September 13, 1937 - Harley

HARLEY— DAVIDSON
Enthusiast
OCTOBER, 1937
MOTORCYCLES
Greatest
The
Davidsons
1938 of
Models
all
* Red and Green Signal Lights for Oil Pressure and
Generator Charge * Shaved Timing Gears on All
Models * Completely Enclosed Rocker Arm Assembly on 61 OHV * Larger Oil Return Pipes in 61
OHV Valve Spring Covers * Interconnected Brake
Shoes in Service Brakes on Big Twins * Improved
Transmission Gears and Shifter Clutches in All Models * Oil Leakage Minimized in Valve Cover System on 45, 74, 80 * Shifting Mechanism on 45 Twins
Same Type as Big Twins * Larger and More Efficient Burgess Muffler on Servi-Car * Timing Gears
on 45, 74, 80 Models Now Run in Oil Bath * Compression-type Oil Pipe Connections on All Models
* Rock-under Clutch Pedal Now Incorporated on 45
Twin * Frames Greatly Strengthened on 61, 74, and
80 Models * Speedometer Dial Features Easily
Read Calibrations * Self-aligning Lower Head Cone
on Big Twins * Larger Clutch Thrust Bearing on All
Models * New Striping and Beautiful Color Options
* Larger Oil Vent Pipes on Big Twins * Zerk-Alemite Fittings on All Models * Enclosed Rear Chain
on Servi-Car * New Jaw-type Clamp on Servi-Car
45 Twin
J\iqnl Side
By HAP HAYES
Hello,Folks. I've got the
inside story you're waiting to hear; but before I spout this tale
of the classy new Harley-Davidsons for
1938, I'd like to sort of review the past
season. It would make me feel mighty bad
if we let 1937 pass without a few words.
Yes, sir, another year has all but slipped
away beneath the spinning wheels. It really doesn't seem that long ago when I grabbed you by the arm and enthusiastically
poured out the story of those 1937 Harley-Davidsons with their teardrop, welded steel tanks—circulating pressure oiling
- roller bearing motors - - double loop
trussed frames — tubular front forks and
many other outstanding features. What a
sensation those babies created! They scored
a tremendous hit wherever they appeared.
As the months went by the interest in these
latest Harley-Davidsons increased. They
have more than lived up to the fine traditions of Harley-Davidson.
Meanwhile, motorcycle activity grew by
leaps and bounds. And as the curtain is
drawn down on the 1937 season, we find
that, as usual, Harley-Davidson again contributed the lion's share of achievements
on hill, road and track. First came the two
dazzling rides of Joe Petrali at Daytona
Beach where a new straightaway record
of 136.183 m.p.h. was set with a nonsupercharged 61 OHV both ways over an
electrically timed mile course. And the
same day he set a new record of 102.047
m.p.h. with a non-supercharged 45" Harley-Davidson. That was the beginning of
a big year for Harley-Davidson. A little
later another bombshell rocked the motorcycle world. It came from the West and
the bomb thrower was Fred Ham. Scarcely a year previous Fred and his HarlevRed and green signal lights replace the oil gauge
and ammeter on the new models. The large, easilyread dial now features 2-mile-per-hour calibrations.
Davidson had roared down the coast from
Canada to Mexico to a new 3-Flag record. This time, out at Muroc Dry Lakes,
Fred climbed into the saddle of his 61
OHV and rode for 24 hours, setting up a
new all-time mark of 1825.2 miles and 43
intermediate records. There was "performance" unmatched in motorcycle annals.
As the season progressed, more brilliant
victories fell to Harley-Davidson: The
100-Mile National T.T. Championship,
both the 45" and 80" Pacific Coast T.T.
Championships, the Southwest
T.T.
Championship, all four 1937 National
Hillclimb Championships, the 1937 Jack
Pine Road Endurance Championship for
the 13th consecutive time, both the 45"
and 80" National Miniature T.T. Championships, new National Class C 5-Mile
and 10-Mile records, as well as a host of
state and district championships. But
these glorious victories are only a part of
the great picture of motorcycling. In addition there are the thousands of proud
Harley-Davidson owners who have been
rolling up hundreds of thousands of happy miles on the highways and byways.
This neat new cover for the rocker arm means a
quieter, cleaner 61 OHV motor. The assembly is
securely sealed with a synthetic rubber packing.
They, too, are vitally interested in performance.
45 Twin Left Side
It is quite logical, therefore, that they prefer Harley-Davidson —
the motorcycle that champions ride. There
—we've glanced back at the 1937 picture.
Now let's look ahead into 1938. We'll
go over the '38 models together and see
what's what about them.
An "Inside Story" for 1938
In the first place, I'd say that this is
going to be pretty much of an "inside
story". The reason is that Harley-Davidson engineers have concentrated their attention on the "insides" of the new models.
Many of the fine new improvements are
dandy, but since they are internal they
J
61 hidden
are
OHV Right
from sight.
