Here's a REAL Man's Harley ... a 1965 HD M50 ...



But seriously ... if you want to study old bikes then try this website. It's has a lot of decent pictures of old Harleys and just about everything else.

http://home.planet.nl/~motors-20th-century/motors.html

For my money, a 1929 Indian 4 would be the bike I'd have the guy rebuild. That would be a real "romantic" bike.

If it's got to be Harley then try the 1958 Duo-Glide. Very interesting engineering and background.

 

Brough Superior but Lawrence of Arabia already made it famous.

The legendary Vincent Black Lightning would be top of my list. depending on the time frame of the novel.

Other choices include Indian Four or Henderson Four, Triumph Bonneville, and Ariel Square Four.

 

I would have to say the 1948 HD Panhead. Last year for the Springer front end and the first year of the Panhead motor.

 

If you really want it mysterious then it is the Traub.

Nobody knows the history, only one was made, and nobody knows where, when or by who.

This dates it 1917 but I'll bet it is a guess. http://www.wheelsthroughtime.com/ind...&Itemid=84

 

IMO, the sexiest, besy looking motor ever put out by Harley (or anyone) is the Knucklehead. Hands down my favorite engine. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knucklehead

 

Since I had a '52 Pan Head, my suggestion would be biased!!!

Good luck with the book

 

These guys know better than me about the vintage bike, but you have my curiosity ripping me to shreds. Romance junkie here. Please come back later and let us know where to find this on the shelves! Wheels Through Time is an amazing HD museum. I believe afew of the guys on here know the owner and collector.
http://www.wheelsthroughtime.com/

 

Thank you all for replying. You were very helpful!!

 

Watch "Roadside Prophets" with John Doe (1992). He road a cool old panhead throughout the movie...

 

i call bull shiznit. what you want is a suzuki hayabusa. let the flaming begin.