Harley-Davidson Advertising Circa 1960

Growing up my best friend’s grandfather was a motorcyclist. He had some old Hondas, a Suzuki, and a three wheeled Harley-Davidson golf cart. You can guess which one my friend and I got to use.

Why do I mention that. Well just look at the advertisement we are featuring today. That little scooter in the middle is the kind of off beat and different items HD made all the time. In 1960 they were pointing to the future and today they point at their heritage and image from the past. I always find it funny when life does that complete circle we always tell ourselves happens but never really pay attention to.

I grabbed some info from the Topper Club website:

(Little over 6 hp, compression ratio 6.6 to 1)
Note: 1960 and 1961 Riders Manual for the A, AU,
Horsepower: (N.A.C.C. Rating) 2.26
10 cubic inches, 165 cc.
Bore: 2.375 inches
Stroke: 2.281 inches
Top speed: does a little better than 45 miles per hour.
What made this 10 cubic inch 165 cc motor low in hp: low compression
head (the A and the AU used the same head), small carburetor intake passage , small air intake manifold, small air intake hose , and long low resistance muffler.
Weight: 237 lbs
Gas consumption: 80 miles per gallon, advertised to get 100 miles per gallon.
Sold new for under: $450.00
Spark plug type: Harley-Davidson no. 4 size, 14mm, Gap .040 to .045 inch
Circuit point gap: .018 inch
Ignition Timing: 5/64 (.078 ) to 7/64 ( .110 ) inches before piston top dead center.
Number of Sprocket teeth: Transmission drive sprocket 14, Rear wheel 63.
Overall ratio: Maximum 18.0, Minimum 5.9
Wheelbase: 51.5