What do you think of this 1915 Harley?

[DEEBS47Chief1991]

I keep seeing more and more of this.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/14643183452...Bk9SR5av47CtZQ


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[exeric]

Admirably, someone put a lot of time and effort into that project, but only the seat, and gas light appear genuine. Could elaborate, but what's the point.

[DEEBS47Chief1991]

There is no doubt about the time it took to fabricate and antique the finish afterward. At first glance I thought it was the real deal until I saw the Chinese 2 stroke motor. The seller is honest about what is real. I also find it interesting that this and other "tribute" bikes that are similar have aligned themselves price wise with authentic antique motorcycles. An unsavvy buyer could make quite a mistake if all the information is not fully given for what ever reason.

Recently my sister from the west coast sent me a picture of an antique Indian she took a picture of and after viewing I informed her that is was counterfeit and was just made up to look old. She was shocked that something like that existed. I find this new facet of antique motorcycles fascinating.


The price of a counterfeit Rolex.jpg old 2.jpg old 3.jpg old 4.jpg

[PaulCDF]

Item description from seller:
"1915 Harley Davidson
Chassis is original
Front end is original
Seat pan is original with new cover
Handlebars are original
Headlight and kerosene tank are original
Wheels are original

Gas tanks are aftermarket
The fenders are original with vintage replacement braces
Manufactured motor and drive train"

IMO I'd rather have a 1940s Whizzer or at those prices another Indian or HD, BMW, Ducati, Norton . . .

[DEEBS47Chief1991]

What's interesting about the seller's description is what it doesn't say. Not real clear on the motor (Chinese two stroke?) or that this bike is possibly not what it seems. It's pretty cool art but it is priced like it's a correct motorcycle sort of leading perhaps the uninformed that it might be genuine but not making any claims. Buyer beware I guess.

I have also heard of true Harley's and Indians with non-original paint jobs that are cleverly made to look like original paint. Parts soaked in salt or some mild corrosive to give the look of an old original part. Air brushed wear and tear. Has anyone ever seen this type of thing?

[exeric]

I can assure you that none of that chassis is genuine, or even a close copy. I do admire anyone that can fabricate, and dedicate themselves to make something in their mind into a tangible object, but I don't like blatant mis-representation which they are guilty of. The 'Timeless' copies of early H-Ds, Indians, and Merkels were far better, less expensive, and by far more fun for the money IMO. Thanks for posting that, Tim. It's always enlightening to see what is out there.

[JoJo357]

I'm being polite here, but basically its a mentally challenged catering to the mentally challenged. This Model 11 circa 1915 sold at January 2025 Mecum Las Vegas for $55,000.
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[DEEBS47Chief1991]

I am certainly no expert in 1915 era Harleys. But what is incorrect about this particular bike other than modern(ish) tires and a painted mirror?

[frichie68]

I didn't know all those old motorcycle companies shared the same engine!
The price is a bit steep for a modern day moped with a fake name . . .

[DEEBS47Chief1991]

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[DEEBS47Chief1991]

45 thousand dollars. 105 dollar motor. Cool.

[KNUCK]

My motto, if you don't know the subject matter don't bid.

[DEEBS47Chief1991]

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[Omarttentmaker]

What's interesting about the seller's description is what it doesn't say. Not real clear on the motor (Chinese two stroke?) or that this bike is possibly not what it seems. It's pretty cool art but it is priced like it's a correct motorcycle sort of leading perhaps the uninformed that it might be genuine but not making any claims. Buyer beware I guess.

I have also heard of true Harley's and Indians with non-original paint jobs that are cleverly made to look like original paint. Parts soaked in salt or some mild corrosive to give the look of an old original part. Air brushed wear and tear. Has anyone ever seen this type of thing?

A few years back an "antique" '37 or '38 was featured in the club magazine.