Restoration Shop.
During the AMF years, this rare Harley-Davidson motorcycle was "restored" with knowledge available at the time relative to its authenticity. Recent research, however, resulted in a better understanding as to just exactly how the 1903/1904 model should now be properly restored.
Upon beginning the revised restoration process, a discovery was made that we would like to share with H.O.G.® members. But first, let us discuss the probable origins of this 1903/1904 model.
The accepted production for 1903 is three bikes, and for 1904, eight. These were more than likely sold, with none remaining in company hands. In the mid-teens, Walter Davidson needed all previous models for an exhibition and it is surmised that he built-up the currently owned 1903/1904 model and then ensured that all previous models – and those thereafter – were retained by the company.
The discovery that we made, then, is that the engine for our 1903/1904 model is the oldest, and more than likely the first, Harley-Davidson engine ever produced! It is clearly marked, on nearly all of its internal parts, as Serial Number One.
The frame is not a 1903/1904. It is, though, a 1905-1/2 – again, the earliest Harley-Davidson frame known to be in existence. The frame is not a 1905, nor a 1906, so probably was made between the years as it demonstrates features of both. However, it is the oldest, as is the engine, so Harley-Davidson can proudly announce that it has the "Oldest Harley-Davidson Motorcycle in the World".
When authenticity has been brought to the bike based upon the latest research, it will go back on display.
1. Ex valve tappet;
2. Ignition timer;
3. Cam cover;
4. Right crank case.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Assembled intake valve; 2. Cylinder; 3. Piston and connecting rod.
Carburetor Apart
1. Gas line; 2. Throttle shaft; 3. Intake manifold; 4. Float bowl and venturie; 5. Air valve.
Bore: 3-1/8 in. on this cylinder (original was possibly 3 in.)
Stroke: 3-1/2 in.
Height of frame: 21-1/2 in.
Flywheels: 9-3/4 in.
Ignition: Three 1-1/2 volt standard dry cell batteries in series for a total of 4-1/2 volts at about 20 amps with an induction coil and spark plug with 1/2 in. pipe thread. Electric contact is made through left handlebar grip.
Throttle: Grip control on right handlebar with friction adjustment which keeps throttle at any position desired without being held.
History of the Legend
By Dr. Martin Jack Rosenblum
Perhaps you have been to the Harley-Davidson Juneau Avenue lobby and have seen the 1903/1904 model in the glass case. Currently, it is not in the lobby but is in our Archives Restoration Shop.
During the AMF years, this rare Harley-Davidson motorcycle was "restored" with knowledge available at the time relative to its authenticity. Recent research, however, resulted in a better understanding as to just exactly how the 1903/1904 model should now be properly restored.
Upon beginning the revised restoration process, a discovery was made that we would like to share with H.O.G.® members. But first, let us discuss the probable origins of this 1903/1904 model.
The accepted production for 1903 is three bikes, and for 1904, eight. These were more than likely sold, with none remaining in company hands. In the mid-teens, Walter Davidson needed all previous models for an exhibition and it is surmised that he built-up the currently owned 1903/1904 model and then ensured that all previous models – and those thereafter – were retained by the company.
The discovery that we made, then, is that the engine for our 1903/1904 model is the oldest, and more than likely the first, Harley-Davidson engine ever produced! It is clearly marked, on nearly all of its internal parts, as Serial Number One.
The frame is not a 1903/1904. It is, though, a 1905-1/2 – again, the earliest Harley-Davidson frame known to be in existence. The frame is not a 1905, nor a 1906, so probably was made between the years as it demonstrates features of both. However, it is the oldest, as is the engine, so Harley-Davidson can proudly announce that it has the "Oldest Harley-Davidson Motorcycle in the World".
When authenticity has been brought to the bike based upon the latest research, it will go back on display.
