Harley Hummer

Description

The term "Harley Hummer", loosely refers to all antique, Harley Davidson, American made, 2 cycle , vintage, lightweight motorcycles produced between 1948 and 1966 at the Milwaukee, Wisconsin factory. However, technically speaking , the true "Harley Hummer" was only produced from 1955 until 1959, and it was a very basic, stripped down, no frills, 125cc motorcycle. It all began in 1948, when Harley-Davidson released the "Model 125" , a small , sturdy , light weight , two-stroke motorcycle, of 125 cc displacement. The Model 125's design, was actually a result of the German motorcycle manufacturer DKW , whose engineering designs were forfeited to the allies, as a result of World War 2 reparations , at the conclusion of World War II. Other manufactures also benefited from DKW's slightly altered designs, including BSA, with their Bantam model, and Yamaha with their YS-1. Today, the term "Hummer", also seems to incorrectly include the Harley Scat, Harley Pacer, Harley Ranger, Harley Super 10, Harley 125 , and Harley 165, although the two stoke Harley Topper is excluded, as is the Humvee Hummer H3 ! In 1948, Harley introduced the Model 125 . Its engine was of two stroke design, which meant the operator had to mix oil, with the gasoline. This was a first for Harley! Failure to properly mix the oil with the gas, was sure to cause engine failure! It produced 3 horsepower, and featured a girder-type front end ,with a front suspension that consisted of large rubber bands. It was touted by Harley, to get 90 miles per gallon of gasoline! Due to its low, initial price, and its economical price to operate, the 125 cc was a very popular choice, with many groups, including paper boys, farmers, beginners, and even veterans returning home, after the war, who had limited income! It was a popular addition, to the 1948 Harley model line-up! In 1951 , the rubber band front end , was replaced by a more conventional hydraulic unit, which Harley called the "Tele-Glide". This was designed after the more popular, traditional , Harley "Hydra-glide" front suspension. In 1953, the " Model 165 " emerged, as a replacement for the Model 125. The larger engine size , 165 cc , boosted horsepower to 5.5 ! A much needed update! In addition, 1953 also marked Harley's 50th year in business! To celebrate this event, a special brass medallion was designed, and would grace the front fenders of all 1954 models, including the Hummer. Sales of the small Hummer, were beginning to slow down, although V-twin sales were still strong! By 1955 , Harley Davidson was beginning to feel the pressure of the Japanese motorcycle invasion. Jap dealers , such as Honda and Yamaha , were beginning to invade the American market, and the jap dealerships were able to offer much more reliable machines, at lower prices! Harley was hurting! So, in 1955, with the help of a company employee, by the name of Dean Hummer, Harley introduced the TRUE "Harley Hummer". An American made motorcycle, that was stripped down to its bare essentials, in hopes of competing against its rising foreign competition.

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