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Posted By: Catauladave Identify Harley model and year ? - Wed Jul 29 2015 12:07 PM
Can anyone possibly identify the model and year of this Harley ? The picture is of my grandfather and his sister. He was a motor squad officer on the Birmingham, Al police force from the late 20's - 1950. I know that it is asking a lot given the angle of the photo, but you guys are good.
Thanks,
Dave

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Posted By: Esse's Garage Re: Identify Harley model and year ? - Wed Jul 29 2015 08:18 PM
I would say it's a 1940's model
Posted By: Catauladave Re: Identify Harley model and year ? - Thu Jul 30 2015 12:57 AM
I appreciate that. My guess would be one of the 30's Flatheads, because of the horn. I am going to do a little more research. Thanks for your input. I appreciate your time.
Dave
Posted By: Loyd Pierce Re: Identify Harley model and year ? - Thu Jul 30 2015 02:17 AM
By the tread pattern on the front tire my guess is flathead,but a police special could be fitted to meet their needs. Wonder if the horn you see is really a siren, I don't remember horns being that big.

Just guess work for me you made this to tough!
Posted By: Catauladave Re: Identify Harley model and year ? - Fri Jul 31 2015 03:27 PM
Lloyd,
It appears to be an early "Sunburst horn" that was used on the Flatheads...so I am told.
Dave
Posted By: Esse's Garage Re: Identify Harley model and year ? - Fri Jul 31 2015 07:27 PM
Harley used the Flathead motor From 1919-1973, in various sizes and configurations. From singles in the early motors, in 1930 the big twin Flathead came out. In the later years of the flathead they only used the flathead in servi-cars.
Posted By: Catauladave Re: Identify Harley model and year ? - Fri Jul 31 2015 08:10 PM
Thanks for the info. I was referring to the 74 cubic inch motor used on the V and VL models of the early 30's. Your guess as to this bike or year ?
Dave
Posted By: Loyd Pierce Re: Identify Harley model and year ? - Sat Aug 01 2015 02:13 PM
Well I was bored this morning so I looked this up again.
V-twins

1930-1948 Flathead 45 cubic in. 742cc a whooping 22 hp.
1948-1973 service car

1936-1947 Knucklehead 60 cubic in. 990cc & 74 cubic in. 1200cc
40 to 45 hp.

1948-1965 Panhead 60 cubic in. 990cc &74 cubic in. 1200cc
50 to 55 hp.

Didn't really find much on the punched out V and VL as to years.
Posted By: Catauladave Re: Identify Harley model and year ? - Sat Aug 01 2015 06:08 PM
lol. I know Harley introduced a new style horn around on the 1936 EL, so I am guessing 1930-1935. Dave
Posted By: Loyd Pierce Re: Identify Harley model and year ? - Mon Aug 03 2015 12:32 PM
I would think it would of been a real treat to spend some time with your grandfather. Sure he had some great tales to tell.
My great grandfather was a sheriff,he was killed serving a warrant on a guy. He asked the wife where he was and she said he was in the back room drunk,when my grandfather stepped in the doorway the guy hit him in the chest with a shotgun blast. The only story I have as he was killed before I was born.
Posted By: Catauladave Re: Identify Harley model and year ? - Mon Aug 03 2015 04:53 PM
My grandfather retired on disability around 1950 before I was born(1954). He never said anything about the police dept. and I was too young and too ignorant to ask. He had 4 brothers and a dad that were also on the force. He kept nothing but his badge which my uncle has saved. My dad had his retirement badge, but it disappeared when he passed away. He would get into an argument with my grandmother and tell her that he was going to the store. He actually drove to our house and would stay about a week. We only lived 300 miles away. LOL Dave
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