Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/567026
cm) of suspension travel. The new chassis enhanced not only the roadholding capabilities of the machine, but also the likelihood the rider would stay attached to it at speed. And speeds were up, because the V-twin was now offered in a 60.32 cubic-inch (989cc) version with close to eight horsepower. This E model was $10 more than the standard 6.5-horsepower twin, but with it came Harley-Davidson's first clutch. "Free wheel control," developed by William Harley and associate Henry Melk, was a rear wheel hub-mounted clutch operated by a left-side hand lever. (The letter "X" in the model names indicated the provision of a clutch.) And, for the first time in Harley history, the customer had his choice of belt (8D and X8D) or chain drive (X8E). Nor was that all. The pedal cranks were fitted with eccentric discs in the frame, so the chain on the pedal crank could be adjusted independent of the drive chain or belt. Meaning no need to move the rear wheel. Also, the big twin engine was Harley's first with self-aligning ball bearings SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN Engine: IOE single Displacement: 30.1ci (494.28cc) Bore & Stroke: 3.5 x 3.3125in (89 x 84mm) Horsepower: 4.3 Carburetion: Schebler Transmission: Direct Drive Clutch: Rear Hub Final Drive: Belt Brake: Rear Coaster Ignition: Bosch Magneto SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN Engine: IOE 45" V-twin Displacement: 60.32ci (989cc) Bore & Stroke: 3.5 x 3.3125in (89 x 84mm) Horsepower: 8 Carburetion: Schebler Transmission: Direct Drive Clutch: Rear Hub Final Drive: Belt (X8D) or Chan (X8E) Brake: Rear Coaster Ignition: Bosch Magneto CHASSIS/SUSPENSION Frame: Steel, Single Downtube Suspension: Dual Spring Fork Wheelbase: 56.5in(143.5cm) Weight: 245lb(111kg) Fuel Capacity: 2.5gal(9.5lit) Oil Capacity: 1 gal (3.8lit) Tires: 28 x 2.5in(71 x 6.35cm) Top Speed: 50mph (80km/h) Color: Renault gray Number Built: 545 Price: $225 CHASSIS/SUSPENSION Frame: Steel, Single Downtube Suspension: Dual Spring Fork Wheelbase: 56.5in(143.5cm) Weight: 312lb(141.5kg) Fuel Capacity: 2.5gal(9.5lit) Oil Capacity: 1 gal (3.8lit) Tires: 28 x 2.5in(71 x 6.35cm) Top Speed: 65mph (105km/h) Color: Renault gray Number Built: 1,616 Price: $285 1912 MODEL X8A 1912 MODEL X8D AND E 44 GraceRiderMag.com September/October 2015 on the crankshaft and roller bearings supporting the connecting rods. The engine also featured a crankcase breather that incorporated an oiler for the primary chain. The signs of High Performance were now showing in Milwaukee. And the style of the motorcycle was evolving as well. The fuel tank complemented the lower slung frame and the fenders grew skirts. The first hints of streamlining had begun to appear. The world of motorcycles was changing and this was just the beginning.