The 1916 Harley-Davidson With A Twist!

[@mericavids]

'Hey, let's go for a ride in my love seat'. My great grandfather bought a new 1917 Harley model J with the side car option. He bought it because it was much faster than the cars of the day. He courted my future great grandmother on it and we enjoy the pictures to this day

[@andya857]

Can you post the pictures please ? would be awesome..Thanks..l

[@jackgarand7284]

@@andya857 He cannot post the pictures because it is a bullshit story. This guy always does this.

[@belindabutcher7925]

@@jackgarand7284 really aww!

[@jackgarand7284]

@@belindabutcher7925 Most of the stories on KZbin are clickbait bullshit.

[@edradtke287]

I am so glad that your collection isn't hidden from the world.

[@ronbrown2770]

Indeed.

[@mooslionheart]

Not hidden, but Magee Valley is like Brigadoon and only appears out of the Blue Ridge Mtns for the faithful who are true of heart🦊

[@justinholmes5328]

I love that you got the bike back into running condition. Hearing it run and watching you drive it around is priceless…so much better than looking at it in an exhibit.

[@mikehardesty4071]

Why does watching this old HD run, make me smile?

[@peterbennett4547]

I love the originality and uniqueness of this machine

[@jimmyd8157]

Amazing piece of machinery. Imagine, over 100 years old. Very cool.

[@whydahell3816]

Also! Look this is when HD cared about their customer base!

[@raymondo162]

aaaaah back in the days when harley builders preferred beefsteak to bowl of rice

[@sourkraut6248]

Here's one the Japanese didn't copy.

[@emeleighdill1282]

Raymond Ashby Wes👿

[@dannyo6699]

@@raymondo162 A guy I worked with years ago, had gotten an early 70's era bike and he went through it and replaced a bunch of parts. Even at that time, HD got their parts from multiple suppliers, and multiple countries. He was amazed at how few parts even then were sourced within the U.S.

[@wilfordlee3339]

L

[@budirwin9825]

Great story... Glad she ended up at the proper place.

[@johnniedelong9322]

That has to be one of the coolest bikes I have ever seen or heard, thank you guys!

[@peanutbutter4829]

There's a group of us who travel down to Maggie every year and we stop and see you, (Matt) and your dad, (Dale). Your time and efforts to keep history alive is awesome and much appreciated by thousands. I love to see these girls run and back then there were no paved roads, Yikes!!! This is the first year we missed coming due to Covid 19.. We shall return!

[@donjordan8174]

Awesome

[@rogerwhite5061]

From the way it was set up it appears that the original owner had lost a leg , as there are some foot controls , it appears the owner lost his right leg . As the US hadnt entered the 1st world war until 1917 the owner wouldn'tve been a 1st world war veteran as has been speculated in the comments as its a 1916 model . Thank you for doing an episdoe on this unique historical machine , it displays how innovative americans could be during that time period. Wishing you many years of safe and fun riding .

[@kylekenan2321]

They could have been in the civil war or maybe lost it to something like a binder, mill or on the rails.

[@ianmangham4570]

@@kylekenan2321 Only seems like yesterday

[@wyyrdojim]

I think you might be on the money. Rich officer who was wounded in WW 1.😎

[@o0peacetogether0o]

I was thinking some wealthy dudes wife complained about not being able to come along. He sorted it, she road it with him a handful of times, then parked it for reasons. Why spend all that money in the day making a functioning one of to park it. Maybe the veteran passed away? I think someones misses wanted to come with on rides.

[@asdfjkl1935]

WWI was from 1914-1918. Although the US didn’t officially join until 1916. Many Americans left for Europe to join the fight before 1916

[@westcoast3595]

Best part. It runs and rides.

[@hamansutra]

Any reactions from the Harley Davidson Company? This is a one of a kind beauty. Speechless!

[@tennishatfield5600]

Your dedication to preserving the vintage brands is what makes this page so enjoyable. Thanks a million.

[@coreyg7255]

A former boss and long time friend of mine has a 1982 Gold Wing sidecar rig which he drives from his wheelchair. It was built it in the mid-80's in Spirit Lake, ID. I sent him this video. He loved it! Such a cool piece of history. Thanks you very much for sharing these creations with us all.

[@tonybrossman7198]

Coolest machine I've ever seen!

[@MIckveli2]

nope, pretty gay i thought

[@williamrusk631]

Thank you for the video, I have a treasured photo of my grandfather on the day he brought his new 1916 Harley home, it had a sidecar but certainly didn't look like this one

[@1984xlx]

So glad you guys made the trade! A rarity like that belongs in a museum where everyone can enjoy it, not locked away in someone's personal collection.

