1948 HARLEY-DAVIDSON 125 S Though the lightweight didn’t initially catch fire in the U.S., its low production and purchase cost appealed to younger riders, aspiring amateur racers and budget-minded customers and proved that the marketplace for such a machine existed. Further, design elements of the 125 Model S, proudly featured on marque collector Jim Godwin’s black 1948 example, would soon become staples for Harley-Davidson. The Model S’s peanut fuel tank, for example, was immediately prized by racers and would later emerge as the definitive tank of the Sportster, and the lightweights helped pave the way for an industry standard hand-clutch, foot- shift arrangement. Though Harley-Davidson’s market domination was still centered on its larger-displacement V-twin models, the lightweight had established a legitimate position in the company’s lineup. The 125 Model S was produced from 1948 until 1952, but in 1953, Harley-Davidson increased the displacement to 165cc in hopes of attracting more seasoned riders. Billed as “the lightweight with all of the big features,” the 165 model was a safe, reliable and thrifty machine, made available with most of the accessories found in its larger touring machines, including windshields. In Omaha, Nebraska, a dealer named Dean Hummer had a reputation for being a champion of the lightweights, outselling all other dealers across the country. Impressed, the Motor Co. saw fit to celebrate his achievement in promoting the little 2-stroke motorcycles by naming the new 1955 model the Hummer. Eventually, the Hummer moniker became synonymous with nearly every lightweight 2-stroke model Harley-Davidson produced before or after. The Hummer itself was a stripped-down version of previous generations, featuring the older 125cc engine, a magneto ignition, and no brake light, battery or horn. Production of the 165 and Hummer models continued until 1960, when the 165cc Super 10 replaced them both, continuing Harley’s trend of rebranding its lightweight offering. In 1962, the lightweight was again reconfigured two years later with three new variations. The Super 10 was replaced by a larger 175cc model named the Pacer, along with a mini scrambler-style model called the Scat. The Scat was a dual-sport-like machine with high fenders, exhaust and lights, but Harley-Davidson also offered a purely off-road-focused, low-geared trail model dubbed the Ranger. Developed specifically for use on ranches and trail roads, the one-year-only Ranger is perhaps the rarest of the Harley-Davidson lightweights. With its high-routed exhaust, ultra-low gear ratio, and lack of front fender or lighting, the Ranger stands out like the exemplary example featured in the Jim Godwin collection in a signature red and white. 1962 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RANGER BTF MECUM.COM // 79
