Harley-Davidson 1914 10E 989cc 2 cyl IOE 3410

Harley-Davidson 1914 “10E” single speed 989 cc IOE V-twin engine # 1580EH

The first V-twin Harley prototype is displayed at the Chicago Motorcycle Show in February 1907, but it isn’t until 1909 that the first twins are for sale; officially they are still considered prototypes and only 27 are sold. The engine has a capacity of 880cc and has atmospheric intake valves. The standard colour of these machines is Renault Gray with carmine striping. The engines are not as good as the company expects so for 1910 no twins are offered and further development work is done. In 1911 a new engine is presented with 811cc capacity and IOE configuration. This proves to be a sound design and it’s developed further year after year. In 1912 a bigger, 989cc engine is an option and in 1913 the 989cc engine becomes standard. In the 1914 catalogue five models are offered, three 5hp singles and two 8hp twins. The twins are available in single speed as model “E” and with a two-speed gear in the rear hub as model “F”. Not mentioned in the motorcycle catalogue by the way is model “G,” a delivery van also equipped with a 2 speed hub.
As in every new model year, the factory has improved their machines in a number of ways. A very practical innovation for 1914 is the fitting of a step starter. This is an early form of a kick starter but with a forward stroke. Previous models have to be hauled on their rear stand before starting. Important is also the newly constructed rear brake, which is no longer a bicycle-type rear-pedal hub brake but an internal expanding brake that acts on a separate rear drum and can be operated with a pedal above the right hand side footboard. The system is well-thought out: riders who have their feet on the pedals instead of on the footboards can also apply the brake by pedalling backwards. The clutch, positioned in the rear hub, can be operated by hand or by foot. Not many 1914 single speeder twins are still around: that year the factory sold some 16,000 motorcycles and less than a third of them were single speeder twins.
The machine we present here appears to be in largely authentic condition; as far as we know the olive drab colour was introduced for model year 1917 so she might have been repainted very early in her existence. The petrol tank has been redone in recent times. This sturdy veteran Harley-Davidson comes with Klaxon push horn and has been overhauled mechanically some time ago.