Side
nal lights that now are mounted in the
let that panel.
fo
instrument
—
don't
°* They'll make your eyes
you—not by a long shot! pop out! Here's one improvement you can
There has been plenty done inside to in- spot right away. The red light on the
crease the efficiency of these unseen parts. right of the dial is the oil pressure indicaAnd after all, isn't it true that the efficien- tor and replaces the oil gauge on all modcy of your motorcycle does depend on the els. When the ignition switch is turned
parts hidden away in the crankcase, gear on, the red oil light flashes indicating the
box, cylinders, and so forth? And how it lack of pressure in the oiling system. At
does! Well, lets get along with the story. the same time the green generator light on
the left, which replaces the ammeter on
Electric Lights Indicate Oil Pressure
all models, also flashes. But we'll come
and Generator Charge Rate
back to that in a minute. Then we kick
Talk about Christmas tree lights—just over the motor, and as soon as the oil prescrane your neck at the red and green sig- sure exceeds three pounds per square inch,
the red light goes out and you know that
the oil pressure is functioning OK. The
green generator light stays on, indicating
that the generator is not charging, until
the charge rate exceeds the battery voltage;
then it, too, goes out.
There you have a simple yet effective
set of signal lights that are new, mighty
classy looking, and efficient. Even in the
daytime, just the merest glance gives you
the whole story.
A three-terminal relay is used with this
new signal system. The third terminal
But
New interconnected brake shoes on the rear wheels
of the Big Twins for 1938 eliminate squealing and
chattering and assure safe, easy brake operation.
controls the green generator light on all
models. On the 61 OHV an oil pressure
diaphragm switch mounted on the pump
controls the red signal light, while on the
45, 74, and 80 models the oil pressure diaphragm switch is mounted on the gear
case cover. This switch is connected with
the pressure feed line.
2 M. P. H. Speedometer Dial
Even the speedometer dial has had its
face lifted for 1938. These big, openfaced dials now have 2-mile-per-hour calibrations and are on all models except
the Servi-Car. This new arrangement,
like the signal light system, is designed to
tell the rider all he wants to know at a
glance. It gives him an accurate check
on his speed. Gee! How handy everything is on these late Harley-Davidsons.
They sure add to the joys of motorcycling.
There's no worry or effort connected
with riding now like there was years ago.
In the old days, we worried so much about
whether we'd get where we were going
that it kinda dampened our enthusiasm
at times. Wire from a roadside fence was
a life saver when motorcycling was young.
Still greater strength at vital points has been incorporated in the double loop, trussed frames on the
1938 Big Twin Harley-Davidsons.
But not now' days with
these ultra-modern, upt o - t h e - s e c o n d HarleyDavidson motorcycles.
61 OHV Left Side
Shaved Timing Gears
Now we turn the eagle eye on another
improvement that will contribute a lot to
the good performance of your 1938 Harley-Davidson. Perhaps you have been
wondering just what this shaved timing
gear business is all about. Well, there is a
special machine installed here in the factory at great expense. You ought to see
the way this ingenious machine takes these
gears and goes to work on the teeth. It
eliminates all high spots and makes the
gear pitch more truly round. The gears
74 Twin Right Side then
fit up closer and
sealed with synthetic rubber packing and
bett
Vellumoid.
The
™
f' Not onl
y oil return pipes leading
u
does this shaving of the from the valve spring cups are larger in
gears make them quieter but longer motor diameter to lessen the possibility of cloglife naturally follows.
ging. These larger pipes and larger nipple
holes will prove more efficient under
Enclosed Rocker Arm Assembly on 61
severe weather conditions.
You'll whoop it up some more when
you see what a swell job Harley-DavidQuieter, Cleaner Motors
son engineers did in designing a neat covSmooth, quiet running timing gears add
er for the rocker arm assembly on the 61
much to the performance of any motor. In
OHV. They deserve a big hand for that
addition to the "close shave" these gears
feature. Cleanliness and quieter operareceive—they also now run in an oil bath.
tion have been achieved through this covThe rear exhaust cam gear on the 45, 74,
er. The top of your 61 OHV will stay
and 80 models runs in an oil reservoir.
clean and you can wear your light-colored
The oil is taken up by this gear and disriding clothes to your heart's content. The
tributed on to all the other timing gears.
enclosed rocker arm assembly is securelv
It is quite plain that these gears should
perform much better as a result of this
perfect lubrication. Longer motor life
also results.
On the 45, 74, and 80 models the problem of oil seepage and quieter motors has
also been tackled with enthusiasm and
good results have been forthcoming. In
the valve cover system special synthetic
rubber rings are now used between the
covers. An effective seal is thus provided
esh
For 1938 the 45 Twin has the same easy-operating
rock-under clutch pedal and footboard assembly as
the Big Twin models.
and prevents annoying oil leakage and
eliminates lots of cussing on the part of the
rider. Between the upper valve spring
covers and valve guide, special rubberized
asbestos washers are also used for a better oil seal, while extra thick Vellumoid
paper washers will be fitted between the
valve covers and tappet guides.
45" Transmission Features
One of the star features of the new 45
model is its smooth, easy shifting action.
The 45 now has the same kind of a cam
drum shifting device as used on the 61, 74,
and 80 models. To get this smooth action,
the sharp angle of the slots in the drum
have been reduced and the shifting finger
moves smoother. The drum itself also moves further with the motion
of the shift lever. All this helps considerably in bringing about the easy smoothness in changing from gear to gear that is
characteristic of the Big Twins. The
change in the 45 cam drum also has made
it necessary to adopt the new gear box on
this model similar to that used on the Big
Twins. Likewise, the shifter gate has been
changed on the 45 to accommodate the new
shifting cam in the transmission.
