Get to know the iconic Harley Davidson machines

When there is a convoy of big motorbikes on the highway, and it will be seen that the most prominent is the Harley-Davidson motorcycle which has a roaring sound coming out of its V-Twin engine that will be easily recognized and very distinctive even though it's far away from our hearing. So it is not excessive if many assume that the fierce look of Harley-Davidson motorcycle is partly derived from its machine.

An illustration of the classic Harley-Davidson motorcycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2rmpbEI)

Indeed, Harkey-Davidson motorbikes are very easy to recognize through its typical V-Twin 45-degree engine, but did you know that the V-Twin engine has several changes or revolutions according to the shape of the chassis and models. But, not all machines will be discussed here, only a few are said to be iconic and famous machines of their time. Let's check it out! 

1. 1909 Atmospheric V-Twin 

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

The first engine from Harley-Davidson was a V-twin designed by HD's Chief Engineer, Bill Harley in 1908, right after he was graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 1908. This type of engine was produced in 1909, this was the beginning of Harley-Davidson coming into the world.

This engine with a capacity of 811 cc and capable of producing power of 7 horsepower is made for 27 units of motorcycles. And the motorcycle that was present at that time with a very simple construction that uses a separate gearbox and kick-starter. This engine is also known as the forerunner of the V-twin 45-degree engine lineage of Harley-Davidson.

2. 1911-1929 F-Head 

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

Followed by the birth of the F-Head type engine born from 1911 to 1929. The F-Head engine comes with a capacity of 1,000 cc and 1,213 cc.

This machine has also been refined and made of better iron castings materials.

This F-Head engine features a waterproof ignition system and is designed for use on public roads, the police and also for general sale.

3. 1929-1936 Flathead 

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

This Flathead engine type also has a unique feature, that is made without a valve above its cylinder head.

The valve is made sideways so that it can be easier when making repairs.

This type of engine can be seen in the Harley-Davidson motorcycles type WL and WLA in the 1930s.

4. 1936-1947 Knucklehead

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

After that came the Harley-Davidson engine is known as Knucklehead which was made from 1936 to 1947. The engine with a capacity of 990 cc and 1,200 cc called Knucklehead due to its cylinder head shape similar to the brassed knuckle that is usually worn on the hand to punch.

There are three types of Harley-Davidson motorcycles that use Knucklehead engines namely E, ES, and EL models.

5. 1948-1965 Panhead

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

Subsequently followed by the Panhead generation in 1948-1965 who began developing the "cranks" model. This type of engine also comes in two engine capacities, 990 cc, and 1,200 cc, but the power generated is bigger than the Knucklehead engine type.

The Panhead type engine is an advanced development of the Knucklehead engine type, and it uses aluminum cylinder heads, hydraulic valve, increased oil circulation and crankpin roller bearings for engine durability.

6. 1966-1984 Shovelhead 

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

Then there is the Shovelhead type engine which was made between
1966 and 1984 and has a capacity of around 1,200 cc. This type of machine can be said to be the successor or a modern version of Panhead with several changes.

Starting from the use of a larger valve, ported better, then there is a piston that is made stronger. The name Shovelhead because the engine, when viewed from an upside-down position, looks like a coal shovel.

7. 1984-1999 Evolution 

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

The next engine is Evolution, which was present in 1984-1999, which was the first largest engine with a cylinder capacity of 1,340 cc, which was made by Harley-Davidson. This engine is embedded in the Sportster models starting from 1986 but uses 883 cc and 1,200 cc.

Noted, this engine is the first time Harley-Davidson uses Computer-Aided Design in the manufacture of motorcycles that are more efficient and increasing the power and torque.

8. 1999-2017 Twin Cam 

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

Next is the Twin Cam type, which was born between 1999 and 2017, there are two Twin Cam models. First, the engine with a capacity of 1,450 cc and still using a carburetor and refined by Twin Cam 1,584 cc injection technology starting in 2007.

From the beginning, Harley-Davidson never made the engine cooling system with a radiator model. But in 2001, they made a new engine with a radiator cooling system, so the engine was called as Revolution engine with a capacity of 1,340 cc, and this type of engine used by the V-Rod, and continued by the younger generation of Street 500 and Street 750.

