1911 Harley-Davidson 7A Wins 2021 Motorcycle Cannonball
A 68-year old North Dakota man wins the 16-day, 3,700-mile 2021 Motorcycle Cannonball with his beloved 1911 Harley-Davidson 7A.
When it comes to antique motorcycle endurance run, the Motorcycle Cannonball is one of the most grueling events in the world. It is held every two years, but the event was postponed in 2020 due to the ongoing pandemic. The Motorcycle Cannonball was finally held this year, and a 68-year-old man won it with his 1911 Harley.
Dave Currier, a man from Fargo, North Dakota won the 3,700-mile run. Currier is the son of a former motorcycle dealer Dick Currier, who sold Indian and Harley motorcycles in the 1940s and 50s. This year, Dave rode his 1911 Harley-Davidson 7A to victory at the 2021 Motorcycle Cannon Ball. Dave revealed that this was the toughest ride of his life.
Dave Claims that the motor of his 110-year old Harley-Davidson 7A produces 4 HP of maximum power. Spending about eight hours, every day, on his bike, Dave spent his 68th birthday riding his beloved ’11 Harley 7A. The 16-day run started from northern Michigan and ended in South Padre. The race crossed over 11 states starting from the south, rolling to the east, then on to the Carolina coast and Texas.
“I have been riding motorcycle since I was very young. I have always been fascinated with the early motorcycle and the CANNONBALL HOOKED ME! This will be my 2nd Cannonball race. My first cannonball in 2018 was so much fun and challenging I just had to do it again,” said Currier.
He further added,” The 2020 Cannonball will be even more difficult for me riding a 1911 single belt drive. The motor is only a whopping 4-HP engine. This is as close to a bicycle with a motor as you can get! Challenging Yes! But I’m up for it!”
Currier took part in the run with his refurbished 1911 belt-driven Harley-Davidson. The biggest worry that Currier had was that he would have to pedal the bike to start. Dave had been planning to tweak the bike with the help of his team. In the end, Currier got a police escort as he crossed the line to the checkered flag.
In the event, Dave competed against 88 other riders. Dave’s list of local sponsors included Dakota Fence, TechLine coatings, Acme Tools, and Milwaukee Tool. The 2021 Motorcycle Cannonball winner described his run as the “Last Ride.” Dave dedicates his run to the memory of his father.
Motorcycle Cannonball began when Lonnie Isam, Jr. who first had the idea to cruise the back roads of America. He planned to do so with his antique motorcycle and with his friends, who also shared his passion.
Photos: Motorcycle Cannonball
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