Got my 1924 Harley running today - Harley Forum

Buzz Kanter · #1 03-28-2009, 09:53 PM

Here is a short video clip I took this afternoon after I got my 1924 Harley JDCA up and running after too many years of sitting ignored.

YouTube - 1924 Harley Motorcycle - Running & Smoking from caimag.com

I was surprised at how easy I got it up and running. Check the oil, charge the battery, fresh gas and one shot of starter fluid and she lit up in a few kicks. After letting it warm up she continued to smoke for a while. but after a short ride the smoke thinned out a lot.

I am planning on riding this 85 year old Harley in the AMA Vintage Days parade celebrating the AMA's 85th anniversary. Wish me luck!

What a blast!

unclepsycho · #2 03-28-2009, 10:10 PM

That is so cool, have fun on the ride!

George Burns smoked till he was over 100

shovelmike · #3 03-28-2009, 10:34 PM

Super cool.

sgtcowboyusmc · #4 03-29-2009, 02:07 AM

VERY NICE BUZZ.

I like all Iron but there is nothing like old iron! Glad she ran so easy for you.

Are you going to restore it or leave it as is?

Buzz Kanter · #5 03-29-2009, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgtcowboyusmc

VERY NICE BUZZ.

I like all Iron but there is nothing like old iron! Glad she ran so easy for you.

Are you going to restore it or leave it as is?

Thanks. I'll leave her pretty much as she sits now. She is mostly correct and original - including paint and wiring.

he more I look into the bike the more small items I see that might be incorrect - I'll try to fix them if it is in keeping with the bike, but would never "restore" it to look like shiny new.

I believe the kicker pedal is later (1945/46 Knucklehead), wrong headlight lens (should be flat) and possibly wrong muffler rear tube - which looks a few inches too long to be stock).

Hammerhead Pat · #6 03-29-2009, 11:11 AM

Very cool

I like the fact that on the older bikes you can see the rocker arms operating and all the mechanical stuff doing their business! Have fun on the ride!

Buzz Kanter · #7 03-29-2009, 11:13 AM

Thanks guys. I am pretty excited about this old girl. Here's another short video clip of the bike after I went for a brief ride. She is smoking less (probably burned down the excessive oil in the sump) and is sounded smoother at idle.

YouTube - 1924 Harley Running & Smoking from http://www.caimag.com

I couldn't get footage of me riding as I was holding the video camera but will have some shot and will post it here of these days.

48panshovel · #8 03-30-2009, 05:02 PM

Nice video Buzz. The bikes looks and sounds great. I like the way the old bikes are built with just what you need (no bling).

Fenderplayer · #9 03-31-2009, 12:08 AM

That's sweet. I can almost smell the smoke.

clif02 · #10 04-02-2009, 10:25 PM

A long, long time ago when I was a kid I was at a friends house. We went down in the basement to play pool and back in the corner sat an old Harley just like yours Buzz. It was complete. Dusty and rusty but it was complete. I dreamed of buying and riding that bike but old man O'Conner wouldn't sell it. It was his grand dads. Seeing your bike brings back great memories. To hear it run fires the imagination of what could have been! That is awesome. Thanks for posting this. Clif