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2013 Shannons Sydney Spring Classic Auction
Lot
W

c1920 Harley-Davidson W Model Sport Motorcycle

$15,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine HorizontalTwin, 35.6-cid
Gearbox 3-speed manual
Colour Beige

Description

This lot is no longer available

One of Harley-Davidson's more radical designs of the post-WWI era, the Model W Sport Twin first appeared in 1919 and the low, lean frame housed a new horizontally-opposed side-valve twin of 35.6-cid. The Model W was an attempt by Harley-Davidson to broaden its appeal as the bigger twins were, by 1920, around the same price as a new Model T Ford and ever increasing numbers of buyers were switching from two wheels to four. Weighing 100lbs less than its big brothers and with a lower centre of gravity, the Model W certainly handled well and the new flat twin motor was both smoother and cleaner thanks to the gear primary-drive and enclosed rear chain. The Model W came well equipped too, with magneto ignition and acetylene gas lighting as standard, with coil ignition and proper electric lighting optional. However a perceived lack of performance, relatively high price ($325 at the time of introduction in 1919) and a belief that bigger is always better saw the Model W struggle to catch on and it remained in production for just five years.