Painstaking Lockdown 1915 Model 11F Restoration

Bike Years

For many, pandemic constraints have made working from home the new norm. For some, this means more free time, which translates to more 'garage time.' That was the case for the unnamed owner of this now meticulously restored 1915 Model 11F. Unveiled at Mecum Auctions Monterey in August 2021, the bike had previously sat disassembled for at least fifty years.

Photos courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

Swap Meet

The 11F backstory starts in the early 1970s when it was found in parts on a Nebraska farm. After its discovery, it sat for almost another thirty years before being sold to the current owner at the Davenport Antique Motorcycle Club of America swap meet in 1996. After which, it sat for another twenty-five years until restoration began in 2020.

>>Join the conversation on this 11F restoration right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Popular Model

There is no history on the classic machine prior to its barn-find. The 1915 Model 11F was a very significant bike for Harley-Davidson. At the time it was among the most advanced motorcycles in existence and introduced a few technological firsts. Production of the popular model numbered just under 10,000 and retailed for $275—a modest $7,500 in today's money.

>>Join the conversation on this 11F restoration right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Top Speed

Harley-Davidson was confident in their new bike and issued a written guarantee to buyers. In the well-known story, the 11F's motor was the true star of the show. Released in 1911, the 61 cubic-inch F-head or IOE 'intake over exhaust' engine was the Motor Company's first V-Twin powerplant. It produced 11 horsepower and had a top speed of 65 mph.

>>Join the conversation on this 11F restoration right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Model Numbering

Harley-Davidson continued production of the successful F-head motor until 1929. In terms of the overall design, the 11F occupies a key spot as a transitional model in both the Motor Company's history and in motorcycle design. On a more trivial note, 1915 was the last year for sequential model numbering. Starting in 1916, Harley-Davidson began matching model numbers to the production year.

>>Join the conversation on this 11F restoration right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Modern Time

Sometimes called a landmark model, the 11F introduced a new three-speed gearbox that replaced the older style, two-speed hub gears. The new unit proved so reliable that it was produced until 1936. Combining a proper transmission, a larger intake manifold, and new valve seat angles for better airflow, the 11F was a fast and modern bike for its time.

>>Join the conversation on this 11F restoration right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Last Style

The 11F model introduced electric lighting and a magneto as standard equipment. As a cost-saving measure, buyers could opt for acetylene lighting, which knocked $35 off the purchase price. These variants were commonly known as the 'poor man’s Harley.' As a transitional model, 1915 was the last year for pedal cranks and flat-style gas tanks.

>>Join the conversation on this 11F restoration right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Sticker Price

The restored Model 11F features a carbide headlamp and taillight, along with a handlebar-mounted carbide tank. Some rusted frame tubes were replaced during restoration in the interest of safety, and unavailable parts were fabricated to museum standards. While it would have technically been a 'poor man's' bike, it is expected to auction starting at $85,000—a slight markup over the original sticker price.

>>Join the conversation on this 11F restoration right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

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