A wonderful restoration on this 1917 Harley Davidson J Military. When the U.S. entered WWI approximately one third of Harley-Davidson's production were sold to the U.S Military.
Harley-Davidson based the military model on their J series motorcycle with a 61 cubic inch F-head motor producing 15 horsepower with a three-speed hand shift transmission and a frame with front suspension.
This year they also introduced a Military Drab color, sometimes called Olive Drab, marking an end of their standard Gray Fellow color.
1917 Harley Davidson J Military Key Features and Specifications
- Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
- Model: J Military
- Year: 1917
- Engine:
- Type: V-twin, air-cooled, four-stroke
- Displacement: Approximately 989 cc (60 cubic inches)
- Power Output: Around 11 horsepower
- Transmission:
- Type: 3-speed, hand-shifted
- Chassis and Body:
- Frame: Steel tubular frame
- Body Style: Military specification, typically with minimalistic design for practicality and durability
- Suspension:
- Front: Rigid (no suspension)
- Rear: Rigid (sprung seat on some models)
- Brakes:
- Type: External contracting band on rear wheel (common for motorcycles of the era)
- Weight: Approximately 300-350 pounds (136-159 kg)
- Fuel Capacity: Not specified (typically around 3 gallons or 11 liters)
- Performance:
- Top Speed: Around 60-65 mph (96-105 km/h)
- Fuel Consumption: Approximately 50-60 miles per gallon (21-25 km/liter)
- Design: Utilitarian military design focused on reliability, ease of maintenance, and durability.
Historical Context and Significance
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Military Service: The Harley-Davidson J Military motorcycle was used extensively by the U.S. military during World War I. It was valued for its rugged construction, reliability, and ability to perform in various terrains and conditions.
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War Effort: Harley-Davidson produced thousands of motorcycles for military use during WWI, contributing significantly to the war effort by providing reliable transportation for troops and messengers.
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Development of Harley-Davidson Brand: The military contracts during WWI helped solidify Harley-Davidson's reputation as a manufacturer of durable and dependable motorcycles, which continued to influence their civilian models post-war.
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Legacy: The Harley-Davidson J Military motorcycle set a precedent for future military motorcycles, establishing Harley-Davidson as a preferred choice for military and police forces around the world.
You may purchase a print in our online gallery.
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