1936 Harley-Davidson VLD Flathead

1936 Harley Davidson VLD

Year: 1936

Make: Harley Davidson

Model: VLD

Color: Blue and Cream

Engine Size: 1200cc – 74″cu

Cylinders: 2

Transmission: 3 Speed

Mileage: 00005

VIN Number: 36VLD5747

Frame Number: No Frame number in 1936

Motorcycle Currently Registered: Yes

Ownership: Clear Title in Owners Name

Sheet Metal:

Sheet Metal and tanks are in excellent condition.

Paint Condition:

All paint conditions are in excellent condition, Fresh paint with in the last few years on all of the surfaces, there is no wear, scratches or chips present. Beautiful Blue and Cream paint with correct 36 Harley Davidson Speedball waterslide decals.

Chrome / Nickle / Misc. Plating Condition:

All Chrome, Nickel, and Packetized plating’s are in perfect condition.

Wheels and Rims:

Front Wheel Size and Make: 19″ Drop Center Rim

Rear Wheel Size and Make; 19″ Drop Center Rim

Front Tire Size and Make: 4.00×19 Coker Diamond Tread

Rear Tire Size and Make: 4.00×19 Coker Diamond Tread

Wheel and Tire Condition:

Wheels and Spokes are in great condition, appears to have new spokes. Rolls very well, Tires are brand new with no mileage on them but are starting to dry crack, they will be good for short trips but if you really plan to ride this, would advise to replace the tires.

Mechanical Condition

Is in perfect mechanical condition, Engine and Transmission were completely rebuilt and restored when restoration was completed. This Motorcycle only has a hand full of miles and heat cycles since restoration. The motorcycle has been on display in a private collection and has just been recently pulled out of the collection and started and rode a few miles to prepare for sale The Linkert m51L carburetor was rebuilt with a nitrile float

Additional Descriptions of Motorcycle:

This is the last year of the VL model and this one is pretty correct. Features are the 1936 Front Fork and Spring Cover, 1936 Rocker Clutch, Ride Control, Horn Mounts, 36 9-bolt cylinders, CycleRay Headlight. The Solo seat has been recovered by Heathers Leathers and has some great rosette ornaments for some style. 120 MPH Corbin Speedometer

Valuation:

This 1935 Harley VLD is in better that excellent condition and close to concourse

Model description

Harley introduced the new side-valve 40 hp, 74 cubic inch VL was in 1930 to replace the pocket-valve, inlet-over-exhaust engine in the old J model the company had been building since 1911. Harley-Davidson boasted a number of improvements over the preceding model with the VL, but there were unfortunate teething problems that made themselves known just as the Great Depression was getting underway.

Harley advertisements of the time were quite ambitious in extolling the virtues of the VL, but early models had engines with a deficit of horsepower, a bad clutch, mufflers that clogged easily and frames that tended to break. William H. Davidson recalled a frantic trip made to New York in late 1929, when the factory team replaced mufflers, springs, valves and pistons on a team of new VLE models bought by the Buffalo Police Department. Police models included first-aid kit, a brass fire extinguisher and a handlebar crossbar that mounted a red light.

At least on paper, the VL was quite appealing. The brochure showed the VL to be both longer and lower with interchangeable wheels, balloon tires, drop center rims, improved road clearance, automatic increase of generator output, and dual front drive chain. The proven Riccardo removable heads were claimed to develop 15 percent more horsepower than the preceding model, and a 22-amp battery with a sealed coil was fitted. A plunger-type crankcase oil drain was fitted, with cam gear case vacuum to reduce oil leakage.

The early problems would eventually be solved with an extensive engine redesign. A larger crankcase with heavier flywheels solved the problem of power, and the frame was beefed up. The V was the standard model, the VL had a higher compression engine, the VS was geared for sidecar work, and the VC had cast iron pistons and was the 3-wheeled Servi-Car. Options included toolbox, front and rear wheel stands, luggage carrier and leather panniers.

The VL started out with the customary olive drab paint with a bright orange stripe but by 1932 the bikes were often finished in bright Art Deco two-tone colors. One of the outstanding extras that accompanied the VL was the toolkit. The 24 tools that came in the kit allowed the rider to practically do a roadside rebuild. In the case of the early bikes, it was probably just as well.