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The first board track built for motorcycle racing opened in 1909 in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Coliseum motor dome was a little less than a third of a mile in circumference; nevertheless, the new track was nearly twice as long as the bicycle velodromes which had preceded it.  Almost immediately, the spectacle of men hurtling at “break-neck” speeds around the wooden circular track became a passionately attended spectator sport and new tracks sprung up, literally over night, across the land. By 1910, the length of the wooden “dromes” had grown from a third of a mile to as much as a mile in circumference, while the banking had increased from a modest 25 degrees in the corners until 60 degrees became the norm.
Spectators looked down on the track from grandstands constructed above the boards, as the riders lapped the track at speeds approaching 100 m.p.h. Rivalry was fierce, for the race was not only between the daring riders, but also between the manufacturers for the increased sales that were a direct result of victory for their brand. By author Daniel Statnekov. 1914 Harley Davidson "A" Motor | | | | 1914 marks the first year the Harley Davidson Motor Company entered the "racing game." Limited quantities of racing machines were developed by William Ottaway, who challenged the competition with fast machines and team organization. Venice, California hosted the test bed for Mr. Ottaways effort and by mid 1915 the media expounded on the performance of the "Wrecking Crew." Ottaway developed improved valve timing, larger intake ports and carburetor. His engine technology was the foundation for a reliable F lead configuration. This factory special A Motor racer featured magneto ignition, pedal crash for starting and a rear wheel clutch and riveted long distance fuel tank. This models production numbers are unknown, however, to date only three exist.
| Displayed in raced condition, this is one of the few remaining "Big Valve" Excelsior Motorcycles extant. Excelsior, the Chicago based firm owned and operated by Ignaz Schwinn of bicycle fame, produced limited quantities of racing specials all of which were highly successful. Factory riders, Bob Perry and Carl Goudy on similar models, achieved speeds in excess of 100 m.p.h. In late 1915 Carl Goudy captured the 300-mile event at Chicago’s famous Speedway Park Board Track. His average speed on the two-mile track was in excess of 85 m.p.h. In addition to success in dirt and board events, Henderson/Excelsior four cylinder models claimed many Endurance and Cross Country records. In 1923, Wells Bennett smashed the three flag Canada to Mexico record covering 1700 miles in 46 hours, 9 minutes. Read More.
| 1920 HARLEY DAVIDSON SCA SINGLE | | 
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| | Found in "as raced"condition, this rare single cylinder racer was produced in an effort to limit speeds thus creating a "safer" image of motorcycle racing. The public outcry against large displacent, thin tire, no brake, racing models forced manufacturers to realize the impact on sales for standard models. Difficult years were ahead for the entire industry. This machine is the only one known and carries Serial number #1. It is an important machine in Harley Davidson's racing timeline. | Built in the hills of Eastern Pennsylvania, the Reading Standard (1903-1922) maintained the slogan "Tested in the Hills." Early Reading models were of the side valve configuration under the design of Charles F. Gustafson before he transferred to the Indian brand. Read More |
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