9. 2017 Milwaukee-Eight 107 

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/33WSDOV)

The most recent generation of engines used by Harley-Davidson motorbikes is Milwaukee Eight 107 which was produced in 2017. This engine is a refinement of the 1999 Twin Cam-type engine. And the amount of power that can be spewed from this engine can reach 90 horsepower. 

The Milwaukee name is derived from the location of the engine manufacturing plant and the term Eight, it means that in each cylinder there are 4 valves, while the engine has two cylinders making a total of 8 valves. And the 107 symbolizes the engine capacity that reaches 1.753 cc. This type of engine is mounted on the Road King, Street Glide Special, Road Glide Special and Road Glide Ultra models.

Well, for those of you who are curious and want to hear the sounds of the iconic machines from Harley-Davidson that have been briefly discussed above, please check the video below!

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops..... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Getting know the Adler automotive brand

At present, maybe some of you only know motorcycle manufacturers from Germany such as BMW Motorrad, Horex and many others. But did you know, in 1900 to shortly after the 2nd World war ended, there was one German brand that was considered very popular, namely Adler? Adler is German for eagle.

1901 Adler Vis-à-Vis. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Y2i40g)

This German manufacturing company was founded in 1880 by Heinrich Klenyer in Frankfurt. The company started its business by producing various products such as bicycles, tricycles, and typewriters which later turned to produce cars, and motorcycles even aircraft engines.

1902 Adler motorcycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34Dpd9C)

During the production period of this German automotive manufacturer, there were many products of four-wheeled vehicles. And this indicates that the company was one of the leading automotive manufacturers before the war. (List of Adler's four-wheeled vehicles can be seen HERE.)

1940 Adler MF2A 98cc motorcycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DHDTsF)

The oldest motorcycle product manufactured by the German manufacturer is the Adler 3PS motorcycle (pictured above), which is a bicycle driven by a De Dion engine that is capable of producing 2.5 PS of power. This two-wheeled vehicle was produced in 1902.

1958 Adler 250 cc 'Favorit' motorcycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37RbMoq)

Interestingly, in 1944 when the world war was still raging and bombing by Allied forces against a number of industrial cities in Germany. And Frankfurt also did not escape the Allied bombing which resulted in the Adler factory in the city being ravaged.

1953 Adler M250 motorcycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33sLcic)

However, the motorcycle production still to run. Even though at that time there were only a few machines and some equipment still functioning properly.

1957 Adler ISDT motorcycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2qYj6y5)

But after the second world war ended, this German manufacturer only produced motorcycles, instead of four-wheeled vehicles. At that time Adler was known to produce small motors for daily needs. Their motorcycle products were also famous for their toughness and durability.

1954 Adler MB Twin 200 motorcycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OCwZex)

There are six variants of motorbikes that have been produced by this German manufacturer, namely Adler 1902, Adler Favorit, Adler ISDT, Adler M-series, Adler MB-series and a scooter variant, Adler Junior M100 is used an air-cooled, two-stroke, 98cc, single cylinder engine. It claimed to produce power of 4 horsepower and mated to a three-speed manual transmission.

1955 Adler Junior M100 scooter. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34Adfxp)

Unfortunately, despite having survived the war and bombing, but Adler had to surrender the economic conditions. In 1956 Adler merged with Triumph (TWN). The business was taken over by Grundig in 1957, and motorcycle production ceased in favor of office equipment, notably typewriters.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | AUTOEVOLUTION | CYBERMOTORCYCLES]

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Piaggio's unique three-wheeled vehicle

Previously, who among you are still confused to distinguish between Vespa and Piaggio? Because apparently there are still many who can not distinguish between the two brand names. So, Piaggio is one of the motorcycle manufacturers from Italy that has the official name Piaggio & Co. SpA. While the Vespa is a product made by Piaggio which was first launched in 1944. See the company's history HERE.

1953 Piaggio Ape Callesino. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DuQ23R)

Until now the "Vespa" name is still used for the Piaggio scooter products which have been used more modern engines. 

