If you received a gift card for Christmas, and you want to buy a great H-D history book . . . get this one by Wolfgang Wiesner. I've had this very book for over 20+ years.
It's probably the best book on Harley-Davidson history I've ever seen. I don't believe there's one better, and Wiesner (a German) did a spectacular job. Wiesner had help from Vaughn Beals and Willie G. The photos and information (especially on early models) is very good. The cover doesn't really offer a good insight on what's inside. Here's the author visiting the USA, on Wisconsin backroads . . .
In it's day, this JDH Model was the most powerful motorcycle engine.
There are period photos of many familiar faces (in their younger years), from Bud Ekins, Knievel, the founding fathers, etc..... Here's the late, great collector/historian: Mr. Mike Parti.
The book is full of factory photos - excellent for knowledge and reference.
If you watched the short series "Harley and the Davidsons" . . . Here is a photo of the actual race where Shrimp Burns made a name for himself !
Another, fresh-off-the-assembly-line 1966 XLCH, going through a battery of tests before being shipped off to a dealership. One word: Tillotson ! . . . with the new Ham Can.
Speaking of the XLCH, here's a promo shot of Clyde Denzer showing the off road potential of these ironhead beasts. My dad used to call Denzer with questions back in the old days.
You can tell Wiesner is a true enthusiast, he wrenches on his own machines (below) and is a buff on all aspects of Harley-Davidson from antiques, racing, history - and the modern era. An excellent book that can make you an expert on all things H-D. I don't know if it's still in print, but I'm just saying . . . Hope you enjoyed this post? Happy Holidays !
The Dragons M/C (below) Wonder if these guys are still around? That's a row of the best lookin' choppers. Perfect. The way I like 'em personally.
