Harley-Davidson 1926 Model S Racer

Harley-Davidson 350CC Racing class was created soon after Harley unveiled its “Peashooter” racer in the summer of 1925. The bike was based on its new 21cu. in. ohv single-cylinder economy road bike. To make it competitive for dirt-track racing the bike had a shortened frame and simple telescopic forks that were triangulated for greater strength. All nonessential components were ditched from the standard road model, including the springer forks, saddle spring, brakes, and gearbox. The bikes ran in a single gear and the clutch was only used for starting. Races on oval dirt tracks were run counter clockwise and the left foot was used to stabilize the bike in turns. The legendary Joe Petrali was among several riders who achieved success on Peashooters as Harleys swept the board in the new class. Petrali was one  of the best riders in the history of American bike racing, and in 1935 he won all 13 rounds of the US dirt-track championships on a stock Peashooter. Harley produced its Peashooter racing bikes in limited numbers for a few years and, as well as success at home, they were also raced successfully in Britain and Australia. However, the appearance of the British JAP-powered machines in the 1930s effectively made all competitors redundant and the Peashooter disappeared from the racing circuit.

Harley-Davidson 1926 Model S Racer

SPECIFICATIONS
Harley-Davidson 1926 Model S Racer
• ENGINE Overhead-valve, single cylinder
• CAPACITY 21cu. in. (346cc)
• POWER OUTPUT 12bhp
• TRANSMISSION Single-speed, chain drive
• FRAME Tubular loop
• SUSPENSION Telescopic front forks
• WEIGHT 240lb (109kg)
• TOP SPEED 70mph (113km/h) (est.)

Harley Davidson 1926 Model B

After the failure (comparatively) of the Sport Twin of 1919–23, Harley had another crack at the lightweight market by releasing a range of single-cylinder bikes for the 1926 model year: the A, B, AA, and BA. The design was entirely conventional, and inspired by Indian’s contemporary Prince as well as typical British machines of the period. The bikes were available with side-valve or overhead-valve engines and the racing versions that followed were nicknamed “Peashooters” due to the unique pitch of the exhaust. The side-valve model was revived between 1932 and 1934, probably as much to use up stocks of parts as it was to sell what Harley claimed was its cheapest ever model. The name was eventually applied to all the models. The model shown here is a B, with side valve engine and battery ignition option. Harley-Davidson intended these singles primarily for export markets and initially they were successful. Unfortunately, the worldwide recession meant that the British imposed severe import tariffs and the European market collapsed. The model was discontinued in 1929, though existing stock continued to be sold the following year. These were ideal machines for impoverished commuters and delivery riders who accepted underwhelming performance as long as the bike was cheap to buy and run.

Harley Davidson 1926 Model B

SPECIFICATIONS
Harley Davidson 1926 Model B
• ENGINE Side-valve, single cylinder
• CAPACITY 21cu. in. (346cc)
• POWER OUTPUT 10bhp
• TRANSMISSION Three-speed,vchain drive
• FRAME Tubular loop
• SUSPENSION Leading-link front forks, rigid rear
• WEIGHT 263lb (119kg)
• TOP SPEED 60mph (97km/h)