But did you know if Piaggio also has a special three-wheeled vehicle? Its function is more or less the same as public transportation. The name of this vehicle was the Piaggio Ape Calessino, which was made first in the 1950s.

The handlebar of 1953 Piaggio Ape Callesino. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37Vu7RA)

This unique vehicle was made based on Enrico Piaggio's idea to create a vehicle that is easy to use, economical, versatile, and lightweight for public transportation. Enrico then asked Corradino D'Ascanio, a talented and creative engineer to realize this vehicle. 

Historically, this three-wheeled vehicle was created because of Piaggio was inspired by the wooden body vehicles that were trending in North America at the time. As for production not only used in Italy but also in India. So it can also be said that the Piaggio Ape Calessino is one of the forerunners of three-wheeled vehicles made by Bajaj Auto India in that era. 

Left side view of 1953 Piaggio Ape Callesino. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37Vu7RA)

Its front shape is already very similar and even exactly the same as other Vespa scooters. But this three-wheeled vehicle does not actually use the name Vespa, the official name is Ape. It turned out that this was because the back of the vehicle was very different from the Vespa scooters at that time. 

The term "Vespa" in Italian means wasp, this is because the rear body of the Vespa is bulging like the belly and tail of a wasp. Then for "Ape" has the meaning of bees in Italian. The name Ape is given because the rear body shape is larger than that of ordinary Vespa scooter.

Rear three-quarter of 1953 Piaggio Ape Callesino. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DuQ23R)

Physically, Piaggio Ape has some differences compared to other Piaggio Vespa scooters available at the time. First of the engine position, where the Ape is located right under the driver's seat. As for the other classic Piaggio Vespa scooters at that time the engine position was located on the right. 

Then Piaggio Ape has an additional frame at the rear for installing passengers' seats. The frame is supported by rigid legs and uses a hydraulic suspension. The passenger's seat was later named Calessino and completed the name Piaggio Ape. 

If in Italian, the term Calessino can be interpreted as a cart, but in the case, it doesn't use a horse. The point refers to the passenger seat made of wood. As a complement, there are also canvas umbrellas, but unfortunately lacking shade the Ape Calessino driver. 

Well, the three-wheeled vehicle discussed here is the result of the restoration of the 1953 Piaggio Ape Calessino. And as reported by the official page of the auction house at RM Sotheby's, this three-wheeled vehicle has been sold for the US. $45,600 or around Rp.652 million. WOW...! 

But, if you want to have this unique Piaggio's three-wheeled vehicle maybe you can do a restoration by yourself or through the workshop as seen in the following video. Or might be You wanna see the racing version of Piaggio Ape.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RM SOTHEBY | INSIDE HOOK]

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Its name was Bond, a classic Brit automotive brand...

Ever heard of the Bond brand before? Does it have any relationship with James Bond? Of course, it has no related to the famous fictional figure of James Bond, but they have similarities, both are the same coming from England.

1958 Bond P1 scooter powered by 148 cc engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2qGqUVf)

Well, the owner of this brand is a British company named 'Sharps Commercials Ltd.' which was founded by Paul Sharp in 1922 and based in Preston, Lancashire. The company at the beginning known as a retail motor trading company.

This British manufacturer began its work in the automotive world by producing an economical three-wheeled vehicle in early 1949 which was named Bond Minicar due to the machines initially were designed and produced by Lawrence Bond. After that, the mass production of the minicar was carried out from 1949 to 1966 with a total production of 26,500 units (ranging from Minicar Mark-A to Mark-G).

1949 Bond Minicar Mark-A. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33plJGb)

Once the minicar project was turned over to Sharps Commercials Ltd., he turned his attention to the design and manufacture of a series of small lightweight motorcycles and scooters. Finally, the first motorcycle named Bond Minibyke was launched at a motorcycle show held in September 1949.  

1949 Bond Minibyke powered by 98 cc engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OXElbs)

This uniquely shaped motorcycle originally used a 98cc Villiers Mk1F engine. Due to construction problems on the front fork. Then a number of improvements were made, but at least partially successful and a De-Luxe version was soon introduced powered by a 125 cc JAP engine and in November 1950 the design and manufacturing rights were sold to Ellis Ltd of Leeds who continued production until 1953.

