This is an antique Harley-Davidson Model 9B that we saw at the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show. It has a 35 ci single-cylinder IOE engine. The “B” indicates a chain-drive (the Model 9A has a belt-drive). This Harley model originally sold for $235.
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First, the 2017 Handbuilt Show in Austin did not disappoint again. In part because there was a wide variety of early-era to modern motorcycles.
And one of the impressive bikes was the custom “Dead Pan.” This chopper was built from a 1951 Panhead by The Forge in Loveland, Colorado. And Josh (fabricator) and Mike (owner) are the two builders.
Then, to get more details, we got in touch with the shop. Some of the details on the Dead Pan include a 21-inch front rim, a 16-inch rear rim, a rear drum brake, no front brake, and a slap-shift foot clutch. And this makes for a good start on a classic-looking chopper. But this isn’t “just another” chopper. A lot of thought went into building the bike. And of course, it took a lot of skill to design and fabricate so many one-off parts.
In addition, the majority of the Panhead Chopper was handmade: gas tank, rear fender, seat, oil tank, bars, foot pegs, controls, rear brass cover plates, kicker pedal, and high chopper exhaust were all built by Josh. Other details include a Panic Cycles headlight, an After Hours Choppers rear taillight, and a BDL belt-drive system. Although the hidden gas cap came about by accident, Josh went with it, and it looks good.
Then Josh used a hand-copper-plating technique. And as you can see, all of the work really paid off.
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First, several years ago, we were at the Handbuilt Show in Austin, Texas. One of the coolest motorcycles we saw was a 1929 Excelsior-Henderson KJ Streamliner.
Next, here’s some background on the Excelsior-Henderson company. In 1911, William and Tom Henderson founded the Henderson Motorcycle Company. In 1911, they released their prototype.
Then, in 1912, the Company introduced a 57 cubic inch inline four-cylinder with 7 horsepower. Over the years, there were many improvements made, races won, and records broken.
In 1917, the brothers sold the Henderson Motorcycle Company to Ignaz Schwinn. He owned both Schwinn bicycles and Excelsior motorcycles.
So, where did the Henderson brothers go? Well, up until 1920, they worked for Henderson-Excelsior Motorcycles. In 1920, they founded a new company, Ace Motorcycle Company.
In 1929, the Excelsior-Henderson Streamliner was introduced. It was often referred to as the KJ. Next, this new model motorcycle had over 50 new features and upgrades. Also, it could go 100 mph. The KJ model was made in 1931. Unfortunately, as with many motorcycle companies and other companies, it did not survive the Great Depression.
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Pictures from the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
Have you ever come across vintage photos or footage of motorcycle chariot racing? It looks absolutely wild — and honestly, like a whole lot of fun.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much detailed information about the history of motorcycle chariot racing. Still, here’s a brief look at the origins of this outrageous style of competition.
The inspiration for this unique form of racing is often traced back to the 1925 film Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The dramatic chariot scenes captured imaginations, and before long, enthusiasts began recreating the spectacle with motorcycles. The earliest motorcycle chariots and organized races appear to have started in Australia, with the United States and parts of Europe soon following suit.
So, what led to the downfall of motorcycle chariot racing? A major factor was the Great Depression. During that time, many people were simply trying to make ends meet. Few could justify the cost of building and maintaining a chariot pulled by two motorcycles — especially when crashes and mechanical damage were almost guaranteed.
Then came World War II, which delivered the final blow. Wartime rationing severely limited access to metals and other essential materials.
As a result, many motorcycle manufacturers struggled or shut down entirely, particularly those that did not secure government contracts and therefore lacked access to the resources needed to survive.
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Here’s some history of the one-lung Harley-Davidson “Peashooter” motorcycle. To start, in 1925, the AMA introduced a 21-cubic-inch (350cc) racing class.
And Indian and Excelsior already had 21-cubic-inch motorcycles, but Harley did not. HD’s focus was on their big-twin engines. But there was also a larger, less profitable market for smaller motorcycles. And this was definitely the case in Europe, Australia, and South Africa.
Back in the day, motorcycle racing and especially winning, was a great way to market motorcycles. Subsequently, Harley started working on creating a new 21 cubic-inch model.
In a short time, they introduced a 1926 model with a 21 cubic-inch engine. These had single-cylinder side-valve engines. The two road bike models were the A and B.
Then there was also a factory-built production racing version model – the SA. And it had OHV and some other engine upgrades. Also, there were other modifications to make these small Harleys lighter. So, it was fast.
Due to the popping sound of the racing version engine, it was dubbed the “Peashooter.” And this name caught on for both the street and racing models.
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Here’s a video of an old Harley chopper racing a Honda CBR1000RR. And Hildo, the owner of the chopper, beats a 170hp+ Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.
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Of course, you know Harley-Davidson, the company. But do you know who all the founders of Harley were and when they joined the company?
HD’s Founders from Left to Right: William Davidson, Walter Davidson, Arthur Davidson, and William Harley
In 1901, William Harley drew up designs for a 7.07 cu in (116 cc) small engine when he was only 20 years old. The engine was designed to fit in a bicycle frame.
He worked with his childhood friend, Arthur Davidson, on their motorized bicycle. Then, in 1903, Walter Davidson helped the two finish their motor-bicycle.
Unfortunately, the motorized bicycle’s engine did not have enough power to climb hills in Milwaukee without pedaling. Their first motorcycle was not a total failure, but more of a learning experience.
Next, the three started working on a 24.74 cu in (405 cc). It used a loop-frame design with a larger engine. And it was assembled in a shed in the Davidson backyard. This brought it from the realm of being a motor-bicycle to a motorcycle.
Then, with the help of William Davidson, the motorcycle was finished in September of 1904.
This design was a lot faster; it took fourth place in the Milwaukee State Fair race. In 1906, the Chestnut Street (later Juneau Avenue) was built as the first Harley-Davidson factory. And from there, four young men started the legendary brand.
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This vintage 16mm home movie shows an old, 1930s motorcycle hillclimb in California.
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The Cyclone Motor Manufacturing Company manufactured the Cyclone Motorcycle. Andrew Strand designed the Cyclone. He was of Swedish descent and had worked in the American automobile industry. The motorcycles were manufactured by the Joerns Motor Manufacturing Company in St. Paul, MN, from 1912 to 1917.
How fast was it? In 1914, it broke Excelsior’s record by reaching 111 mph. The Cyclone bikes were estimated to have a top end of 115 mph.
With only 13 Cyclones left, the price tag for one of these is high. In 2015, a Cyclone owned by Steve McQueen was sold at auction for $852,000.
The company closed after finding that the Cyclones could not compete in the marketplace with lower-cost competitors’ motorcycles.
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