Here’s where the Legend began, the 1903 Single. Work actually began in 1901, but the final product was not ready for 2 years. Not much more than a motor mounted on a bicycle frame, the 1903 Single’s top speed was about 35 miles per hour. Not bad for the time. The cost? 200 dollars. Ah, the times, they do change…
1906 saw an increase in production, with 50 bikes rolling out that year. 1906 also saw the introduction of another color option, Renult Gray. This, along with a quieter muffler that was to be added, earned the Single the name “Silent Gray Fellow”. Funny how times change: now many bikers prefer loud pipes.
The main changes to the 1908 Single, model 4, made the bikes more stout. The exhaust valve stem was fitted with a steel cap that was available in six different sizes. The carburetor was also changed, resulting in easier starting, and smoother operation. The front fork assembly was improved on, and the fenders were widened to accommodate the new beefier tire.
The biggest news for 1909 was the arrival of Harley Davidson’s first V-Twin. Although it was destined to become the standard for future Harley generations, the 1909 5D did not perform as well as was expected. Only 27 V-twins were produced that year.The Factory also offered a B and C Single Model, B being for battery, and C being for Magneto. Sales more than doubled from the previous year (450) to more than 1100 bikes.