1952 BAC Liliput powered by 98 cc engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2qLowfV)

The following year, the company changed its name to Bond Aircraft & Engineering Company (BAC) and further expanded its range of motorized two-wheelers with the scooter called Gazelle and Lilliput. Unfortunately, these machines were not successful in the market. The Liliput ceased production in 1952 with only some 200 machines built overall. While the Gazelle scooter production was short-lived and in late 1952 the project was sold to a Blackburn based company, Projects and Developments Ltd. later known as Oscar scooter.

1952 BAC Gazelle scooter powered by 122 cc engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2QYKZk3)

Lawrence Bond astride one of his
lesser-known designs back in 1955
called Sherpa scooter. (Picture from:
http://bit.ly/34xiLAV)

Lawrie Bond's final two-wheeled vehicle offering was announced in November 1955 named the Sherpa, with lightweight construction, and applied fiberglass bodywork. But despite initial interest, orders failed to materialize and the project was abandoned, with only the single prototype believed to have been made.

Bond refused to give up and present new models of scooters including P1, P2, P3, and P4. The P1 scooter model powered by a 148 cc Villiers Mk 31C engine and featured fiberglass bodywork, was rolled out in 1958 shortly to be followed by a similar-looking 197 cc Villiers Mk9E engined sister the P2, but sales were slow.

1958 Bond P1 scooter powered by 148 cc engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2qGqUVf)

1959 Bond P3 scooter powered by
197 cc engine. (Picture from:
http://bit.ly/2R2vSGm)

Both models continued in production until superseded in late 1959 by two improved models the P3 and P4. The new models were powered as their predecessors but featured improved engine access, a redesigned frame, but most noticeably a redesigned front apron with a now fixed front mudguard. The sales remained low despite vigorous advertising, including entries in 1958, 1959 and 1960 Isle-of -Man rallies with limited success.

Once again, the success is not at the rendezvous and the manufacturer decides to cease its two-wheeled vehicle production in 1962. However, the brand continues its activities as a car manufacturer until the mid-70s (in 1964, the company renamed to Bond Cars Limited) with more or less successful before disappearing altogether.😢

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCOOTERHOOD | GRACEGUIDE | BONDSCAR.NET | WIKIPEDIA | LE REPAIRE | FLICKR | MOTORBIKE SEARCH ENGINE]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

A beautiful 1950s Sci-fi styled custom motorcycle

Custom motorbikes made by Japanese builders are not excessive. Well, Custom Works Zon has a cool reputation in its home country, Japan. Now they brought something different more like a beautiful 1950s Sci-fi styled custom motorcycle called Zonkern.

2017 Custom Works Zon 'Zonkern,' a Buell-powered custom motorcycle from Japan. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2q2CvgX)

According to our eyes as outsiders, this is an extreme modification, but to Zon's standards, this is quite practical. In Japan, builder names such as Yuichi Yoshizawa and Yoshikazu Ueda are known for their excessive motor modifications. But, this time, Yuichi and Yoshikazu had slightly refined their work.

2017 Custom Works Zon 'Zonkern,' a Buell-powered custom motorcycle from Japan. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2L5FQD0)

"We want to make motorcycles that meet basic performance, such as spinning and stopping, while still being fun to ride," Yuichi said.

Initially, Zon more considered using a Japanese motorbike as the raw material for its work but later decided to use the 1998 Buell S1 Lightning motor. "If you talk about sporty machines with good responses, there's only Buell," he said.

2017 Custom Works Zon 'Zonkern,' a Buell-powered custom motorcycle from Japan. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2L5FQD0)

Yuichi and Yoshikazu had built the motorbike's trellis frame from scratch. They were inspired when modifying one of the Ducati Monster of theirs in 2015. They also took the opportunity to work as freely as possible with bodywork.

"I want a chassis that is small and lightweight, and with good agility. The goal is achieved, even though it is not a chassis that should be seen on a motor modification. I only pursue its function," said Yuichi.

Look detailed-parts of 2017 Custom Works Zon Zonkern (all pictures taken from: http://bit.ly/2q2CvgX)

Making a completely new frame is quite difficult, but Zon has gone further by installing a veiled spring-type front end. Springer settings are also their own designs. Zon also makes a one-sided swingarm, which is configured for mono-shock suspension settings.

