Garage Gazette

VEHICLES => Bikes/Trikes/Choppers/Scooters & etc. => Topic started by: stokester on July 14, 2023, 08:58:00 AM

Title: Identify this Vintage Harley
Post by: stokester on July 14, 2023, 08:58:00 AM

My late Father was a HD rider in the early '50s and probably could have been part of Marlon Brando's group in The Wild One.  I have his jacket, kidney belt and HD cap but never really spoke much to him about the motorcycle before his passing.  As a vintage BMW rider I am not familiar with classic Harleys.

Recently I came across this picture of what could have been his motorcycle.  I don't believe I've ever seen tailpipes like this. 

I also found "Running and Adjusting Instructions" along with his AMA membership card from 1954 and 1952 registration with serial number.  The registration identifies it a a 1946 HarleyD Solo and a serial number search identifies it as a 1946 Harley 74 OHV Solo medium compression.

So for those of you who may know is the motorcycle pictured possibly that bike?

Nick

Title: Re: Identify this Vintage Harley
Post by: pep on July 15, 2023, 08:05:21 PM

Not sure what there is to know, it is a knucklehead, the pipes are after market. Yes, the picture is a 46 .

Title: Re: Identify this Vintage Harley
Post by: stokester on July 16, 2023, 12:24:28 PM

Thanks pep,

I pretty much was sure it is my Dad's motorcycle but in my searches for 1946 models it looked the same but I don't know about some subtle differences in the years.

Title: Re: Identify this Vintage Harley
Post by: muddy on July 17, 2023, 09:58:13 PM

Was going to say late 40s. The pan head started in 48.

Sent from my Twisted Mind Of The Mudman