c1947 Harley-Davidson U47 1200cc Motorcycle

Description

Harley-Davidson's 'Big Twin' family dates back to the introduction of the Model V model first announced in July 1929, replacing the Model J with a newly designed frame housing the powerful 74-cid V-twin. Competing with Indian for supremacy in the American bike market, the side-valve Model V proved a great success for the Milwakee company throughout the 1930s. With a three-speed gear-change, the high compression VL could reach a top speed of 85 mph, making this one of the fastest bikes of the day. Other notable improvements included bigger tyres, interchangeable wheels with drop-centre rims, longer wheelbase with more ground clearance, drop forged forks and a stronger steel loop frame. The twin headlamps, Klaxon horn and round toolbox were carried over, but the rest of the bike was almost entirely new. Harley revised the 'Big Twin' range in 1937, with the 74-cid V and VL models rebadged the U and UL respectively. Adopting the styling of the ohv Knucklehead twins, the new models also featured improved engine oiling and a four-speed transmission. The larger 80-cid VH and VLH were renamed the UH and ULH but only survived until 1941, while the regular 74-cid models remained in production until 1948. With civilian production halted during the war years, the bulk of Harley's military production was concentrated on the smaller WLA, although a small number of Model UA and USA (the sidecar variant) saw active duty. Few Model U side-valves were built in the immediate post-war period and today these remain the ultimate development of Harley's original 'Big Twin' family.