1953 Harley-Davidson Line - 2-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article

Description

1953 Harley-Davidson Line - 2-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article
Original, vintage magazine article
Page Size: Approx. 9" x 12" (23 cm x 30 cm) each page
Condition: Good
HARLEY - Davidson’s announcement
of their 1953 models presents, we
feel, probably the most attractive bid
for the riders’ business ever made in
their long and illustrious history. The
program reaches into every niche and
corner in the widely varied field of
motorcycle uses.
Highlighting the 1953 line is a new
lightweight, the “165.” The model des
ignation is derived from its piston dis-
placement of 165cc and will supercede
the popular 125cc which sold in the
ten-thousands since its introduction in
1947.
The larger engine of 2.375 bore and
2.281 stroke is an answer to popular
rider request for an extra margin of
performance to cope with modern traf-
fic conditions. Substantially increased
acceleration, the most frequent demand,
has been fully met by the new 10.1 cubic
inch two-cycle design which delivers 5.5
to 6 horsepower. An increase in speed
ranging upwards to 60 miles an hour,
and new zest on the grades also results,
with an average of around 80 miles per
gallon still being delivered under nor-
mal riding conditions and speeds.
Increased horsepower of course means
greater loadings on certain parts and
components. To counter this problem,
the transmission has been “beefed” up
as needed, with tooth widths increased
as much as 16%. To cope with the
greater heat of the larger engine, cool-
ing fins have been increased both in
number and depth. This has given the
engine a very robust appearance, with
the eye appeal further enhanced by a
finned aluminum cover over the carbu-
retor that blends neatly with the cylin-
der finning. This cover promotes engine
cleanliness, any carburetor drippings be-
ing collected in a pocket and drained
in the vicinity of the rear chain. A new,
larger air cleaner with corrosion proof
mesh, cleans the air better and incor-
porates a variable choke for easy start-
ing regulated by a conveniently located
lever.
Inside the engine, a new designed
crankpin meets the added power which
originates from a more efficiently de-
signed larger intake port, serving the
increase in piston displacement. A new
central positioning of the spark plug
increases the combustion efficiency.
Many other changes will be readily
apparent on inspection including: a
more convenient location of the trans-
mission filler neck; a more secure loca-
tion of the ignition coil; a re-routing of
the wiring for neater appearance and
less chafing.
In instances where licensing require-
ments of specifications of certain com-
mercial users demand a lower perform-
ance rating, a “165 Special” is available
with modifications in carburetion step-
ping down speed and power.
The next model in line is the 45 cu.
in., side valve “V” twin model “K”. No
changes are announced in this late addi-
tion to the Harley-Davidson line which
has, in its short existence aroused the
greatest interest of any model to emerge
from the Milwaukee concern since the
introduction of the “O.H.V. 61” in 1936.
The power plant is the culmination of
the vast experience the company has de-
rived from a quarter century of “flat-
head” 45 cu. in. design, with reliability
time proven in commercial and military
fields and performance a matter of rec-
ord in sporting activity. In its ultra-
modern version incorporating such
features as unit construction with the
transmission, four speeds, hand clutch
and foot gear change, it far oustrips its
famous predecessors in features and per-
formance.
Keeping full pace with the engine in
the matter of advancements, the “K” is
stripped of superfluous weight but fea-
tures a sturdy frame design, and tele-
scoping, hydraulically dampened spring-
ing, front and rear, which have earned
high marks in roadability and handling.
A set of brakes, rated among the most...
THE NEW MODEL “165” two-stroke replaces the popular "125.” New, larger 10.1 cu.in. engine
delivers much higher performance.
THE MODEL “K” hos created the greatest sensation of any model to emerge from the Milwaukee
concern since the introduction of the O.H.V. “61” in 1936.
THE O.H.V. “74” features engine advancements. The high performance and roadability of this
“Stalwart” of the line is world famed.
THE POWERFUL O.H.V. “74” ENGINE offers re-
designed hydraulic lifters, improved check and
relief valves and rotating exhaust valves. Many
features of this famous engine have been
adopted by the automobile industry.
THE NEW “165"
ENGINE features
much greater
cooling, enclosed
carburetor, repo-
sitioned spark
plug and gener-
al strengthening
of engine and
trans mission
parts....
11376-5209-02
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