The Servi-Car has a new jaw-type tow-bar clamp
to fit all shapes of bumpers. For extra large bumpers a special attachment is provided.
A positive locking device, O^J
M %WI
now provided on all for£efi SiJe
ward speeds of the 45,
prevents the gear shifting clutches from
jumping out in any position. This arrangement makes it impossible to shift gears
without first releasing the clutch sufficiently to take the shock off the gear shifter
clutches. This locking device spells added
life to the transmission and clutch.
Greater strength has also been brought
about in the transmission by other changes.
There is now an 8-ball thrust bearing instead of a 6-ball thrust bearing in the
clutch push rod assembly. This change
will also reduce clutch servicing. The
mainshaft second gear has been strongly
reinforced—both second and high gear
ENTHUSIAST
10
shifter clutches are made of a better quality steel, and the lugs on these shifter
clutches have also been strengthened.
There you are—put 'em all together and
they spell "a real transmission and smooth,
easy shifting".
Self-Aligning Lower Head Cone
on Big Twins
The new 61, 74, and 80 models are
even easier to handle than previously, due
to adding a self-aligning lower head cone.
The cone is seated on a convex base allowing it to shift into alignment regardless
of the head cups or no matter how tight
the bearing may be. Bearing pitting is
eliminated and the bearing race is free to
travel all around. The way these Big
Twins handle certainly makes motorcycling a real pleasure. They'll now retain
their easy-handling qualities for life.
Stronger Frames on Big Twins
The 1937 National Jack Pine proved
that Harley-Davidson motorcycles are
made to stand up under rough treatment.
36 of the 41 finishers this year were Harley-Davidson mounted. And imagine the
punishment a frame has
to take on a nightmare
run like tne
For 1938 still more strength has been incorporated in the Big Twins at various
points. On the 61, 74, and 80 models, the
upper and lower stays on the rear end are
now 14 gauge steel. Both the upper left
side frame stay and the lower right frame
stay have been reinforced. The left rear
axle clip that holds the brake side-plate also
has been strengthened. Other points that
have been made stronger include the upper
and lower seat post braces, the transmission mounting bracket and rear support,
and the upper frame strut. Here indeed is
a frame of unusual strength and you can
mount one of these Big Twins and ride
away with a wonderful feeling of security.
Big Twin Transmission Changes
Improvements have been made on the
61, 74, and 80 models that make them
more trouble-free and easier to operate. A
new 10-ball thrust bearing in place of the
former 8-ball will lessen clutch adjustment service. To take care of this new
thrust bearing, a new starter cover is now
used. Along with this new thrust bearing a new, larger and stronger releasing
finger is now used. A new clutch push
rod is also now employed.
A feature you'll appreciate is the higher
(Turn to page 19)
OCTOBER, 1937
MODEL G
SERVI-CAR
PACKAGE
TRUCK
MODEL GD
SERVI-CAR
Harley-Davidson Wins 13th Straight
Jack Pine Endurance Championship
U
p IN THE Jack Pine country of
northern Michigan, Harley - Davidson
motorcycles again proved their world famous dependability by winning the Jack
Pine National Endurance Run, over the
Labor Day week-end, for the 13th consecutive year. Out of a field of 88 entries
only 41 finished the nightmare of sand,
swamp, fire lanes and river crossings along
the grueling 500-mile course. As usual,
Harley-Davidson riders took the majority
of honors, winning 36 of the 41 places.
The new Jack Pine Champion and winner
of the coveted cowbell is 19 year old
William Muehlenbeck, Jr., of Saginaw,
Michigan, on a '37 Harley-Davidson 45
Twin, who checked in at Lansing with the
high score of 976 points. The 1937 Jack
Pine was indeed a survival of the fittest
and proved beyond any doubt the courage
of the riders and the dependability of their
mounts. The Jack Pine Run is 15 years
old and on 14 occasions Harley-Davidson
riders have come home the winners.
This famous endurance classic is an annual affair and is promoted by the Lansing
State Journal and the Lansing Motorcycle Club. Entries this year came from
Coast to Coast in search of the highly
prized cowbell.
Sunday morning at 6 :00 the first rider
checked out of Lansing and thereafter at
one minute intervals 87 more contestants
were sent on their way along the famous
Jack Pine Trail. For some it was their
first experience; for others it was their
"umpteenth" attempt and they all rode
northward in high spirits with hearts full
of hope.
The trail led to St. Louis and then
through sand, brush, gravel roads, and
cut-over trails to North Bradley. Beyond
How would you like 500 miles of this stuff? 1.
Fording Rifie River. 2. Good old Michigan sand!
3. Another sandy stretch. 4. Champion Muehlenbeck.
5. Along the Jack Pine trail. 6. Where do we go
from here? 7. Six miles of this and you're numb
all over. 8. And the precious minutes tick away!
