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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) 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. The Model 7D's motor was the F-headIOE engine, in use until 1929. It sold for US$300, which with inflation would be $9810 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. Touting its effective muffler, Harley-Davidson advertised the 7D, and the other Harleys of this era, as "The Silent Gray Fellow." The latter moniker was also in reference to William S. Harley, who was known for his quiet personality. A 1911 Model 7D from the George Pardo collection was set to be auctioned in January 2014.
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)
Rafferty, Tod (2001), The Illustrated Directory of classic American motorcycles, Prospero Books, ISBN1-55267-118-6
Statnekov, Daniel K. (1998), "Harley-Davidson Model 7D", in Krens, Thomas; Drutt, Matthew (eds.), The Art of the Motorcycle, Harry N. Abrams, pp. 116–117, ISBN9780810969124
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._-_The_Art_of_the_Motorcycle_-_Memphis.jpg)
_-_The_Art_of_the_Motorcycle_-_Memphis.jpg)
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)
