ROBERT D. DIEGAL COLLECTION Among the many noteworthy years in the history of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company such as the prototype in 1903, the 45 CI Model D in 1929 or the OHV Knucklehead in 1936, it was, perhaps, 1914 that stands out the most. The iconic brand had just celebrated its first 10 years, and with the 1914 lineup, including this meticulously restored 1914 Model 10F, Harley-Davidson cemented its place at the top of the global motorcycle industry. The company had grown by leaps and bounds by 1914, building upon its firmly established reputation for building quality machines. Moreover, its expansive state-of-the-art factory on Juneau Avenue was churning out thousands of machines per year to dealerships around the globe, its newly created factory racing program was making waves in the sport from coast to coast, and the brand was reinforcing the lifestyle of Harley-Davidson ownership with a variety of accessories and apparel. Still, the innovations incorporated into the 1914 model lineup announced Harley’s arrival at the top of the market, with several technological advancements that distanced its machines from their bicycle forebearers. New features abounded in the 1914 Model 10F, including a step-starter, 2-speed rear hub, foot controls for the clutch and brake, folding foot boards, and Harley’s patented “Ful-Floteing” sprung seatpost, a precursor to full-suspension machines that wouldn’t become the standard for another 30 years. The 10F was built around the Motor Company’s burly 61 CI (989cc) F-head V-twin, an 8 HP torque monster that, when combined with the new 2-speed hub, made for the most capable motorcycle to have rolled out of Milwaukee at that point. A Schebler carburetor, Bosch magneto ignition and sprung leather Troxel saddle rounded out the model’s standard features. For elite enthusiasts, accessories like Klaxon horns, Old Sol lighting and Prest-O-Lite acetylene tanks elevated the machines further, as seen in this gorgeous example. These features made the Model 10F a genuinely modern motorcycle in 1914, and according to their own catalog, the 10F represented “The greatest motorcycle we ever built.” With such an advanced flagship model in a banner year, 1914 remains one of the most significant in Harley-Davidson’s storied history, and the model 10F is among the most desirable motorcycles of all time. S195 1914 Harley-Davidson 10F Twin