9. Camp Au Sable, the night control. 10. The Saginaw team —Muehlenbeck, left, Goulding, Jones,
Konecny. 11. Signing up at Lenz' — the Jack Pine
headquarters. 12. Dot Robinson, second place winner in the Class A Sidecar, Claude Goulding, right,
who won the Class A Sidecar with Bud Jones, passenger.
here was more of the same tough going
with 1J/2 miles of corduroy road. At West
Branch, the noon control, 75 riders
checked in, 13 having found the going too
tough.
Twelve miles out of West Branch, was
Rifle River and at the fording point it
presented a strong curent and an uneven
bottom varying from eight inches to three
feet in depth. More than a few floundered
around and when motors died so did their
14
hopes. The slippery river bottom and
countless holes made Rifle River a formidable obstacle. No less forbidding was the
steep bank on the opposite side. The only
way out of the river was up and over the
abandoned railroad ties on the edge of the
bank. Once on top, it wTas a case of drying
off as best one could. It took many miles
before clothing and boots were again dry.
At Mack Lake the checkers noticed
the ranks had thinned out considerably
due to long tough sand hills and other obstacles. As nightfall approached those still
in the running began checking in at Au
Sable, the night control.
A delicious chicken dinner awaited the
tired, hungry Jack Piners. They welcome
this opportunity of expressing their grateful appreciation to Lieutenant Hartley,
in charge of the Au Sable C. C. C. Camp
for the many courtesies extended to them.
The night was spent under army blankets
on army cots and what a relief it was
after the grueling day. There was no set
program—no long speech-making. Everyone wanted to get to bed and rest tired,
aching muscles.
The next morning when the boys rolled
out of bed, the country was blanketed
with a heavy frost. At 6:01 the first rider
rode off into the cold gray dawn with
the thermometer down to the freezing
point. Near Moorestown secret check
No. 9 caught many of them unawares and
valuable points were lost. From here the
trail led in a round about way for seven
miles over fire trails and back to secret
ENTHUSIAST
check No. 9. Out of Harrison they struggled and bumped along over four miles
of an abandoned railroad right-of-way.
This was undoubtedly the most excruciating part of the whole course. Those who
survived this stretch next encountered
sand, gravel and backwoods trails to Farwell and more of the same through Winn
and Crystal Lake. Another stretch of
gravel and finally Lansing came into view.
One by one the survivors wearily checked in and pried aching arms loose from
handlebars. Then the checkers went into
an all-night huddle. Around 4:00 A. M.
the check sheets showed Muehlenbeck the
new champion. In the meantime he had
returned to Saginaw. A long distance
call got him out of bed and the glad news
banished any further thoughts of sleep.
He is the youngest rider ever to win the
cowbell and was riding in the Class B
division. Erwin Tursky of Fond du Lac,
on another make motorcycle, placed first
in the Class A Solo Division. Claude
Goulding Harley-Davidson, of Saginaw,
with Bud Jones as passenger, won top
honors in the Class A sidecar division.
Class B Solo was won by Denver Glei,
Harley-Davidson, of Canal Winchester,
Ohio, and Class B Sidecar went to John
Esler, H a r l e y - D a v i d s o n , of Grand
Rapids, Michigan.
Again this year Dorothy Robinson of
Motorcyclists from Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Utah,
Wyoming, and other points, got together on August
First and made a four-day group tour to Yellowstone National Park. The photo below was taken
during the tour.
OCTOBER, 1937
Detroit rode the entire course and finished second in the Class A Sidecar. Dorothy and her 61 OHV sidecar outfit with
Glen Cole as passenger gave a wonderful
demonstration in the art of Jack Pining
with a sidecar. Martin Maul of Bay City,
Michigan, had perhaps the most embarrassing accident of all. About 50 miles
after checking out of Lansing Sunday
morning, Martin was highballing along
when all at once he discovered his sidecar
with his son in it was missing. That
finished Martin's chances. Ken McCord
of Holland, Ohio, and his old HarleyDavidson Single again finished—this time
with a score of 903 points for fourth place
in Class A.
Saginaw riders, Muehlenbeck, Konecny
and Goulding rode off with seven trophies
and American Motorcycle Association
awards—it was a big day for Saginaw.
And it was a big day for Harley-Davidson. Study this list of those who finished
and note that 36 of the 41 finishers rode
Harley-Davidsons.
National Champion
MUEHLENBECK—HARLEY-DAVIDSON—976 POINTS
Class A Solo
Erwin H. Tursky. . . ,
967
Ted Konecny
. Harley-Davidson 923
Bruce
Walters.
