Harley Davidson Motorcycles, 1930-1941: Revolutionary Motorcycles and Those Who Made Them

by Herbert Wagner

Overview

Relive the golden age of Milwaukee motorcycling with this unique book that goes beyond the rest. Read intimate accounts from company officials, dealers, and riders of classic Harley Davidson motorcyles of the 1930s. Hundreds of period photographs from private collections and massive text trace the development of the H-D Big Twin from the sidevalve VL to the '61 and '74 models, and the legendary Knucklehead. Experience the Milwaukee motorcycle scene from the men and women who lived it.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780887408946
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Publication date:	01/03/1997
Series:	Revolutionary Motorcycles & Those Who Rode Them
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	15 Years

Editorial Reviews

This significant era in the history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles marks the introduction of the "Knucklehead" overhead-valve engine model. Presenting a dramatic evolution in performance, reliability, and styling, the Knucklehead became the basis of all future Harleys and is considered to be the single most important Harley ever built. Based largely on interviews with Harley employees of the time, who also supplied most of the photographs used, this work by a Wisconsin-bred, lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and sometime motorcycle mechanic provides considerable detail about the development and impact of the Knucklehead. His work effectively places its context within such events as the Depression and the sweeping popularity of motorcycle clubs. Wagner provides insight into the culture of Harley riders and factory men. His narrative flows well, but glossy paper and very small type hinder reading. Nonetheless, this is an important source, not only for its in-depth focus on an obscure area but also for its use of primary sources. For public and academic libraries, especially in Wisconsin, where Harley-Davidson has been rooted since 1903.-David Van de Streek, Pennsylvania State Univ. Libs., York

Library Journal