The early 1900s saw a market that was extremely hungry for mechanized transportation and Harley-Davidson made quite a splash with the introduction of their single-cylinder machines starting officially in late 1905. Harley-Davidson stuck with the single-cylinder model for the first few years of production, although the now-iconic v-twin engine was teased at multiple points before it became a normal fixture in their offerings. For the year 1910, Harley-Davidson had ironed out many of the kinks in their production and a total of 3168 units rolled off the assembly line a huge feat when one considers that just 4 years earlier their total production was 50 machines! The 1910 models were available in a number of different configurations but the two major differences were the option to have either a battery or magneto ignition and the ability to choose between 26” or 28” wheels. The 1910 models utilized the now tried and true F-head design which featured the inlet over the exhaust. Engine capacity was increased slightly to 30.2 cubic inches, allowing the single-cylinder machine to now cruise at a respectable 45mph. One defining new feature of the 1910 model was the integration of an idler pulley on the drive belt which was operated by a lever mounted on the left side of the tank. This allowed the rider to release the pressure on the drive belt when coming to a stop, which in turn allowed the machine to continue running at idle. Another new groundbreaking featured was that for 1910 the control wires were now hidden inside the handlebars, providing a clean and timeless look to the machines. Other interesting new features for 1910 included a 1-3/4 inch leather drive belt and the first time seeing the Harley-Davidson bar and shield logo with the word “trademark” included. The addition of the belt idle mechanism to the 1910 model might seem like a mundane addition however this feature marks a pivotal point in Harley-Davidsons history. Gone were the days of having to kill the engine to bring the motorcycle to a stop, ushering in a new era of practicality when it came to 2-wheeled transportation.

The example on offer here is a 1910 Harley Davidson 6A Single Cylinder model, engine number 5358. This motorcycle received a comprehensive and exhaustive restoration by marque expert, Michael Lange of Wisconsin in the late 1980s. The current owner and consignor purchased this Harley shortly after the restoration was completed. This 1910 Harley is being offered for the first time in over 30 years and comes from an enthusiast owner with a large collection of teens Harley-Davidsons. This example is finished in a highly correct and thorough manner. It should be noted that this bike has never been started or had gas placed in the tank. The engine was cycled during the rebuild to ensure proper tolerances and clearances but was never physically ran on gas. The paint throughout the motorcycle is in fantastic condition as one would expect from such a prized machine. The contrasting red pin striping appears masterfully applied and remains bright and complete. There is a portion of the lower loop of the frame beneath the engine that has some paint scraped off, likely from catching on something but one quite literally needs to be lying underneath the motorcycle to see it. The tank is straight and smooth with bright and complete lettering and pin-striping. The polished surfaces throughout the bike remain in good condition with a bright shine and only a bit of hazing to the finish in some spots. There is some minor speckling of the finish on the caps located on top of the gas tank. There is a small dent on the left side handlebar as well as some very light scratching throughout the handlebars. There is a beautiful Troxel saddle located on top of the bike for the rider’s pleasure which contains some beautiful patina that contrasts the fantastic condition of the rest of the machine in an elegant way. Always the centerpiece of these early machines, the single-cylinder engine is finished very nice and correct. The fins of the cylinder are all straight and show no major signs of previous damage, however, there is a bit of minor surface corrosion tucked deep in the pockets of a few. Since this bike has never had gas in it and has not been run, there is no oil or fuel seepage or runs. The carburetor shows some minor pitting, likely there from before restoration but contains a consistent finish with the rest of the machine. It should be noted that the numbers on the case halves on the belly of the engine are NOT present. The cylinder stamp and case stamping do match, both showing 5358, however it should be noted that the stamping is a bit sloppy and the 3 on the case does look somewhat like an 8. The tires are the correct white rubber compound in 28 – 2.5 and are by Coker. There is some cracking on the sidewalls but overall they retain good shape and color. The drive belt appears in like-new condition, having never been utilized. Attached to the handlebars is a beautiful Troxel branded leather accessory bag in which is contained a pair of period goggles, an oiler, and a tire pressure gauge. Overall, this 1910 Harley-Davidson 6A Single Cylinder presents extremely well and would make an excellent addition to any collection centering around early American motorcycles. 

Please note that this motorcycle will be sold on a Bill of Sale only.