Harley-Davidson 920
v
Kenneth McCord
Harley-Davidson 903
Claude Hicks
Harley-Davidson 892
Russell Beadle
Harley-Davidson 874
Ray King
Harley-Davidson 858
Gordon F. Way
Harley-Davidson 819
Earl Robinson
Harley-Davidson 815
15
Fred Dripps
Harold Kuykendall
Robert Walters
Paul Zalac
Tom J. Kobe
Bruno Teske
Harley-Davidson 803
Harley-Davidson 763
Harley-Davidson 755
Harley-Davidson 494
Harley-Davidson 580
320
Class A Sidecar
Claude Goulding
Harley-Davidson 892
Dorothy Robinson
Harley-Davidson 878
Robert Bunyard
Harley-Davidson 792
Dan O'Connell
Harley-Davidson 728
V. E. Garwood
Harley-Davidson 675
James Willson
378
Class B Solo
Denver Glei
Harley-Davidson 905
Francis Wood
Harley-Davidson 898
Marvin Bannerman
Harley-Davidson 861
Donald Loucks
Harley-Davidson 828
Virgil Folster
Harley-Davidson 776
Ed. Merkner
Harley-Davidson 613
Vincent Rogers
Harley-Davidson 572
Bob Farrow
Harley-Davidson 548
Wilbert Seidens
Harley-Davidson 529
John Van
Harley-Davidson 474
Ed. Schondelmayer
—
434
Harold Bauchman
Harley-Davidson 274
Don McKay
Harley-Davidson
77
Russell Heyboer
69
Class B Sidecar
John Esler
Harley-Davidson 866
James Lenz
Harley-Davidson 802
Chester Dykgraaf
Harley-Davidson 739
Bob Willison
Harley-Davidson 534
Bruce Angell
Harley-Davidson 282
Dealer Teams
Harley-Davidson Sales.. . Harley-Davidson 930
Harley-Davidson M. Co.. Harley-Davidson 828
Walters Brothers
Harley-Davidson 813
Club Teams
Nite Hawk Detroit Riders.. Harley-Davidson 811
Muskegon Mcy. Club
Harley-Davidson 597
Greater Toledo Mcy. Cl... Harley-Davidson 574
I
H
Tommy Hays Wins Both 1937 National
Miniature T.T. Championships . . . .
Jr OR THE third consecutive year
Harley-Davidson horsepower has won all
the honors in the National Miniature T.
T. races. In 1935 Les Myers was champion; in 1936 Curtis Duty held the 45"
title and Hap Jones was 80" champion,
and now for 1937 Tommy Hays of Dallas
holds both crowns through his sensational
twin victories at Waco, Texas, over the
Labor Day week-end. So complete was
the Harley-Davidson landslide that all
four semi-finals in addition to the championships were won by Harley-Davidson
riders, including slams in three events.
Again this year the championships were
sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Waco Motorcycle Club.
The scene of Hays' thrilling triumphs was
the famous Pochyla Ranch T.T. course.
Pochyla is an ideal place for a National,
and is known from coast to coast for its
hairpin turns, tough going, stiff grades—
everything to test the riders' skill and the
dependability of their mounts. Approximately 40 entries were on hand this year
eager to win at least part of the glory
that goes with these two coveted championships. They came from Ohio, Wisconsin, California, Indiana, Oklahoma,
New Mexico and other states. Texas too,
had many of her favorite sons entered
and one of them, Tommy Hays, came
through with two brilliant performances.
Motorcyclists began streaming into
Waco for days before the big races. The'
City too, joined in welcoming the out-oftown visitors. A big "welcome" sign hung
across the center of the business district
at 5th and Austin. Nothing was left undone by the Junior Chamber of Commerce
and the Waco Club in getting Waco all
stirred up over the big National races to
be run off during the Labor Day weekend.
So great was the enthusiasm created,
that when the riders went out to Pochyla
to practice on Saturday, approximately
2,000 fans were on hand. Sunday morning shortly after the eliminations got under way, heavy rain forced a postponement
until Labor Day. Many of the contestants entered a motor in each class—since
the 80" Championship was not an Open
affair and 45" motors could be entered
only in the 45" National. The boys who
had a 45" motor and an 80" motor present thus had two chances to win.
Harley-Davidson riders started winning from the first Semi-Final. Hays
won his 45" Event, then Anderson took
his Heat. Charlie Pinckard won his 80"
Semi-Final and so did the coast rider
Milton Iverson. And then came the 80"
National. Excitement was at high pitch.
Hap Jones, who won this title a year
ago on a Harley-Davidson, was again
present, this time riding another make
motorcycle.
At the drop of the flag, Pinckard shot
into the lead folowed by Anderson, Reno,
Scenes from the National Miniature T.T. races at
Waco. 1. Start of the 80" National. 2. Waiting for
the fiag in the 45" National. 3. Champion Hays going places in a hurry. 4. The new National Miniature T.T. king—Tommy Hays of Dallas, 5. Bob
Enloe, winner of third place in the 80" National. 6.
Eldon Beer, who came in second in the 80" National.
and Iverson. Early in the race Pinckard
went wide on a turn, Anderson took the
lead with Hays coming up fast. On the
hill along the back stretch, Anderson,
Pinckard, Iverson, Reno, and Myers tangled up and Hays shot past into the lead.
He was never headed. Jones also went
down in the seventh lap. Several of the
contestants dropped out and at the finish
line it was Hayes, Beer, and Enloe, Harley-Davidson, and Hap Jones, competition. And the first of the championships
came to Tommy Hays. His time was 19
18
MORE HAPPY FANS
The smiling Harley-Davidson enthusiast presented
here, all set to roll up the miles, is Russell Keech
of the Panama Canal Zone.
ENTHUSIAST
minutes, 14.6 seconds, a new record for
the course.
In the 45" National, Hays jumped into an early lead with Myers, Kathcart,
Pinckard, Paddock, and Jones in hot pursuit. Midway in the race Paddock began
overtaking the leaders and finally began
pushing Hays hard. Hays gave the crowd
a mighty thrill when he spilled on a curve.
