When talking about motorcycle manufacturers that have influenced the current U.S. biking landscape, it’s hard to overlook Harley-Davidson. This iconic brand has played a significant role in defining what cruisers and tourers represent today. With a rich history dating back to 1903, Harley-Davidson originated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, created by the visionary duo of William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, who began with little more than ambition. Just two years after its founding, the company produced its first motorcycle, the Model 1, which was essentially a bicycle powered by an engine. By World War I, Harley-Davidson had established itself as a leading motorcycle supplier in the U.S., contributing to war efforts alongside Indian Motorcycles.
Advertisement
Over the past century, Harley-Davidson has consistently unleashed motorcycles that capture attention. The company offers a remarkable range of bikes tailored for nearly every potential rider eager to hit the open road. Whether you’re after motorcycles renowned for their sound quality or cost-effective maintenance, Harley-Davidson provides a solution. Despite its contemporary acclaim, many of its most iconic models hail from the 1950s and later, overshadowing the impressive machines produced in its earlier years. From the 1915 Harley-Davidson 11-F to the 1927 BA, here are four of the most underrated classic motorcycles that contributed to Harley-Davidson’s legacy.
Advertisement
A three-speed touring machine that was ahead of its time
Harley-Davidson was still a fledgling company when it unveiled the 11-F motorcycle. During its early years, the firm worked tirelessly to establish itself in the motorcycle manufacturing realm, achieving milestones like incorporation in 1907 and rolling out its first V-twin engine shortly thereafter. By 1913, Harley had completed a six-story brick factory to accommodate growing demands. The 1915 11-F was introduced, featuring a three-speed sliding gear transmission and a powerful 61 cubic inch F-head V-twin engine that produced 11 horsepower at 3,000 RPM.
Advertisement
The allure of the 1915 11-F lay in its innovative three-speed transmission, a groundbreaking feature that simplified gear shifting. The engine’s power was also notably increased, boasting a 37 percent boost in horsepower compared to its predecessor. Harley-Davidson made significant enhancements to the engine’s design, incorporating a larger intake manifold, larger inlet valves, and an automatic oiler. Moreover, the 1915 model introduced a step starter for easier ignition.
At its debut, the price of the 11-F was $275, making it an attractive option that surpassed the popularity of the contemporaneous 11-J model. Today, most 1915 11-Fs exist in museums, car shows, or private collections, but select sellers may offer them with prices ranging from $16,815 for those in poor condition to as much as $124,975 for models in excellent shape.
Advertisement
A round-cornered fuel tank and a kickstarter. What’s not to love?
Just a year after introducing its innovative three-speed transmission with the 11-F, Harley-Davidson launched the 1916 Harley-Davidson J, an exceptional motorcycle featuring a rounded fuel tank rather than the traditional square-cornered style of earlier models, and a modern kickstarter replacing the 11-F’s step starter. The 1916 J included numerous enhancements, such as greater fuel capacity, wider front mudguards, and stronger wheel rims. It was powered by a 61-cubic-inch intake-over-exhaust V-twin engine that delivered about 11 horsepower and achieved speeds up to 59 miles per hour.
Advertisement
The 1916 J stood out for several reasons. It marked the introduction of Harley-Davidson’s new model designation system, which aligned model identifiers with production years, a shift from the previous practice of designating by order of establishment. Additionally, the 1916 J was offered in olive drab rather than the classic gray paint that had been the brand’s hallmark for a decade. This model also showcased a lower and stretched appearance compared to its predecessors. Similar to the 1915 model, the 1916 J is now mostly held in private collections and museums worldwide, while prices today range from $14,000 to $105,000 based on condition.
Advertisement
Cruising into the modern age
Throughout the 1910s, Harley-Davidson solidified its reputation as an innovative motorcycle manufacturer, becoming a key supplier for the U.S. military during World War I, with over 20,000 units sold. As the post-war era arrived, the company continued its innovative trajectory, exemplified by the 1925 Harley-Davidson JD. With this model, Harley modernized its offerings, showcasing significant differences from prior models.
Advertisement
The JD was distinguished by features like a teardrop-shaped fuel tank and a newly designed frame, which lowered the saddle by three inches compared to earlier versions. Its stout profile came from wide tires with smaller diameters, complemented by a robust 74-cubic-inch F-head V-twin engine, iron alloy pistons, and Harley’s classic three-speed transmission. This also featured a foot-operated rear drum brake, luggage rack, and sprung front forks.
As with earlier models, the JD can primarily be found in private collections, vehicle shows, or museums. However, it is available for purchase, with prices varying from $6,500 to $45,000 depending on its condition.
Advertisement
Introducing Harley’s distributor-less ignition system
By the late 1920s, Harley-Davidson had grown to employ 3,000 workers and catered to global customers in over 70 countries. Following the success of the 1925 JD, the company sought to maintain its innovative momentum, leading to the release of the Harley-Davidson BA in 1927. The BA was a single-cylinder motorcycle that introduced a pioneering distributor-less ignition system, enabling a single coil to fire both spark plugs simultaneously on each cycle, thereby improving spark reliability.
Advertisement
The BA was equipped with a 21-cubic-inch single-cylinder engine, which contributed to its decline in popularity as the industry shifted away from single-cylinder models toward more powerful twin-cylinder designs. Harley attempted to revive interest in the BA by upgrading to larger motors, such as a 30.5-cubic-inch version, but these efforts proved insufficient, and the BA faded from the market during the late 1930s.
Although the 1927 Model BA was short-lived, the distributor-less ignition system it featured was revolutionary and remained in use in V-Twin bikes well into the 1950s. As of now, a 1927 Model BA’s price varies from $5,000 to $41,000 based on its condition.
Advertisement
