Wow, have we been busy.  Over the past several months, we've really been working hard back in the WTT restoration shop.  Early mornings and late nights have been the norm, and over the first two months of 2010, I've already finished three motorcycles that'll be on display at the museum this 2010.  Its been a productive winter so far, and both Matt and I, as well as John the Painter have made some serious progress on the many projects that are currently ongoing. 

I have to say, I've been in VL mode for the past several months.   It all started last year, when my good friend Brian Haenlien and I got the Land Speed Racing bug and decided to build up a hot-rod VL for the speed trials.  The bike did fantastic, and reached a top speed of 101 mph (and we think she still had more).    Thats not to bad for a 75-80 year old flathead. 

The history of the Harley-Davidson VL is an interesting story.  Coming out of the primitive Intake-over-exhaust (IOE) Model-J engine design,  Harley-Davidson needed a new style of Big Twin to rival the success of the 74-inch Indian Chiefs.  For the new 1930 model year, Harley would introduce the new V-model, which they hoped would take them above and beyond their Springfield, Mass rival.  A 74-inch four cam design, the VL offered power and style above and beyond the primitive J-models (all except for the JDH two cam).  However, its success wouldn't bring the Milwaukee motorcycle company to the levels which they had hoped.  Several factors, including the V-models still-primitive total loss, non-recirculating oil system, kept the V-model from eclipsing Indians success.  The fact that our country was barely surviving the Great Depression also contributed to limited sales of the V-model.  In total, the V-series was only produced for six short years -- one of the shortest model runs in H-D's history.

But despite the V-models brief and "under-developed" history, these machines spark my interest for several reasons.  Firstly, they are beautiful, stylistic machines that echo both the flair and grace of the art-deco era.  And secondly, they are rare.  These machines were produced in limited numbers due to nationwide economic  dispair, and as a result, few still exist today.

Back in the shop, Matt, John the Painter, and I are working 5 different VL motorcycles.  Having seen the success of our VL at the Maxton land speed trials, we decided to build up an identical motor to put into a road model.  VL's were known for their smoothness, but not for their power.  Such a machine would be doing well to run 85 miles per hour...this one we expect to run 100!

We're also working on a twin to that machine, with a slightly less tuned-up engine.  Both of these machines will be almost identical in look, however, one will be nicely restored, and the other, old and dirty but mechanically perfect.

The newest VL project at hand arose just a week ago, during our trip to the Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet in Eustis, FL.  My good friend Greg from Texas, informed me before the meet that he'd be bringing up a load of VL parts to sell.  When the swap meet opened, you can imagine that was the first place I went.  Just as I walked up to Greg's booth, he rolled out a survivor of an old 1932 VL, missing the engine and transmission.  The bike was original, a little rusty, but pretty sound throughout.  There were even traces of the original paint, a headlight to die for, and old cadmium plated rims ( a rarely exercised option).   After making a deal with Greg, I rolled the machine off, telling him that it'd be done in a week.  So far.....we're right on schedule!