He hung to the bars as the machine continued on and by some miracle his mount
straightened up, Tommy crawled aboard,
and kept his lead. Here indeed was a
feat that stamped Tommy a real champion. Paddock meanwhile developed trouble and despite his gallant fight, Hays
got the checkered flag for his second triumph. Kathcart finished third and Hap
Jones, competition, fourth. Again Hays
set a new 20-lap record, this time for the
Big Twins—19 minutes, 18.20 seconds.
And so came to an end another afternoon
of National Championships with HarleyDavidson winning the honors.
Hays
Jones (H)
Reno
Kathcart
"I get a thrill every time I twist the throttle of my
faithful Harley-Davidson," writes Clare Heard, of
Peterboro, Ontario, Canada.
45" Semi-Final (10 laps)
Harley-Davidson 9 m. 23.6 sec.
—
Harley-Davidson
45" Semi-Final (10 laps)
Anderson
Harley-Davidson 9 m. 37.6 sec.
Myers (L)
Harley-Davidson
Pinckard
Harley-Davidson
Paddock
Harley-Davidson
Pinckard
Anderson
Reno
Dalio
Iverson
Beer
Jones (H)
Hays
80" Semi-Final (10 laps)
Harley-Davidson 9 m. 38.4 sec.
Harley-Davidson
—
80" Semi-Final (10 laps)
Harley-Davidson 9 m. 34.8 sec.
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson
45" National Championship (20 laps)
Hays
Harley-Davidson 19 m. 14.6 sec.
Paddock
Harley-Davidson
Kathcart
Harley-Davidson
Jones (H)
-
Allen Crawford and his fair buddy seat passenger,
Miss Clelie Nelson, are members of the Tiger Motorcycle Club of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
80" National Championship (20 laps)
Hays
Harley-Davidson 19 m. 18.2 sec.
Beer
Harley-Davidson
Enloe
Harley-Davidson
Jones (H)
OCTOBER, 1937
The 1938
Harley-Davidsons
19
erably and will enable you to bring your
new Harley-Davidson to a halt silently
and easily.
(Continued from page 10)
New 45 Twin Clutch Pedal
oil level of the communicating hole between the starter cover and the gear case.
This change will aid a lot in keeping possible foreign particles from working into
the gear case. The fourth gear lugs on
the shifter clutch now have beveled engaging surfaces, and the third speed engaging clutch will also have more clearance
from the side of the lugs. A ride on one
of these new Big Twins will show you
that I haven't boosted these new improvements half enough.
Another feature that has aided the
smooth shifting of the 45 Twins for 1938
is the installation of an entirely new rockunder clutch foot lever and footboard assembly. This type of clutch foot lever is
the same kind as is used on the Big
Twins. The new lever is much more satisfactory than the former overhanging type
and together with the transmission
changes, mentioned previously, will make
more and more friends for the 45 model.
Interconnected Brake Shoes
On Big Twins
You get the breaks! The rear wheels of
the Big Twins now have interconnected
brake shoes. The lower spring is the only
one used in this assembly. The shoes are
held to the pivot by means of cup bearings.
Squealing and chattering brakes used to
be considered a necessary evil,—something
that just had to be. Remember how people on the streets used to jump and stare
at you and run for cover when you wanted
to stop suddenly? Not any more—these
new brake shoes mean easy brake operation! The brake side-plate also has been
amply reinforced. Rex-Hide brake lining
and soft brake drums are now used on the
front brake of the 61, 74, and 80, on the
Servi-Car rear brakes,
and on the sidecar
wheel. So much for the
brakes. They increase
the safety factor consid-
This view shows a few of the
many parked motorcycles at
the Illinois District 19A
Championship T.T. races
held on the Peoria Club's
course. The Grand Open
Event was won by Bill Underwood,
Harley-Davidson,
of Chillicothe, Illinois.
Oil Pipe Connections and Other
Changes
Compression type oil pipe connections
are standard on all 1938 models instead
of the former banjo type. On the 61, 74,
and 80 Twins the vent pipes have been enlarged to y§" in diameter from 1/4". These
changes eliminate possible clogging and insuring positive unfailing lubrication, especially during extremely cold weather.
The Big Twins for 1938 have a new
rear stand. Although it is lighter, it is
amply strong for all requirements. Anyway, a motorcycle shouldn't be left on a
stand—it was built to roam the highways
and once you try out one of these new '38
jobs you won't need a stand.
On the sidecar a steel bushing with
Zerk-Alemite fitting has been provided on
ENTHUSIAST
20
the wiring between the handlebar assembly and the instrument panel will be appreciated from a service angle. Horn
brackets and bolts are now black.
New Handlebar Position On
Big Twins
When Billy Ballard, of Richmond, Virginia, wants
to go motorcycling he never lacks for a buddy seat
passenger. His mother is always eager to go along.
Real companionship!
the cross-over shaft. This new type fitting
is much more satisfactory than the type
formerly used.
Color harmony on the lower part of the
new models has been improved by making
the chain inspection covers black. Among
other changes, the timer cover is now cadmium plated and all bolts and nuts will
be Parkerized to give them good weather
protection.
