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Harley-Davidson Serial Number One

posted May 17, 2011 by Graham Johnson

Harley Davidson Serial Number One

This is Harley-Davidson Serial Number One. The very first production Harley-Davidson motorcycle. It's framed by an outline along the floor that is 10 feet by 15 feet - the dimensions of the wooden shed it was built in during 1903.

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http://media.heavy.com/gallery/harley-davidson-serial-number-one/harley_serial_one_01.jpg

This is Harley-Davidson Serial Number One. The very first production Harley-Davidson motorcycle. It's framed by an outline along the floor that is 10 feet by 15 feet - the dimensions of the wooden shed it was built in during 1903.
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http://media.heavy.com/gallery/harley-davidson-serial-number-one/harley_serial_one_02.jpg

This bike was being restored in the 1990's when it was noticed that various components were stamped "1". A freak-out ensues and the legend begins.
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http://media.heavy.com/gallery/harley-davidson-serial-number-one/harley_serial_one_03.jpg

The frame on this motorcycle is not original to the bike and dates to 1905. This is a conversation starter with any Harley-Davidson enthusiast.
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http://media.heavy.com/gallery/harley-davidson-serial-number-one/harley_serial_one_04.jpg

The motor is started by pedaling. These early examples make clear the relationship between bicycles and motorcycles.
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http://media.heavy.com/gallery/harley-davidson-serial-number-one/harley_serial_one_05.jpg

The lack of fenders suggests that it was used in competition. Perhaps the original frame was replaced after a crash in a race. My theory is as good as the next, right?
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http://media.heavy.com/gallery/harley-davidson-serial-number-one/harley_serial_one_06.jpg

The term "Silent Grey Fellows" is used to describe early Harley-Davidsons and refers to the mandatory paint scheme from 1910-1916. Don't be fooled though, their earliest motorcycles were black.
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http://media.heavy.com/gallery/harley-davidson-serial-number-one/harley_serial_one_07.jpg

A feature of any motorcycle is a frame designed to accept an engine whose beauty is evident here. It was clearly not an afterthought.
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http://media.heavy.com/gallery/harley-davidson-serial-number-one/harley_serial_one_08.jpg

The atmospheric-valve single engine was used from 1903 to 1912. It is the earliest Harley-Davidson engine in the long lineage. It also has one of the more graceful exhaust pipes I've ever seen.

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Harley-Davidson Serial Number One

Tags: Harley-Davidson, Moto, Moto Museums, Moto Photo, Motorcycles, Vintage, WTF