[@danw1955]

What a neat machine! For something to be in that condition after 100+ years is just amazing. The fact that it still runs and drives is even more amazing!! I really like that you guys try to keep your stuff as close to original and unrestored as possible.😉

[@jeffgunderson2904]

Wheels Through Time Museum is on my "Bucket List", until then I'll keep supporting them with buying raffel tickets every month!

[@evan1kx125]

This is so rad! Glad you guys spent the time to not only get running but driving while preserving its history!..now this will be around for another 100yrs to show the world.

[@lonniedearing5799]

That was absolutely unbelievable. Much respect to you for even starting it up, let alone riding it around. I was thinking, there's no way he's going to ride such a rare one of a kind motorcycle. That was amazing.

[@Matt6511]

As some one who has lost parents its wonderful to hear you speak fondly of your father. And all the bike ls you show off are awesome. I read about a motorcycle museum that shut down and was auctioning off there biks it was sad to think about them not being seen. Thank you for all that the museum does.

[@jeremyramsey5697]

Absolutely the coolest thing ive ever seen. Ive rode around on a 1918 harley and man so much fun!!! Im glad youve got that cause otherwise it may have been lost to time. Thanks for your efforts in preservation.

[@MintIncorporated]

Unbelievable, what a piece of work.

[@carlwatson3220]

I'm thrilled to know y'all are still not only finding, BUT also restoring to operation so many unique bikes. You are truly amazing!!. Please keep up the great work, and I, like others here will return when able. It's been 6 years too long, but I do live over 800 miles away!

[@InTheFleshInc]

Unbelievable, I didn't expect it to be a running unit, I'm blown away, Love It...

[@edchester1773]

I make Custom Iron Gates and Arbors for a living, everything I make for my clients, they let them go to a rust 'Patina'! I love the Patina on this classic................

[@merc6]

When you started it up and took off...... man what a machine. I was extremely jealous. I would love to visit the museum someday.

[@geraldgreen6278]

Wheels Through Time where motorcycle dreams come true.

[@TheBritChief]

I love seeing old Harley's, they have a certain character about them. I bet this one has a cool backstory.

[@dannyo6699]

Anyone that would show up at Sturgis driving that would have ALL the attention. That's pretty incredible how they got it to run and operate like this. Too bad there's no documentation on it though. It would be interesting to know why it was built and what it was used for.

[@doctorno0070]

I am speechless. "WOW" is all I can muster up.

[@Eyore82]

Yet my 100 years newer Harley, with all it's fancy electronics, can't stay running to save it's own life..

[@richardsledgecock2110]

Give me a carb and points and condensor. An alternator..and I guarantee I'll see you at the destination

[@TheBabyDerp]

very weird, I've had zero issues with my Harley's.

[@Snuffaluffagis]

its those wonderful electronics that cause all the issues

[@poptartmcjelly7054]

@@Snuffaluffagis the only people who complain about modern electronics are those who are too stuck in the past to learn how to fix them. Once you understand where's what an electrical system is easily repaired.

[@TheBabyDerp]

@daniel bean can't handle a few computers huh? to be fair I am a computer engineer so I really have no right to say how easy efi is. its easier than carbs for me. I just traded in a carb'd sportster for a 2019 efi sportster. my 78 ford atm is still carb, but it will be getting efi conversion.

[@whitelightning3330]

I'd love to see a modern version of that for sale. Wouldn't need a big motor in it, but it'd definitely be cool!

[@atcjoe1600]

You’ll never see another museum use a priceless artifact like that . That’s why this is so cool !

[@theoldman8877]

Now that's a Harley I could get behind owning !

[@davemetz7368]

Great video !! You had my interest peaked the entire time watching this. What a lucky person you are to have experienced the feeling of actually driving it around for all of us. This was truly amazing and I thank you for it. Also think giving up the 3 other bikes in trade for this was a good decision. And starting on the second kick, was something else all together.

[@josepharavanis9463]

Thanks guys for the sacrifices that you made to make this story a reality.

[@grantbuxton]

They don't make anything to last that long anymore! Thanks man that's awesome, I grew up around Vietnam vet outlaw motorcycle enthusiasts, scooters were always being built and tuned in our garage, I didn't understand it when I was young but I get now!

[@strattuner]

thanks for the look backward,i'm building a trike and this machine is already engineered better than other trikes built lately,this video helped with all the questions i've had,including steering and running through the grass,lol

[@slowpokebr549]

First thought I had was that it was a mail delivery vehicle, but if it was it would have been worn to a nub. It's in too good of shape.

