Harley-Davidson Model 7D

Model 7D
A Model 7D (right) on display at The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition at Guggenheim Las Vegas in 2003. To the left is a 1915 Iver Johnson Model 15-7.
Manufacturer Harley-Davidson
Also called The Silent Gray Fellow
Production 1911 —
Class standard
Engine 49 cu in (800 cc) 45° v-twin, bore x stroke 3 x 3½"
Top speed 60 mph (97 km/h)[1][2]
Power 6.5 bhp (4.8 kW)[1]
Transmission Leather belt w/pulley tensioner clutch
Suspension Coil springs in front fork tubes, sprung saddle only in rear
Wheelbase 56.5 in (1,440 mm)[2]
Weight 295 lb (134 kg)[2] (dry)
Related 1911 Model 7A

The Harley-Davidson Model 7D of 1911 was the first successful v-twin from Harley-Davidson, inaugurating a motorcycle engine configuration that has continued unbroken from the Milwaukee motor company ever since. In 1909, Harley had made a few examples (27 units[2]) of another v-twin, but the design was flawed and they did not try again until two years later. In 1911, 5,625 Model 7Ds were manufactured.[1] The Model 7D's motor was the F-head IOE engine, in use until 1929.[3] It sold for US $300,[2] which with inflation would be $7619 in today's currency. Ignition was via a magneto, and the engine was started using bicycle-style pedals. Instead of a conventional clutch, a pulley belt tensioner could be moved, allowing the leather drive belt to slip.[1] Touting its effective muffler, Harley-Davidson advertised the 7D, and the other Harleys of this era, as "The Silent Gray Fellow." A 1911 Model 7D from the George Pardo collection was set to be auctioned in January 2014.[4][5]

A 1911 Model 7A exhibited at The Art of the Motorcycle at Wonders Memphis. Similar to the Model 7D, but with a 30.17 cu in (494.4 cc) single and a top speed of 40 mph (64 km/h)

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See also

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