Its wheels are mounted 18 inches by using the Performance Machine's alloy wheels. Then Zon wrapped the wheel with Michelin Scorcher 11 tire in the front. While in the back, the rear tire is an unexpectedly wide 240.

Yuichi acknowledged that the most difficult part of the modification was the bodywork that was entirely made of aluminum. This is a great piece of work made of metal, with the front end completely closed, with the addition of the 1950s sci-fi vibe that immediately reminds us of the work of artists like Frank Kelly Freas.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CUSTOM WORKS ZON | ULTIMATE MOTORCYCLING]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

The first Yamaha's scooter

At the end of the 1940s, which was spearheaded by the appearance of a series of Vespa (Piaggio) and Lambretta (Innocenti) products which became known as the most revolutionary two-wheeled vehicle figures in the world. Piaggio and Innocenti through their scooter creations that are strong, tough, comfortable to drive and have an affordable price tag.

The 1st Yamaha scooter product launched in 1960 and named Yamaha SC-1. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2pTfMUm)

And in its development then managed to make the scooter to develop in such a way that it became a figure of two-wheeled vehicles whose existence at that time was even able to change the face of the automotive world and shake the existence of motorbikes in general.

No exception in Japan, which later also to follow the trend of scooters in the 1950s through several pioneering manufacturers such as Mitsubishi with the Silver Pigeon, then there was Fuji Heavy Industries with the Rabbit turned out to also feel the sweetness of success in the market of two-wheeled vehicles, especially scooters. Whether it's recognized or not, this also seems to inspire other Japanese manufacturers such as Yamaha Motor Company to join into the scooter segment.

Front view of 1960 Yamaha SC-1 scooter. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2XZSysx)

At that time, Yamaha was just starting to be active in the world of the two-wheeled vehicle industry, after launching its first motorcycle product namely the Yamaha YA-1 in 1955 which was followed by a series of other models such as YD-1 & YDS-1 until 1959. And then in March 1960, the three-tuning forks-logoed motorcycle manufacturer then released a scooter product named Yamaha SC-1 and is believed to have the meaning of Yamaha Scooter 1 or the first scooter from Yamaha.

The Yamaha SC-1 is presented not as a 'trial and error' product, this can be seen with a variety of the latest technology at that time deliberately installed on this scooter by Yamaha. Then from the SC-1 scooter design, Yamaha tried to display slightly different designs and styles from the top Italian scooters such as Vespa, which at that time carried more rounded shape design with the headlight placement on the handlebar. While Yamaha presented a taper, boxier-shaped design pattern with the headlight placement on the front body (like most German and British scooter designs in the 1950s).

Right side view of 1960 Yamaha SC-1 scooter. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2R0PmLo)

Then the chassis has applied a strong and sturdy monocoque chassis system. For the suspension is somewhat special, by using the single-sided suspension model on the front and rear wheels. With such those suspension system applied certainly makes it easier for its users, especially when they replace the rear wheels.

The Yamaha SC-1 scooter produced only for the Japanese domestic market (JDM) has a size that is arguably small, with a length of 1,770 mm. However, it has fairly hefty ie around 123 kg, this is due to dominantly use of the metal materials on its monocoque chassis. Then other sophisticated features that were also installed on this scooter include the use of an electric starter with the help of a dynamo in the engine.

Meanwhile, for the engine, Yamaha equips its SC-1 scooter with an air-cooled 2-stroke single-cylinder 175 cc engine. And Yamaha claimed that the engine is capable of producing power of around 10.3 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 15 Nm at 3,600 rpm. Then all those power is channeled to the rear wheel through the shaft with 2-speed manual transmission systems.

Yamaha sold its SC-1 scooters at a price tag of around ¥150,000. By the presence of the Yamaha SC-1 is apparently able to attract many consumers so that the scooter sales also reaped success in the Japanese domestic market at that time. So no wonder, if in the next following era, Yamaha Motor Company always launches its reliable scooter products to the domestic market up to worldwide.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | YAMAHA]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.