1934 Harley Davidson VLH
A pristine and very exacting 1934 Harley VLD. If you’ve read the write up under the 1936 VLH, you’ll see I’m very passionate about the VL series motorcycles.
This VLD came to me as a rolling chassis from Pennsylvania. You’ll find pictures at the end of the photo series. The goal was the same as that of the VLH,
to create a showroom quality example (notwithstanding modern painting methods) All of the parts down to the smallest washer are correct, as new and in the correct finishes. The one exception that perhaps the keen eyed have found, is the finish of the M21 carburetor float bowl. These were a silver finish but the bowls were brass. This a genuine original brass float bowl, very rare. No way was I going to cover that up with a silver finish. Other than that I do take a liberty or two in that I always finish the valve covers in dull nickel as well as the spoke nipples. Far better finish to facilitate any adjustments as Cad would mark badly.
Mechanically, per the photos, every assembly and sub assembly have been total rebuilt. The wheels were built with original spokes of which I needed to find several hundred to get 80 good ones. I believe the pictures serve to show the time and care that went into this build. I’m never in a rush, the journey of the build being as satisfying as the completion. The beautiful paint, including all black pieces, is all clear over base. Personally, I think the Teak Red and Black with gold pinstriping is one of the nicest combinations.