Harly Davidson

[Jim King]

Does anyone have any idea of what a 1941 tank shift Harley is worth ?¿

It is complete and runs. I would think with less than a $1000 in chroming and minor repairs it will look like new.

[Frank Guerin]

I would not even venture to guess but saying that I have had shovels, pans, knuckles, and the newer blockheads, the idea is to find the buyers. Just do a lot or seach on the internet and you will surely find more info than you can absorb. Going out on a limb I will say with the right advertisement in the right place I would think less than 10K

[Brad Schmid]

Jim,

I saw two '41 Sport Solos (455 made in 1941). One on HDTrader was asking $20k US and the other $24k US (Chrome Classics), both in pristine condition (restored) & low miles. There's a note on the one in HDTrader indicating book value - "NADA values this bike at $22,700 - $37,050 ". Also saw another 41 in Austria for $23k Euro, nice shape too. If you have the right market and the bike is really only $1k from looking new, depending on model I'm guessing north of $15k. $1000 US doesn't get you far on a vintage HD though.

Would love to see a pic if you have one.
Cheers

[Jim King]

Brad:
Here is a photo. To get everything rechromed and original spare parts here in Peru is very reasonable compared to the states.

This is my Christmas present.

[Brad Schmid]

Oh man Jim, that is nice. What I wouldn't do to find that under my tree Christmas morning :D It's definitely a keeper. Treat her well and know that she has some good value:cool:

[Brad Schmid]

Jim,
By the way, here's a site to check your VIN and see exactly what you have if you don't know already.

http://www.techsweb.us/hdvin3761.html

Would love to know what model it is if you don't mind posting after you do the crossreference. The model is very important in determining value given the rarity of some of them.

Cheers

[Jim King]

Brad:
Here is the property card. Can you tell me anything from this ?

The motor number is 41WLI5177

[Brad Schmid]

Jim,

If I'm reading the tag correctly, it is:
41WLD5177

The engine number is the VIN and is located on left case.
NO frame number. Check the tag you have against the case to verify.

year = 1941
WLD = 45 ci Sport solo (1940-1941) - flathead
5177 is the sequential production number for all models for that year, HD built a total 18,428 bikes in 1941.


Here's all the W* models for reference:

W = Standard 45 CID Flathead
W = 45ci twin, low compression (1937)
WL = Sport solo, High Compression 45 twin (1937-1939)
WL = High Compression 45 ci twin (1940-1942)
WL = 45 ci twin (1945-1951)
WLA = Military Version 45 ci twin
WLD = 45 ci Sport solo, extra high compression (1937-1939)
W = Standard 45 CID Flathead
W = 45ci twin, low compression (1937)
WL = Sport solo, High Compression 45 twin (1937-1939)
WL = High Compression 45 ci twin (1940-1942)
WL = 45 ci twin (1945-1951)
WLA = Military Version 45 ci twin
WLD = 45 ci Sport solo, extra high compression (1937-1939)
WLD = 45 ci Sport solo (1940-1941)
WLD = 45 ci Special Sport solo (1942)
WLDR = 45 ci Flathead, competition model (1937-1940)
WLDR = 45 ci Flathead, Special Sport solo (1941)
WR = Factory Racer 45 ci twin
WS = 45 ci , sidecar gearing (1937)
WLD = 45 ci Special Sport solo (1942)
WLDR = 45 ci Flathead, competition model (1937-1940)
WLDR = 45 ci Flathead, Special Sport solo (1941)
WR = Factory Racer 45 ci twin
WS = 45 ci , sidecar gearing (1937)

I'll try and do some more research on it for you tonight if I can get some free time.
Cheers,
Brad

[Jim King]

Brad: Do these photos help ? On the tank shift is has R 1 2 3 . What does the R mean?

[Brad Schmid]

Jim,

That's a constant mesh "3 speed with reverse" transmission. The shift pattern should be R-1-N-2-3 where R is reverse and N is neutral. I believe Harley introduced this particular transmission in 1933 for the 45in motors. In 1935, they also introduced a 3 speed only version with shift pattern 1-N-2-3. I think all 45in motors ran 1 of these 2 tranny's through 1946. In 1947, the shift patterns changed.

I'll see if I can find some production numbers for you tonight. In the mean time, if you think of specific questions, go ahead and post them up and I'll see what I can answer for you.

By the way, the bike looks pretty complete. With some TLC and a bit of cash, you'll have the coolest old school scoot in Peru:D

cheers

[Lee DeRaud]

Does the reverse gear mean it originally came with a sidecar?

(Edit: never mind, that would be the WS models. Although you have to wonder why else a bike would need reverse.)

[Brad Schmid]

Jim,

A couple observations after studying your photos a bit:
-Tail light and turn signals are not what originally came on the bike. Those are relatively new compared to the bike itself. The original would have been a glass lens, no turn signals.
-I have not seen a bike of this vintage with that style of air cleaner. Maybe something custom fitted by a previous owner? Maybe special rigged for dusty environment?
-Many of these bikes had a "rocket fin" muffler. That was probably "lost" when the original was replaced sometime in the last 66 yrs ;)
-I don't think the yellow front light kit was factory. That was probably an add on much later in it's life.

Some more info:
The retail price in 1941 of a WLD 45 Twin, Sport Solo was $365

1941 colors: Skyway Blue, Cruiser Green, Flight Red, Brilliant Black, Olive Green (Army), Police Silver (Police use only)

Aluminum heads (standard for 1941 45ci)

As far as I can tell there was a total of 455 Sport Solos (WLD/WLDR) built in 1941. Of course we are talking about HD here, so who knows for sure... probably no-one... Supposedly all those original production records (I think prior to 1962??) were burned in a fire.

Hope all this trivia helps you out;)
Cheers
Brad

[Jim King]

Brad:

You are right on the shift is R-1-N-2-3. I had 3 Harleys when I was a kid but never one with a shift, I didn´t know they made them with a shift. I agree that the signal lights and the fog lights are a later add on.

My wife bought me this one because I sold my last one 40 plus years ago to get married and she has felt bad ever since. I sold my 74 and borrowed $500 from the neighbor and flew from Mpls. to Dakota to Salt Lake to Idaho and got married. Prop planes all the way.

Thanks for all the help.

Jim

[Brad Schmid]

Kudo's to your wife, she obviously knows how to shop for Christmas :cool:
If you come across any more questions and you can't find an answer, let me know. If I don't know the answer, I have some books and other sources where I can go to and try to help you out.
Cheers