The Harley-Davidson V-series motorcycles are a well-known breed, from doing duty as civil servants on California’s Highway Patrol to being among the stars as Steve McQueen’s bike of choice. This example is somewhere further down the list, having resided in the care of one upstate New York family since new and making the trip across country to South Dakota, where it’s now for sale here on eBay with bidding over $7K and the reserve unmet.
The heavy coating of surface rust is what makes this one so compelling visually, as it wears it years proudly. I wouldn’t call it a rust bucket by any stretch, and current trends being what they are, I doubt anyone will remove this weathered veneer. The VL was a mixed bag for Harley, as the new V-twins introduced in 1929 experienced numerous teething problems that forced dealers to perform extensive repairs at no cost to the customer.
These repairs utilized parts kits that included new crankcases, flywheels, valve springs and more. While they fixed the problems, Harley was immediately hit by more bad luck in the form of the Great Depression. Needless to say, this didn’t help sales. No word if the warranty repairs were carried out on this VL, but the seller notes the engine and transmission spin freely. The last registration sticker from 1951 may indicate when it last turned a wheel.
The seller says the front and rear fenders are solid; the left side of the tank is rusty but the right side may be “usable.” This makes me wonder if the tank is past the patina stage and damaged to the point that it’s not safe to use. That’d be unfortunate, as the weathered look is impossible to replicate and looks perfect here. Bidders are active but the reserve remains unmet; the auction concludes this Sunday evening.
Well, at least it’s complete, and still “only” 4 digits ( however, in the 15 minutes it’s been here, it jumped a thousand dollars) Again, I fail to see the attraction and cost of these, aside from a historical prospective, apparently, worth it to some. Mostly bragging rights, I figure, as you aren’t going to ride this,,,would you?
1930s – onwards bikes are generally perfectly useable in modern traffic, maybe with the exception of some of the really small-engined ones. Handlebars too wide for filtering, though…
These were also manufactured in Japan under license and name Harley-Davidson prior and leading up to World War II … a Japanese Harley from this era is a rare find indeed. Harley moved tooling and families to Japan in a move to head off financial losses due to high tariffs and Edsel Ford pushing deadlines on and driving up costs of the then prototype servi-car he planned to Market as a Ford Motorcycle or drive Harley out of business in 1929
Those gas/oil tanks do come up for sale on Ebay. People don’t give them away. Say a set with nice patina go for 2500.
Put it on the nice White COE in the background. Great combo.
That would be a White model 3000 Ibpa18. Good eye.
I would abrasive blast the whole thing and restore it to new….never understood the rust look people get all giddy about….nice bike though! Love the old school look and ride heighth.
One family owned eh? Doesn’t look like they took very good care of it. As a none fan of rustina in its current condition I wouldn’t give you any more than a hundred bucks for it. If I did have it as a project I’d want to bring it back to new condition with a period correct sidecar on it. Right now it’s just a pile of junk that will need many hours and many dollars to make it into something. I’m sure there are better ones around as a starting point. Rustina as far as I’m concerned is an over used word to popularize inadequate repair or restoration, if I’m going to drive around in something vintage I want it to look presentable not a POS that makes me look like some poor bum that can’t afford a better vehicle.
These bikes were definitely a mixed bag, with a lot of problems, most of which came from owners who didn’t read the operators manuals. A lot of police forces used them, with very few problems. That’s where I decide how good a product is. In 1981, I met a couple of aging bikers from CA riding a pair of ‘28 JDs with sidecars. They rode to Sturgis and were heading across the country. They told about the pitfalls encountered and detailed the daily operating requirements. After talking to them I would never have qualms about riding an ancient bike anywhere. This bike needs a full restoration then it needs to be ridden and enjoyed.
I would put it on a shelf in my living room. It’s beautiful
Just ask mike wolf
Forget mike wolf
If you worked on it yourself and put $10,000 in it you would have yourself something to be proud of and never loose a dime on it. 1931, the depth of the depression, how many remain plus the history and desire for this make of motorcycle. How often would you ride it? Maybe as much as you drive a 1931 car, who knows. It would be a labor of love but a smart investment. Great find. Good write up Jeff.
Nice find and worth restore it. There is a homemade cover over the taillight to let it look like the 1933-1936 taillight. I have a 36VLD, one of the last ones. Drives great in todays traffic and is very useable. The VL is the longest wheelbase of all Harley’s. Go to vlheaven.com for more info and parts. Most parts are available today end reproduced
You are 100% arjan. How many Brough-Superiors are left. Pre WW1 bikes are out of sight. Old Harleys will always always be in demand. These are next. Hagerty says $14,000 in FAIR, …FAIR! condition. AND you can restore it in your basement OR living room.
I know you are thinking buddy, I could see you cruising around the lake smiling! She is super cool! Talk soon,Mike.
I own a 1922 JD and put 2500 to 3500 miles on it a year, even road it from L.I. N.Y. to Jersey for the IROG last year. It does find in normal traffic.
Great that you are keeping her alive PT. Congrats!!!!! IROG is so cool! Take care and happy Easter! Mike.
Okay guys don’t hold back….
Imoana find me one like that some da
Just another rusted out piece of S**T Harley. I will pass.
Thomas Feeser Replicant metals he is the VL guru I live in Western Australia and he has looked after me for many years and. Always has quality parts and service
Ended: Apr 01, 2018 , 8:13PM
Winning bid:US $9,000.00
[ 20 bids ]
Jeff Lavery you wrote ” that the weathered look is impossible to replicate “. For most people I agree it would be impossible. But there are other folks who specialize in such things for various reasons such as movies, forgeries, color matching age of various equipment. I know how to make a brand new Harley look a hundred years old. Which would be an absurd thing to do. I also know how to make a 100 year old Harley look brand new. You would be amazed at how easy it is to age something and turn it into a Patina thing or POS pitted and rusted thing. Most people would be loathed to do something like that. But to match an existing car or motorcycle that was missing an important part o make it complete it might be worth the effort to make it look the same age all over. Just sayin is all. Great write up though. I always enjoy your contributions.