Since the inception of its first motorcycle, Harley Davidson has continued to deliver great motorcycles that have continued to fascinate and excite consumers for many, many years.
After Harley’s introduction of the XL Sportster in 1957, Harley Davidson developed a sportier version known as the XLCH in 1959. The “CH” was supposed to represent hot competition. These motorcycles were stripped-down models that were geared towards on- and off-road duty with magneto ignition, tall exhaust pipes, a solo seat, smaller “peanut” tank, and lighter overall weight. It also featured the now famous “eyebrow” headlight cover that remains a Sportster trademark.
Harley-Davidson also offered the XLH, which was a sleek, touring-influenced version that outsold its sportier sibling. Power increased steadily over the next few years, earning the Sportster fleet the nickname “King of Drags,” which is an unofficial title he would hold until the late 1960s. Of course, this was At a time when most of its competitors were British 650cc twins, which spotted considerable displacement compared to the 883cc Sportster, and in drag racing, size does matter a lot.
Other than a new tank badge and paint scheme, the 1963 Harley-Davidson FL Duo-Glide didn’t offer many changes, unlike the successful formula of previous FL models. However, Harley Davidson had tried something different for the 1961 models, when the old “waste spark” ignition was swapped for a more modern, but more complicated system employing two sets of points and coils. Unfortunately, the experiment only lasted until 1964, after which the waste spark configuration returned. This bike was a rather stripped-down example of the big FL, as most were equipped with saddlebags and a two-passenger seat and the addition of the windshield, which were requirements of the well-dressed touring bike. Chrome accents on the fenders added a stylish new touch to the Harley-Davidson FL Duo-Glide.
The 1963 Harley-Davidson Topper motorcycle was one of the casualties as the fad for short-lived scooters waned and Japanese brands began to take an increasing share of the American motorcycle market. It had a simple 165cc two-stroke engine that started with a recoil starter, which is like a lawn mower, this caused them to capitalize on the popularity of late 1950s scooters, which they rode across a variable ratio automatic transmission called Scootaway Drive. Up front was a simple leading-link wishbone and there were small drum brakes on both wheels, while under the hinged seat was plenty of storage space, but if that wasn’t enough, a luggage rack was available.
For those not content with just two people and luggage, a sidecar was offered on fully loaded models with the platform proving excruciatingly slow. Other accessories included the passenger backrest and windshield, but despite carrying the revered Harley-Davidson name, the Topper didn’t sell particularly well in one market and quickly became dominated by the Japanese machines. It wasn’t long before the scooter craze died down and the Topper was one of its first casualties.