1959 hd xlch

[PRG]

Howdy chaps,

Best friend selling the above, before putting it on Bring a Trailer, figured I’d run it by a more appreciative audience. 12.5K miles, 3,500 since built. Non matched belly’s, good VIN, local Memphis machine, complete restoration by owner (patwiilliamsracing.com). As seen at Bike Week this year, Jay featured it on the vintage display day at Broken Spoke and pics of it in action at Blue Grass Road Run at link below. Runs perfect, best offer or, some of the pros here could advise value range before using BAT. Can deliver to Barber Vintage Festival in a couple of weeks. PM me. Thanks in advance.









link to Blue Grass Road Run

https://petergz.smugmug.com/Events/AMCA-Road-Runs/Blue-Grass-2014/i-bsDbr3n

[Rubone]

Pretty machine, but lots of incorrect stuff on that "restoration".

[PRG]

Howdy Robbie,

Entirely understood from the outset, starting with that Porsche paint, two into one exhaust, flat bars, etc… no need for me to explain the obvious, what with an original posted on this forum for those desiring a comparison. But after 24 years in the very unforgiving world of professional racing this was about a well turned out personalized piece with complete mechanical integrity……the latter, something I’ve found lacking on many “restorations” after 50 years with antiques and 30 in this club.

[Steve Swan]

The 60's era Sportsters are the coolest looking motorcycles ever. Correct/incorrect, that green 'an white 'un is bee-u-tee-fulllllll ! Was the kickstart design knee-lethal even when new or was that because of worn parts?

[PRG]

Howdy Steve,

Can’t speak to distributor models, but magnetos are a different animal. The more rev’s the better the spark, and I think this short kicker, like a Velocette, is designed to permit that. Thankfully on my Vincent’s a compression release essentially eliminates any need for technique or finesse. But, one thing I carry over to this machine I have started for the owner many times over the years to save any risk to his knees - I have outweighed him by as much as 100lbs on occasion during his bicycle/car racing era - yet, ruefully, never ridden is what the British call a “sharp prod”. That entails finding positive kicker engagement before a swift downward prod through nearly full range of motion using the right leg, no jumping or other theatrics. Back to that mechanical integrity thing, mentioned in the prior post. this is surely aided by proper setup, it has never backfired or failed to start. So I guess the answer is lack of technique when new and worn or poorly reassembled parts when old. We certainly disappointed a lot naysayers on that road run.