Harley-Davidson 1924 V-twin model “FE”

1924 is not a good year for the firm: the losses amount to almost $ 120,000 and the workforce is trimmed down from 2,500 to 1,000 employees. Sales in the USA have seriously diminished in the early twenties because of the competition of the cheap automobile. A positive thing is that export sales are still looking good. More than 6000 machines are exported oversees this year; this amounts to almost half of all Harleys manufactured. The sturdy “J” (electric) and “F” (magneto) models have been developed and improved year after year. Their massive construction and simple and easily maintained engines fitted with rugged clutches and gearboxes are excellently suited to the stern demands of colonial service over bad roads. New features for the 1924 model year are a box-shaped silencer and the installation of Alemite grease fittings. With every new motorcycle an Alemite grease gun and a can of grease is supplied. The “FE” designation means the machine has been fitted with aluminium pistons. The 1924 model is the last of the “old style” Harleys; from the 1925 model year the machines get a completely different look. They have a new type of frame that causes the saddle position to be 3 inches lower than before, the wheels go from 28 to 26 inches and the petrol tank gets a dynamic teardrop shape.

This splendidly restored specimen will probably need some recommissioning; after the restoration was completed she has been displayed in the owner’s living room and hasn’t seen any use on the road.

According to a former owner the machine spent most of its life in the Dutch province of Zeeland. She has been part of a private collection for some time, see website https://www.dayfox-automobilia.nl/

She comes with Bosch magneto, acetylene lighting and push horn on top of the petrol tank.