New Horn and Light Wiring
The horn switch and light switch wiring on the 1938 models has been changed
for greater accessibility and to keep the
wires from chafing. The new location of
It was a proud moment for Paul Stepleton as he
received this fine A.M.A. trophy from Referee Devore at the Wichita, Kansas, Motorcycle Club's recent races.
The position of the bars on the Big
Twins has been changed to provide more
comfort and a better riding position. Here
we go again—always thinking of your
comfort! The new position provides more
leg room, especially for sharp turns. The
new bars permit you to get better control
of the machine. You'll like this new arrangement plenty.
Zerk-Alemite Fittings On All Models
All 1938 models now have Zerk-Alemite pin type lubrication fittings. This
eliminates the need for a grease gun. Zerk
type guns are available at all filling and
service stations and makes it easy for you
to obtain lubrication. These new type fittings standardize and simplify greasing.
Rear Chain Enclosed On Servi-Car
The Servi-Cars have grown in popularity year after year because of their ability
to decidedly increase business, cut costs,
and produce greater profits. They are
great favorites for pick-up service in the
automotive field and for light delivery
work. For 1938 the Servi-Car has received considerable attention.
All of the fine 45 Twin features and
improvements, such as the motor and
transmission changes already described, are
to be found on the new Servi-Car. In addition the Servi-Car has features that will
greatly increase its efficiency in 1938.
The rear drive chain on the 1938 ServiCar is now completely enclosed. Obviously this improvement keeps out dust and
dirt and prevents larger objects from getting into the differential housing. Positive lubrication to the rear chain is provided from the scavenger oil pump. Chain
life will be increased three to four times.
Larger Servi-Car Muffler
The quiet subdued exhaust on the 1938
Servi-Car will cause much favorable com-
OCTOBER, 1937
"Going places and doing things" is the motto of
this active Oneida Motorcycle Club of Oneida, New
York, snapped while attending the recent Hornell,
New York hi 11 climb.
ment. A larger, and more efficient Burgess muffler is now used. This efficient
new muffler takes the bark out of' the exhaust. The Servi-Car is a valuable advertising medium for those progressive establishments who are operating them.
New Tow Bar Clamp and Other
Changes
Here's another Servi-Car feature worth
raving about—a new jaw-type clamp!
The way those jaws open up so wide
would make you think of good old Joe E.
Brown of movie fame. Due to this ability
to open so wide they can accommodate
practically every type and size of bumper
as well as bumpers equipped with stone
and dust guards. For exceptionally wide
flat bumpers a special clamp attachment is
furnished to facilitate the connection.
A safety cable is permanently attached
to the motorcycle which the Servi-Car
driver can quickly snap around the car
bumper. A strong coil spring holds the
safety cable in tension when not in use.
The new Servi-Car had a few teeth
pulled since last year. It now has a 59
tooth clutch sprocket instead of 63 and the
engine sprocket is now 24 tooth instead of
26. This change enables the use of the
standard 45 solo transmission. For 1938
21
Rex-Hide linings are used in the rear
brakes. The speedometer is spiral gear
driven instead of being driven by a spur
gear as formerly.
Sidecars and Package Trucks
The beautiful sidecar design introduced
with great acclaim in 1936 is continued
again for the coming year. This classy
sidecar drew plenty of attention to the joys
of sidecarring. I am confident it will grow
even more popular this coming year.
Package Truck design remains the same,
but all the features of the new solo Big
Twins are of course included with this
combination. Remarkable improvements
in the past two seasons have made the
Congratulations Howard! Folks this is Howard
Venard of the Omaha, Nebraska, Motorcycle Club
and recent winner of the Eastern Nebraska Reliability Championship.
22
Package Trucks a real delight to handle.
You can take the corners in safety with
Harley-Davidson Package Trucks and
sidecars, and their maneuverability in
crowded quarters is a revalation.
Police Model Improvements
All the fine features and improvements
described here are available in the Police
models for 1938. Unquestionably these
new refinements will add still more to the
efficiency of these motorcycles and make
them all the more desirable for police patrol work.
Two special features designed for Police
work are the new streamlined polished
aluminum sirens and the magnetic speedometer hand stop which is operated from the
handlebar. The officer keeps his hand on
the bar, presses a button, and the hand stop
registers the highest speed attained. It is
one of the greatest advantages offered to
police departments in years and chiefs
and officers alike who have seen this electric hand stop have praised it highly.
Speeding motorists find it useless to argue
with this accurate speed recorder.
The familiar saddle bag-type radio and
handlebar-mounted speaker pioneered by
Harley-Davidson is offered again to police
departments where short wave radio facilities are available. More and more this
ENTHUSIAST
miracle of science is being pressed into service in the relentless fight against violators
of the law. The radio has an R. C. A.
built chassis which includes a Temperature Compensator Condenser, metal tubes,
vibrator type B power supply, and a
squelch circuit.
As usual, the police models will again
be offered in the standard police colorSafety Silver. It is by all odds, the most
visible color at night and more and more
departments are specifying that this modern safe color be used on their new Harley-Davidsons. While Safety Silver has our
heartiest r e c o m m e n d a t i o n , the regular
color combinations for 1938 may be obtained.