By Dr. Martin Jack Rosenblum
Perhaps you have been to the Harley-Davidson Juneau Avenue lobby and have seen the 1903/1904 model in the glass case. Currently, it is not in the lobby but is in our Archives Restoration Shop.
During the AMF years, this rare Harley-Davidson motorcycle was "restored" with knowledge available at the time relative to its authenticity. Recent research, however, resulted in a better understanding as to just exactly how the 1903/1904 model should now be properly restored.
Upon beginning the revised restoration process, a discovery was made that we would like to share with H.O.G.® members. But first, let us discuss the probable origins of this 1903/1904 model.
The accepted production for 1903 is three bikes, and for 1904, eight. These were more than likely sold, with none remaining in company hands. In the mid-teens, Walter Davidson needed all previous models for an exhibition and it is surmised that he built-up the currently owned 1903/1904 model and then ensured that all previous models – and those thereafter – were retained by the company.
The discovery that we made, then, is that the engine for our 1903/1904 model is the oldest, and more than likely the first, Harley-Davidson engine ever produced! It is clearly marked, on nearly all of its internal parts, as Serial Number One.
The frame is not a 1903/1904. It is, though, a 1905-1/2 – again, the earliest Harley-Davidson frame known to be in existence. The frame is not a 1905, nor a 1906, so probably was made between the years as it demonstrates features of both. However, it is the oldest, as is the engine, so Harley-Davidson can proudly announce that it has the "Oldest Harley-Davidson Motorcycle in the World".
When authenticity has been brought to the bike based upon the latest research, it will go back on display.
1. Ex valve tappet;
2. Ignition timer;
3. Cam cover;
4. Right crank case.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Assembled intake valve; 2. Cylinder; 3. Piston and connecting rod.
Carburetor Apart
1. Gas line; 2. Throttle shaft; 3. Intake manifold; 4. Float bowl and venturie; 5. Air valve.
Bore: 3-1/8 in. on this cylinder (original was possibly 3 in.)
Stroke: 3-1/2 in.
Height of frame: 21-1/2 in.
Flywheels: 9-3/4 in.
Ignition: Three 1-1/2 volt standard dry cell batteries in series for a total of 4-1/2 volts at about 20 amps with an induction coil and spark plug with 1/2 in. pipe thread. Electric contact is made through left handlebar grip.
Throttle: Grip control on right handlebar with friction adjustment which keeps throttle at any position desired without being held.
History of the Legend
By Dr. Martin Jack Rosenblum
Perhaps you have been to the Harley-Davidson Juneau Avenue lobby and have seen the 1903/1904 model in the glass case. Currently, it is not in the lobby but is in our Archives Restoration Shop.
During the AMF years, this rare Harley-Davidson motorcycle was "restored" with knowledge available at the time relative to its authenticity. Recent research, however, resulted in a better understanding as to just exactly how the 1903/1904 model should now be properly restored.
Upon beginning the revised restoration process, a discovery was made that we would like to share with H.O.G.® members. But first, let us discuss the probable origins of this 1903/1904 model.
The accepted production for 1903 is three bikes, and for 1904, eight. These were more than likely sold, with none remaining in company hands. In the mid-teens, Walter Davidson needed all previous models for an exhibition and it is surmised that he built-up the currently owned 1903/1904 model and then ensured that all previous models – and those thereafter – were retained by the company.
The discovery that we made, then, is that the engine for our 1903/1904 model is the oldest, and more than likely the first, Harley-Davidson engine ever produced! It is clearly marked, on nearly all of its internal parts, as Serial Number One.
The frame is not a 1903/1904. It is, though, a 1905-1/2 – again, the earliest Harley-Davidson frame known to be in existence. The frame is not a 1905, nor a 1906, so probably was made between the years as it demonstrates features of both. However, it is the oldest, as is the engine, so Harley-Davidson can proudly announce that it has the "Oldest Harley-Davidson Motorcycle in the World".
When authenticity has been brought to the bike based upon the latest research, it will go back on display.