Harley Davidson Motorcycles Model K 1952
The 1952 Model K was the first completely new Harley-Davidson model since the company had introduced the E and EL Knucklehead models in 1936.
It was powered by a 45ci (750cc) side-valve engine with aluminium alloy cylinder heads and pistons, and an integrated four-speed gearbox with foot shifter and hand clutch. The frame also featured the company’s first hydraulically-damped swinging arm rear suspension. The Model K was introduced to compete with smaller, sporty, imported motorcycles, mostly from the UK. It eventually evolved into the Sportster.
This example was restored by the previous owner and was on display at Orange County Harley-Davidson for eight years prior to it coming to the NZ Classic Motorcycles collection. Its electrical system was converted to 12 volts and the headlamp fitted is a reproduction for a 1954 model although the original 6-volt headlamp came with the bike, as did the original owner’s manual and a parts catalogue. It was acquired from a private vendor in Costa Mesa, California, via a US auction house, in January, 2009