The Missing Link: Original Paint 1920 H-D Sport

Smooth Sport

Released in mid-1919, the Harley-Davidson Model W Sport was innovative. Not unlike today's efforts, it was intended for export and aimed at attracting new riders. The Sport was powered by the Motor Company's first Flathead motor arranged in an unusual inline opposed-twin configuration. While the reliable and smooth Sport set endurance records, it lacked domestic appeal and production ceased in 1923. 

Photos courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

Advanced Model

This particular 1920 Model W Sport is a rare, unrestored model with original paint. Built to compete with the poorly-received 1917 Indian Model O, dubbed the 'Model Nothing,' the Sport was advanced for its time. It was clean-running, with an enclosed drivetrain and a unit construction engine and transmission — a design feature that would only reappear three decades later on the 1952 Model K.

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European Popularity

Recently sold at auction for an estimated $50,000, the 1920 Sport was initially offered for $335. Before production was discontinued, the price had dropped to $275. While Sport sales were good in its first year, the 600cc engine proved underpowered. Despite this, the Sport remained popular in Europe, and the majority of the 10,000 units built were exported overseas.

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Outdoor Companion

Despite its shortcomings, the thinking behind the Sport was ahead of its time. It was built as an easy-to-ride 'commuter' motorcycle. In a line of proactive thinking that still exists today, Harley-Davidson was an early supporter of women riders. They promoted the Sport as “the woman’s outdoor companion,” while featuring a female Sport rider on the cover of the Enthusiast in 1920.

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Improved Concept

The genius of the Sport was its oddball flat twin engine. Although poached from Indian and Douglas designs, Harley-Davidson improved on the concept. The opposing cylinders produced almost perfect engine balance when running. A single casting combined the intake from the carburetor and the exhaust to the muffler. Heating the intake purportedly helped atomize the poor quality fuel of the time.

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Enclosed Oil

The Sport was the first Harley-Davidson to have an automatic oiling system. Unlike the common 'total loss' setup, oil would not mist all over a rider's pant legs. The 'recirculating' system became standard on the 1936 Knucklehead engine. The Sport's smoothness was also due to the oversized, external flywheel, and its oil bath enclosed chain final drive.

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Keystone Name

There are many other 'firsts' attributed to the Sport. Considered to be Harley-Davidson’s first air cleaner, the Schebler carburetor was equipped with a dust baffle. It was the first Motor Company model to utilize a 'keystone frame,' where the engine is an integral part of the structure. The Sport was also the first Harley-Davidson to have a name, as well as a letter designation.

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On Display

Adding to the list, the Sport was the first motorcycle to top Pike’s Peak, Colorado. In 1919, it set the 'Three-Flag Record' from Canada to Mexico, covering more than 1,700 miles in under 65 hours. The Sport was unique, incorporating engineering that was far ahead of its time. A cutaway version of this remarkable motorcycle is on display at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

>>Join in the conversation about this classic 1920 Sport right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

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