c1918 Harley-Davidson 18S 500cc Motorcycle & Sidecar

Description

William Harley and Arthur Davidson hit upon a winning formula right from the outset, offering a big, powerful engine in a sturdy frame. The earliest Harleys were all singles, beginning with the original 1903 model using an engine based on a De Dion design and just one forward speed. These early Harleys developed a reputation for sound engineering and solid reliability and sales began to flourish, with company rapidly expanding. From humble beginnings in a wooden shed, a factory on what became Juneau Street was built in 1907 then enlarged the following year, with a machine shop soon added. By 1914, production had jumped to 16,000 units, a far cry from the mere 50 motorcycles built in 1906. Harley-Davidson's second generation single, the Model 5-35, was announced in 1913 with a number of improvements and despite the introduction - and runaway success - of the new V-twins, the one lunger continued in production for many years to come. With capacity increased to 35-cid by increasing the stroke from 3 ½-inches to 4-inches (the bore remained the same), the new model produced five horsepower and could reach 55 mph, with a one-piece iron cylinder-head and barrell and alloy crankcase, still using a total-loss lubrication system. Although belt-driven models were still technically available, most buyers opted for the new chain-drive that eliminated the problem of the leather belt slipping in wet weather. Direct drive gradually gave way to a new ?step starter? and two-speed rear hub in 1914, followed shortly afterwards by a move to a three-speed transmission with a proper sliding-pinion gearbox. Other improvements included lever-operation brakes in 1918 and better front suspension, with the well-sprung seat compensating somewhat for the rigid rear end. Harley offered two singles in 1918, the Models 18B and 18C, the former with direct gearing and the latter with a three-speed gearbox. Both were rated at 6 horsepower and priced at $235 and $260 respectively, with the sidecar listed as a $90 option. Today few of these singles survive, relics of a bygone era keenly sought after by collectors the world over.