1914 Harley-Davidson 11K 1-Of-5 Known to Exist

Rarest of the Rare

There are plenty of collectible Harleys out there in the world, some rarer than others. But it's safe to say that they don't get much harder to find than the Model 11K, a purpose-built racing bike of which Harley produced only five examples. And now, this particular 11K is going up for sale at Mecum Auctions.

Photos: Mecum Auctions

About Face

Not only is this bike rare, but the Model 11K was Harley's very first factory racer. For years, until 1914, they had long ignored the fantastic sales opportunity that came with racing, but soon realized the errors of their ways. 

Photos: Mecum Auctions

>>Join the conversation about this 11K for sale here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Getting Serious

In 1914, Harley hired Bill Ottoway from rival manufacturer Thor and tasked him with setting up a racing team as well as designing a new bike specifically for sport. And the Model 11K is what he came up with. 

Photos: Mecum Auctions

>>Join the conversation about this 11K for sale here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Shedding Weight

The purpose-built racing machine was notable for what it didn't have as much as what it did have. And it was lacking "unnecessary" things like brakes, gears, and suspension. All in the name of saving weight, of course. 

Photos: Mecum Auctions

>>Join the conversation about this 11K for sale here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Dirt Cheap?

Ottoway then turned his attention to the massaged and tuned engine, which featured open breather ports in the cylinders and a flat-out racing Schebler carb. The price for all of this goodness was a now dirt-cheap $300. 

Photos: Mecum Auctions

>>Join the conversation about this 11K for sale here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Initial Success

By 1915, Harley's first formal racing team was ready to go with riders Otto Walker and Red Parkhurst at the helm. Right off the bat, Walker won races in both Venice, California and Dodge City, Kansas. 

Photos: Mecum Auctions

>>Join the conversation about this 11K for sale here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Special Machines

These machines gave Harley-Davidson their first real motorsports victories, wasting no time bringing some real competition to the competition. And for that reason alone, the Model 11K is undoubtedly special. 

Photos: Mecum Auctions

>>Join the conversation about this 11K for sale here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Correct Piece

Today, only a tiny handful of these A-series engine-powered bikes are known to still exist. And this particular example might just be the best and most correct one left.  

Photos: Mecum Auctions

>>Join the conversation about this 11K for sale here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

All Original

All of the original goodies are intact on this bike, including its A-series ported cylinders, matching engine cases, hand-made steel oil baffling, and Schrader inner-tube valves. 

Photos: Mecum Auctions

>>Join the conversation about this 11K for sale here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Award Winner

Thus, it's no surprise that this Model 11K took home the prize at the 2017 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance for Most Outstanding Motorcycle. And we can't wait to see what the future holds for this amazing, historic machine. 

Photos: Mecum Auctions

>>Join the conversation about this 11K for sale here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

For help with the service of your bike, check out the how-to section of HDForums.com.