Once upon a time, Harley-Davidson made all kinds of things. Of course, motorcycles were its mainstay, but the company also manufactured delivery vehicles, an in-town car (Utilicar), mower motors, drone motors, and… golf carts. Listed on eBay is this three-wheel, electric Harley-Davidson golf cart located in Buda, Texas. Its profile matches that of the most popular model, known as the “Classic”, with its deep lift-back rear. It’s priced at $895 or best offer from a relatively new seller who was unable to produce photos of the battery bay or VIN tag when asked. Without verifying the VIN, its best use is for parts – if the price can be negotiated downward. At least the listing offers an opportunity to explore this niche of Harley’s history.
Harley’s foray into golf carts (aka “LSV”, or low-speed vehicle) began in 1963. The first of the breed was a three-wheeler powered by a 245 cc dual-cycle, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine fueled by a 50/50 gas/oil mix. Steering was via a hoop that operated like a tiller. The bodies were fiberglass. Strong sales spurred the development of other models, including four-wheelers with conventional steering controls. Research suggests that Harley first made an electric cart in 1969, but I was able to find a ’66 powered by 36 volts. Had our seller been willing to serve up a few more photos, we’d see that the entire rear of this body lifts to reveal the battery compartment.
This cart is missing its headlamp, but the badging, bumpers, tiny bucket seats, and frame for the surrey top are intact. The fiberglass body doesn’t look bad either. If this one doesn’t strike your fancy, a surprising number of other original examples in various phases of disrepair are available here at golf cart sellers. Prices are as low as $100 for parts/project carts, while spiffy runners can breach $2000.
In its original guise, top speeds were between 15 and 20 mph. Inevitably, some owners have souped up their golf carts both cosmetically and in the power department, though I’m not sure I’d want to travel much faster than the factory intended. Harley’s history took an unfortunate turn in 1969 when the company was purchased by American Machine and Foundry. AMF maintained production of Harley golf carts until it sold that division to Columbia Par Car in 1982. In 1996, ParCar shifted to a four-cycle Briggs & Stratton engine, a moment that could be considered the end of Harley’s DNA in the golf cart business.
No headlight, well, not many golf outings after dark. Believe it or not, these had a “2nd life” as a farm maintenance pre-dating most JD Gator purchases. JD knew the market was wide open for a more rough going farm or maintenance vehicle. My neighbor had a dairy farm, got injured, and the family got him a golf cart like this to get around. They bought a Gator soon after.
AMF had their hands in everything, from bowling pin spotters, to golf carts, to motorcycles, to scuba gear, even NUCLEAR REACTORS :0.
Never cared for golf myself, carts helped some, but I just didn’t care for the concept, too slow.
There was one at the course ⛳️ i worked at. Members would roll their eyes when it backed out of the cart shed. It was loud, slow, and smokey lol
Maybe it woulda been more at home at Sturgis, as an exhibit!
Yes! There was a fleet for rent at the local public course. Those had the ‘Tiller Bar’ instead of the offset steering wheel. Off white in color with numbers on the side…number 16 seemed to have better get up and go. It was a the go-to when we went to play and got to chose or ride for a couple of rounds. Great times and memories with Dad on a peaceful summer afternoon.
I remember Tulsa OK had Harley -Davidson police trikes in the downtown area back in 1968. prolly for parking enforcement and traffic issues. I thought they were cool, yet the engines were fairly small, not sure what second life was in them?
HD has had some “different “ machines throughout their history but this one was unexpected.
Some folks slam the AMF years but they kept HD alive when they by all accounts should’ve gone away.
This one? Drop in a V Rod motor..😆