Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Experts, is this real? Did Harley really build a four like that?

 


13 comments:

  1. I know of a custom built one up in NH, similar the builder used shovel head motors and belt drive primaries.

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  2. Faintly recall such a two inline flat head engine Harley built for breaking some speed record.

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    1. That was a much later salt flats streamliner. This is a homebuilt
      racer of some kind with an early style custom tank. Harley did build
      in-line 4 cyl. bikes in the teens.
      Bubbarust

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  3. Its a real bitch getting those carbs with two separate motors synchronized, when they are not connected directly via a hard point like crank to crank, the engines wave in and out of phase with each-other, funny things happen with power and rpms. But i'll wager those flat heads run better smoother than most dual engine set ups.

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  4. Saw one in a magazine once that had two mounted side by side. It was called Godzilla.

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  5. The generators have been removed and replaced with cast blanking plates that have 'Speed Shop' on them. I would guess this is a one-off racer
    Al_in_Ottawa

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    1. I agree. The speed shop I worked at part-time in the 90's had a Shovel duel engine dragster. The engines were timed together and it had S&S carbs.

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  6. how would one start such a dual engine contraption?

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    1. run-push it in neutral then jump on and dump the clutch

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  7. Nah, those are just the fallen off 'spare' parts picked up by somebody on a single Sunday afternoon.

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  8. Back in the 70's a truck mechanic where I worked was doing burn outs on the damp forecourt one afternoon on an old AJS single - about 500cc I guess. He fell off and the exposed chain and gears of the primary drive ate his leg. I've never liked uncovered sharp bits whizzing around since then.

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    1. "uncovered sharp bits whizzing around" is just asking for it and sooner or later, the question will get answered good and hard. World class stupid stuff there.

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  9. Below is a note from my brother who has spent his 60+ years on this planet, working with motorcycles...and specifically Harleys:

    HD never built a 4 cylinder.

    That bike has a stretched frame, and 2 motors stuffed in the cradle.

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