New Color Combinations
There's eye appeal galore in the 1938
Harley-Davidsons. The streamlined features are still further emphasized by the
stripes along the tops of both fenders and
up through the golden arrow trade mark
on the tanks. The color options this year
will dazzle you. They're classier than any
ever before offered: Teak Red with Black
Here are the progressive Harley-Davidson dealers
who promoted the First Annual Yellowstone Park
Motorcycle Tour: E. B. Stranahan, left, Don Gamble, Art Walk, Ernie Kammeyer, M. F. Archer,
Perry Davis, Louis Holden, Ed Russ, Jack Duloney,
Frank Blasius, Fred Olsen, Gene Goldsberry, and
Joe Blasius.
23
OCTOBER, 1937
and Gold stripe; Venetian Blue with
White and Burnt Orange stripe; Hollywood Green with Gold and Black stripe;
Silver Tan with Sunshine Blue stripe; and
as we mentioned previously—Police Silver
with Black Striping (for police use only).
There's another feature that riders
everywhere will welcome with open arms
this year. All motorcycles and Servi-Cars
will leave the factory equipped with
either the Standard or DeLuxe accessory
groups. Last year, around 90% of the
orders came in with requests for one of
these groups. All machines will now be
so equipped. This enables the factory to
make provisions for buying and assembling
these items on a production basis. This
in turn makes it possible to bring the cost
down below what it would cost you to
purchase these items individually. The
Standard Group includes those essential
items like the Front Safety Guard, Steering Damper, Stop Light, Trip Odometer,
Fender Light and Jiffy Stand. The DeLuxe Group has considerably more items
plus the Standard Solo group. You sure
can put on the dog with one of these super
classy DeLuxe Groups to doll up your
new Harley-Davidson.
Here's sweet music for you: No increase
in prices is contemplated at this time. In
view of present conditions I'm convinced
that right now is the time to put in your
order. You know that things move fast
and furiously these days. Right now you'll
get a heck of a lot more for each dollar
you invest in a Harley-Davidson than
ever before.
There—I've gotten a lot off my chest
and now you have the inside story of the
'38 models. Why not buzz over to your
dealer's as soon as you can and give 'em
your personal attention. Ask him to let
you take a ride. Can't you just feel that
surge of power as you snap the throttle!
Pretty smooth eh ? Twist 'er some more—
take a few curves—watch the old needle
climb over to the right—gosh! This is
swell! "Oh! boy", you'll say when you
come back, "Til take this baby right now,
sign me up". And believe me, motorcycling is packed full of thrills and adventure—on a 1938 Harlev-Davidson.
ALL HANDS
KEEP WARM!
New Sheeplined Mitts
There's q u a l i t y and
mighty fine appearance
in these new m i t t s .
They are made from
t h e t o u g h e s t black
horsehide obtainable.
T h u m b s of d o u b l e
thickness. Cuffs are of
genuine leather. Beautifully embossed with
a hand-tooled, winged
Harley-Davidson trademark. Cuffs are bound
with genuine leather.
Also made in handy,
short style with strap
wrist.
11077X—1-finger mitts (not shown)
$5.35
11078X—Full mitts (as shown)....
... 5.00
11079X—Short Mitts (as shown)....
... 3.75
Lined Horsehide Gloves,
Gauntlets and Muffs
You will get plenty of good hard service
from Harley-Davidson lined gloves. They
are made from tough
black horsehide t h a t
will stand a lot of wear
and repeated wetting.
Our lined gloves are
offered in the popular,
short slip-on style and
Slip-On
also with real leather
folding gauntlets. Fleece-lined for warmth.
In half sizes from 8 to 11.
Reasonably priced. The
handlebar mitts are made
of black leather with thick
sheep-wool lining.
Gauntlet
11080-34—Lined slip-on gloves...__.$2.60
11081-34—Lined gauntlet gloves__... ... 3.50
11083-30—Handlebar muffs ...
SEE YOUR
... 5.25
DEALER
If he cannot supply you, order direct from the
Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This attractive Harley-Davidson establishment, Salinas, California, is operated by Dealer Larry Ketzel.
BeSuccessful..SELL TH
1938 HARLEY-DAVIDSONS
iHARIIY-DAVIDSDNl
TAe trademark
that has brought
independence and
success to thousands of HarleyDavidson dealers.
^ Be your own boss and start on the road to success by selling the 1938 Harley-Davidsons. Then you will be in a position to really capitalize on your knowledge and enthusiasm
for motorcycling—the greatest of all outdoor sports. The harder you work, the more progress you will make. It's great to be
in business for yourself—especially when you are selling and
servicing the world famous Barley-Davidson motorcycles.
Right now—TODAY—make up your mind to take on the Harley-Davidson sales franchise. Motorcycle interest is growing
by leaps and bounds, and now is the time to get the jump on
1938. You'll find it easy to sell the classy new 1938 HarleyDavidsons replete with many fine improvements—a complete
line of motorcycles for every market—pleasure, police, and
commercial.
Fortunately, there are still some fine open territories available.
If you like the sport of motorcycling and want to build your
own future, here is your golden opportunity. Drop a line to our
Sales Department, Attention Desk A-l. Tell them about yourself, your qualifications, how much capital you have to invest, and where you would like to locate. Write TODAY!
H A R L E Y-D A V I D S O N
M O T O R CO.
MILWAUKEE, WIS., U. S. A.