[@wolfman515]

Thanks for sharing this bike with the world, what an absolute marvel it is.

[@whalesong999]

FWIW, wiping on an application of linseed oil will help preserve this machine even more plus adding to the patina and depth of visual impression. It will change nothing chemically that I know of and I've seen the method used on old car weathered finishes for preservation.

[@danoweston6185]

Your knowledge and passion about bikes is inspirational! Thanks

[@terencemeehan8237]

WoW, that was absolutely amazing! I’ve never seen anything like this bike, I enjoyed that. Fantastic,the job you guys do on all the bikes there, and is very much appreciated. Thanks for making the videos.

[@jorgenandersson9521]

This is History as the best it can possible be!!!!! Many tums up!!!!!

[@elizabethknotts2869]

Probably the coolest thing on the internet. Seriously. All in all, everything considered. Thanks for this.

[@roycelane8318]

I've been in the motorsports business for 27 years now I Built-in service many machines in my day and I've never seen anything like this it's truly in amazing timepiece it's perfect just the way it is the patina really gives it that extra personality From the rear it looks like a horseless carriage.you have done a fine job with this machine

[@djquinn11]

That rig is such an awesome piece of HD history, love it!

[@basilbrushbooshieboosh5302]

Man, that is so special. Thanks for keeping it and showing it. I didn't know anything looking like that existed.

[@janwalor3014]

Man! If there was ever a machine that deserved to be restored, this is it.

[@davidstrother496]

Thanks for all you do to preserve the history and Americana behind the motorcyles, cars, plane and homebuilt powered equipment. I'm new to the Museum channel, but I do plan on making the trip to actually see the museum soon.

[@Hydrogenblonde]

Absolutely astonishing! What a incredible machine to have running over 100 years after it was built and in original condition.

[@slosolo2]

Stopped by the Museum on 7/18. Wish we could have come in but just took a picture at the gate. (Edit We knew the museum was closed but were in town.)

[@proto57]

I love the philosophy of your museum, in that you value the original condition of these machines, and do your best to preserve them as found. They can only be original once, once they are restored that is lost. But then you bring them JUST to the point of running and riding when you can, which is also great, because then we know how they operated and sounded and so on. Just terrific. I was wondering if that convertible top was too brittle to try and raise, to see what it looks like? I hope to take a trip south in the next year or two, and when I do I'll certainly check out your place. Keep up the amazing work!

[@johnhearon6692]

WOW, Thanks for sharing, that guy with no legs and one arm was a dare devil to go coast to coast. Keep up the great work !!

[@bogiewheelman71]

4-year-old video and its still awesome to watch.

[@chrishughes1103]

What an amazing find! Thank you for showing this, what an excitement it is to see this and your other your bikes on film, and I really want to come from England to see them.

[@brianhuber4124]

That thing is awesome! I just love the look of the old stuff. You guys do an awesome job of telling the story and keeping history alive

[@andya857]

You keep knocking my socks off , how do you find these treasures? Awesome connections i bet ,WOW..Respect from Canada..

[@MasterTaters]

Thank you for furthering your fathers legacy this way.

[@twots22]

That is a sweet sweet find. Well worth your trade!

[@LTJC70]

Hello all, youtube sent a recommendation to me and it was your video on the Flesher Flyer bike... Until that point, sad to say, I had no knowledge of your channel... Now however I can't get enough of your vids and expertise!!! Thank you so much!!! Perhaps one day I'll be fortunate enough to visit your museum... Again, much thanks and appreciation for all you guys do!! Please keep up the great work!!

[@royogden2536]

That is one awesome machine.... Im glad you all are keeping it all original.

[@robfrye4664]

Very interesting rig for sure! Incredible to see something this rare, original, and in such amazing condition! Thanks for the tour and history! And I must ask, am I seeing some type of Harley powered mower in the background? If anyone were to have a Harley mower, it would be you guys!

[@ehizzle617]

Sitting here saying wow that museum looks awesome I wish it was closer......I’m in NC and just found out it’s in NC as well 🤣 I’ll be there soon ✌🏼

[@SuperLaplander]

What a cool machine! Thanks for showing us. Best regards from Sweden.

[@adamvanostrand2664]

Absolutely Beautiful one of a kind survivor. So glad it made it into your guys collection so you could breathe life back into it. Awesome to see it driving down the road

[@Simon-hf3lw]

Just beautiful one in a million 😍

[@farawlofarawla3395]

Incredible American ingenuity! Two people would fit comfortably back then, they were no mackdo, burger slave neither starcrap! I love this machine.

