The Model J was the Model T of Motorcycles

Concise Precursor

The Model T transformed automobiles from luxury items to everyday transportation. In the process, the 'horseless carriage' was relegated to history and the stage set for modern motoring. The two-wheeled equivalent of the Model T is not as concise, but Harley-Davidson's Model J is the likely precursor for all Big Twins that followed.

Motorized Bike

Motorcycles were commonplace when the first Model T rolled out in 1908, but they still retained their 'motorized bicycle' trappings. It would take until 1915 for motorcycles to take an evolutionary step forward and cast off their remaining bicycle parts. Among the numerous companies operating in the early 1900s, it was the Indian Motorcycle that led the charge to the full-fledged motorbike.

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Advanced Upgrade

Harley-Davidson followed suit the next year, but not before issuing the 1915 Model 11F. While it retained its bicycle pedals, the 11F was the best bike Harley-Davidson had built to date, and arguably the most advanced motorcycle available on the market. It featured an upgraded engine, an automatic oiler, a proper clutch connected to a three-speed gearbox, and optional electric lighting.

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Standard System

An identifying feature of the Model 11F was the notches cut into the lower edge of the fuel tank to accommodate the larger engine. While the 11F was a best-seller for Harley-Davidson, it was not the top-of-the-line model. That distinction went to the 11J, with its electrical lighting system. Equipped standard with an acetylene headlight, the 11F was $35 cheaper—about $900 in today's money.

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Less Noticeable

Harley-Davidson built and sold just under 10,000 copies of the 11F in 1915. The following year, the Motor Company abandoned the dual pedal assembly with the Model 16F and 16J. Among the less noticeable improvements were wider front forks and mudguard, stronger wheel rims and hubs, and a redesigned tank with rounder lines and greater fuel capacity.

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Assigned Lettering

Beginning in 1916, Harley-Davidson altered their model designations to follow the calendar year instead of their own production years that dated back to 1905. What should have been named the Model 12 now appeared as the Model 16. The magneto-equipped models were still assigned the sub-designation 'F,' while electrically equipped coil-ignition models retained the 'J' lettering.

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Fast Order

The 1917 Model 17J is the turning-point on which the 'Model T of motorcycles' argument can be made. Fitted with the ‘New Master 17 Motor,’ it delivered 16 horsepower and a top speed of 95 MPH. For the first time, Harley-Davidson also offered a color other than Renault Grey, which coincided with a US military's order for 20,000 examples of the fast, reliable and technologically-advanced bike.

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Paradigm Advancements

Oddly enough, Harley-Davidson did build a Model T, the 17T—a board track variant. Among the versions, the 1928 JDH holds special prominence as the first production twin cam motor, a concept only revisited seventy years later. The Model J remained in production until 1929 and represents a paradigm shift from the bicycle to the motorcycle. For longevity and technical advancement, it earns the 'Model T of motorcycles' distinction.

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