1923

This 1923 Harley-Davidson Model J was acquired by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation in December 1986 and incorporated into the IMS Museum collection. The motorcycle is finished in blue with silver accents and pinstriping, and power comes from a 989cc F-head V-twin paired with a hand-shifted three-speed manual transmission. Features include a springer fork, 22″ disc wheels, twin headlights, a Klaxon horn, a rear drum brake, lights, a toolbox, a brown leather solo saddle, a luggage rack, and a rear-wheel stand. The matching sidecar features an access door, a leaf-spring suspension, and a single seat trimmed in black tufted upholstery. Service performed by IMS Museum staff in preparation for the sale reportedly included the installation of a replacement ignition coil, a battery, and a carburetor float along with a cleaning of the carburetor. This Model J is now offered by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation with an Indiana title. The Model J was developed for the US military prior to its entry into World War I and remained in production through the late 1920s. Delivered from the factory in Olive Green, the bike and sidecar were repainted in metallic blue with silver accents and pinstriping under previous ownership. Equipment includes a Standard headlight, a Klaxon horn, a Mesinger No. 1 brown leather saddle, a rear luggage rack, a taillight, a rear-wheel stand, and a toolbox mounted atop the fuel tanks. Imperfections in the finish can be seen up close in the gallery. The sidecar features seating and armrests upholstered in black tufted upholstery along with a fender, a hinged access door, a Harley-Davidson-branded foot brace, leaf-spring suspension, and an outboard running light. A storage bin is located beneath the sidecar seat bottom. The body-color disc wheels feature silver five-point star accents and are mounted with 28×3″ Lester bias-ply tires. The suspension features a springer front fork and a rigid rear with a pair of shrouded springs under the seat to cushion the ride. Stopping power is provided by a foot-actuated rear drum. The color-keyed handlebar is equipped with Harley-Davidson-branded twist-grip controls for spark advance on the left and throttle on the right. An 80-mph Corbin speedometer is fitted along with an ammeter mounted atop the toolbox. The five-digit odometer shows under 8,900 miles. Total mileage is unknown. The 989cc (60ci) F-head V-twin features an intake-over-exhaust design, a generator, and a Schebler carburetor. The engine is said to have been returned to running condition by Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum’s restoration team in preparation for the sale, and a replacement ignition coil and battery were fitted along with a carburetor float and a cleaning of the carburetor. The bike is said to run rough, and additional maintenance will be required prior to regular use. The three-speed manual transmission is hand-shifted on the left with a rocker foot clutch. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a chain final drive. Located inside the famed 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, the IMS Museum is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that relies on the support of visitors, members, donors, and corporate partners to make possible their daily operations, exhibits, restoration and preservation initiatives, and educational programming. To learn more about the IMS Museum and the many ways you can show support, including their “Adopt-a-Car” program, please click here.