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.
This book, revised and updated, is a catalogue of American police motorcycles from the earliest days of use to today, with chapters covering the decades chronologically. From the early days of machines with no front brakes, 1913 Harley-Davidson VLs, rows of Indian Police specials lined up to leave the factory, armoured ones with machine-guns fitted to fight the gangs of Al Capone, the introduction of women police motorcycle riders and their machines for the first time, and much more.
An elegant little book (9.25x6.75") presenting 125 charming black and white photos representing the history of the Harley-Davidson--its use, manufacture, and design evolution--between 1903 and 1965. The accompanying captions are a compendium of facts, beliefs, and traditions--a delight for connoisseurs and, even, for those with less passion for the subject. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Motorcycles have been a way of life for Jean Davidson. Her grandfather was Walter Davidson, one of the four founders and the first president of Harley-Davidson. Her father was company vice president Gordon Davidson. And Jean herself was a Harley-Davidson dealer, rubbing elbows with all the Harleys and Davidsons as well as the Hell's Angels and Outlaws, famous racers, and Evel Knievel. This is the history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles no one else knew-until now! Here is the fairy-tale story of how four boys built their first motorcycle in a shed; how a slippery-handed maid stole all the company's earnings from the coffee can that served as their "bank"; and how a hermit uncle donated his life's savings to resurrect the company and set it on the path to becoming the world's most famous motorcycle maker. Here is the inside scoop on behind-the-boardroom-door politics and corporate battles, the unknown history of the first Knucklehead and Sportster, the secret friendship with arch-rival Indian motorcycles, and more. Here are family stories and rare photos from the family album that no one else has seen before.
Ride with a father and his son on an amazing journey through America's past. In the summer of 1939, with the nation balanced between the Great Depression and the gathering winds of war, young Jack Newkirk set off on a rickety Harley to see both the New York and San Francisco World's Fairs. He had no way of knowing it was to e the autumn of his youth, and that his entire generation would soon be thrust into the most devastating conflict in history. Seven decades later, author John J. Newkirk retraces this epic ride with his father, Jack, in a silent hope the old soldier will still be proud of the America he fought for. Each mile brings discovery as the author learns of his namesake, the heroic Squadron Leader of the legendar Flying Tigers, and of his father's life on the road and in the jungles of the South Pacific during World War II. The result is quintessential Americana, a sweeping portrait of the grit, guts, ingenuity, and sacrifice that defined a nation, and a timely lesson from the Greatest Generation on how we can overcome our most pressing challenges and reclaim the American Dream.
When anyone thinks of motorcycling, whether they are enthusiasts or only casually interested, the name Harley-Davidson immediately comes to mind. Harley-Davidson is among the oldest surviving motorcycle manufacturers; the company began in 1903 and continues to this day. As you can imagine, over the course of more than 100 years, the company has seen prosperous times as well as lean times, changes in focus and direction, evolution and revolution. All of that leads to a lot of company history and trivia. American Iron Magazine associate editor Tyler Greenblatt has compiled 1,001 Harley-Davidson facts into this single volume, with subjects ranging from the historic powertrains to pop culture to Harley-Davidson as a company and manufacturer. Facts begin with the early years, when a motorcycle was not much more than a bicycle with an engine attached, to the war efforts of World War I, when 15,000 were put into service. During the 1920s, Harley-Davidson grew into the largest manufacturer in the world, and that momentum helped carry it through the Great Depression and into World War II. Postwar development and AMF ownership are also covered in detail, as well as the restructuring and revival of the brand in recent years. Whether you're a casual rider, racer, or restorer, Harley-Davidson enthusiasts will be sure to find something in this book for that next conversation with fellow hobbyists. This book will keep Harley-Davidson enthusiasts entertained for hours, and is a great edition to any motorcycling library. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial}
A tale of a lifelong passion for a WWII aircraft that changed the author’s life: “It is almost like an adventure novel except it is true” (Air Classics). This book tells the story of a Dutch boy who grew up during the 1950s in postwar Borneo, where he had frequent encounters with an airplane, the Douglas DC-3, a.k.a. the C-47 Skytrain or Dakota, of World War II fame. For a young boy living in a remote jungle community, the aircraft reached the proportions of a romantic icon as the essential lifeline to a bigger world for him, the beginning of a special bond. In 1957, his family left the island and all its residual wreckage of World War II, and he attended college in The Hague. After graduation, he started a career as a corporate executive—and met the aircraft again during business trips to the Americas. His childhood passion for the Dakota flared up anew, and the fascination pulled like a magnet. As if predestined, or maybe just looking for an excuse to come closer, he began a business to salvage and convert Dakota parts, which meant first of all finding them. As the demand for these war relic parts and cockpits soared, he began to travel the world to track down surplus, crashed, or derelict Dakotas. He ventured deeper and deeper into remote mountains, jungles, savannas, and the seas where the planes are found, usually as ghostly wrecks but sometimes still in full commercial operation. In hunting the mythical Dakota, he often encountered intimidating or dicey situations in countries plagued by wars or revolts, others by arms and narcotics trafficking, warlords, and conmen. The stories of these expeditions take the reader to some of the remotest spots in the world, but once there, one is often greeted by the comfort of what was once the West’s apex in transportation—however now haunted by the courageous airmen of the past.
In this second part of his fifth volume on Harley-Davidsons motorcycles, Donny Petersen, who studied privately with Harley-Davidson engineers, shares practical knowledge and streetwise tips on the Shovelhead motorcycle. Donny presents what Harley-Davidson has to say through the myriad of service bulletins back in the day in everyday language. He also uses his extensive practical experience to constructively critique the official line, offers additional hard-earned information, and then shares what he does to his own bikes. He provides solutions to fix the Shovelheads teething problems; Harleys responses to ongoing problematic aspects of vibration, as well as the aftermarkets cures; tips on working with the Shovelheads carburetors and five ignitions; starter and charging systems, electrical switches, circuit breakers, and relays; and best practices for lubrication, as well as the progression of front forks and shocks, brakes, wheels, and tires. Written in straightforward language, this guide offers step-by-step instructions to help all levels of enthusiasts, from novices to expert mechanics. In his usual forthright manner, Donny makes technical issues understandable, interspersing explanations with entertaining stories about the lifestyle that comes with being a Harley rider.
In The Riders, photographer and author Henry von Wartenberg (Art of BMW Motorcycles) documents motorcycle culture around the world with stunning images created in more than 30 countries over the past 20 years.