[@RavenJCain]

I always admired Leno for driving his cars, so glad you get'em running. As for the plate on the floor, it is likely meant for the passenger to be able to hold a child on their lap without bumps and whatnot causing their foot to slide forward.

[@russb3816]

That is just about the coolest bike ive ever seen. Im in awe!

[@HiroNguy]

"Drive" is right. One does not ride it. Alternate history: H-D decides to try competing against the Model T by adding a 4th wheel.

[@HiroNguy]

@Heads Mess Modern racing sidecars are closer to 3 wheeled F1 cars than anything else. They are amazing.

[@bigmikeh5827]

Just moved to Knoxville and was surprised that you’re only 67 miles away. Going to be marking a road trip to see you guys. Thanks for the vid.

[@RandysFiftySevenChevy]

What a great location for this video. This I feel is the only time most of us will see this historic relic. I love how you kept the patina, its only a new once and the attention not to do too much. I would of like to seen the magneto patinaed up a little but that's it. Thank you for preserving this.

[@doncarlo5]

I love this sidecar ... next level would have been : Harley building a sidecar in-between two Harley motorcycles, and the "driver" steering them from the center ... the sky is the limit !

[@roadkingdream]

WOW, that was awesome.....

[@genestatler2514]

Wow!! That is one fantastic motorcycle! What a great find! Thanks for sharing. I love your museum!

[@majorintherepublick5862]

Amazing 👍👍👍, who would thumb down this vid?? Freedom of speech. Great job in getting it to run and finding this gem.

[@goodtogrow7774]

That is so cool!!! I can picture people of the past riding that looking brand new!

[@thomasollinger7922]

Thanks so much for these shows. I really miss visiting. I hope to come in soon after you open.

[@fred463]

I love wheels through time! I am fortunate enough to live near by.. What an incredible place to visit. The first time I went my hair stood up on my head when I came in the door at the sight of a car they had there. I didn't even know what it was but it was so gorgeous. It was a Duesenberg. It you love motorcycles it is definitely a place you have to visit. I have my ticket for this years knucklehead....wish me luck!

[@turbomustang84]

I don't have a clue why this excited me so much . What a find

[@berlieannapalmer1187]

Pepole are blown away.fantastic.

[@michaelalbertson7363]

As a. H.D OWNER. I JUST WET MY SELF IN OMG IM JAW DROPPING DRULL THXS BRO. YOU DOCUMENTARY WELL

[@brianebers764]

Very nice. What a piece! Thanks man

[@mihaimihai9254]

Thank you so much! This video keeps the legend alive! I didn't know why I've always wanted a Harley.... Now I know!

[@joedirt9600]

Awesome machine, perfect mail delivery unit for sure..thanks for sharing

[@fordfan3179]

Love it! Great to see these bikes being loved and cared for.

[@robertwittjr1198]

05:28 interesting front tire i had to pause and figure out the tread - NONSKID letters are the tread! would this be a front steer only tire or would these have been used rear also? who manufactured this? i ended up here from the 80 year old military crate as a recommended choice, great channel!

[@rodericksaunders5887]

Man I would love to see that restored. Real jem!

[@Mercmad]

Furniture labs, a company in the Uk regularly restores ancient leather furniture and goods, and by ancient i mean hundreds of years old. They would have the best stuff to preserve that leather.

[@dozerblade]

I love that they all run. Brilliant!

[@samuelmoore8154]

That thing is crazy to see in motion.

[@ladyb5888]

LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!!!

[@spencermacgillivray7777]

Thank you, for shairing. Very cool. Awesom machine.

[@JoeVinson]

Awesome bike! I love what you and your dad have built!

[@IMAXXHEW]

I bet if you measure the width from center of the wheels on the bike, to center of the sidecar wheel it would be the same width as the distance between the steel rails on a railroad track. I'm guessing the front wheel of the bike, and the sidecar wheel, at one time had special all steel wheels that were designed to fit around the steel tracks like a trains steel wheels do to keep it tracking correctly. When the steel railroad style wheels needed to be removed so the bike could ride on the street, the steel wheels were stored inside of the sidecar, on the floor to the right of the operators feet and switched to the rubber tire wheels that are also stored there when not in use. The rear wheel of the bike would always be rubber so it had enough traction to drive the vehicle forward without slipping. All the toolboxes held stuff a train mechanic needed to fix broke down trains that were too far away and couldn't make it to the next station. The railroad mechanics still trade rubber wheels for steel wheels when they need to travel on train tracks, except nowadays they use pickup trucks and not Harley-Davidsons.

[@kramnevets8712]

Never even heard of this. Wow,just,wow!

[@eliyahum4285]

They have to let this museum open soon. Can't wait to go.