Description
This is one of a dozen surviving VLDD 80 cubic inch (1300 cc) Harleys built in the second half of 1935 before the 36VLH was released the following year. It was fully restored in the USA by Vintage Motorcycles Northwest around 2010 then brought to the UK and rarely run since. It was restored as a California Highway Patrol pursuit bike, and may just be one of those shown being tested at 100 mph in a September 1935 newsreel. It has a full suite of accessories including maximum speed recording 100 mph Corbin speedometer, side stand, safety guard, steering damper, ride control, first aid box, Pyrene fire extinguisher, dice keys, cadmium wheel rims, aluminium cylinder heads and chrome hubs.
The machine has a V5 in my name as the first UK owner, plus an old US title. It is tax and MOT exempt. The bike has been AMCA judged at 90+ points so it is accurately restored. You can feel the extra compression with the high compression heads, and this is probably the only 35VLDD with this set-up. It is geared for 100 mph and is 100 kg lighter than a Heritage Softtail Classic. Those big flathead engines really pull and the footboards, handlebars and pogo seat make for a comfortable ride. Who could imagine a 90 year old bike keeping up with modern traffic and being so much fun!
