Author Topic: Identify this Vintage Harley  (Read 709 times)

Offline stokester

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Identify this Vintage Harley
« 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
Nick
Yorktown, VA

Offline pep

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Re: Identify this Vintage Harley
« Reply #1 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 .
« Last Edit: July 15, 2023, 08:19:10 PM by pep »
1776 ................... what happened!

Offline stokester

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Re: Identify this Vintage Harley
« Reply #2 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.
Nick
Yorktown, VA

Offline muddy

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Re: Identify this Vintage Harley
« Reply #3 on: July 17, 2023, 09:58:13 PM »
Was going to say late 40s. The pan head started in 48.

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