1929 Harley-Davidson Model D Project

Description

Additional photos of this 1929 Harley-Davidson Model D Project are available here for your perusal.

With the introduction of the 750cc Super X in 1925, Excelsior started a trend of “middleweight” motorcycles that was quickly copied by Indian with the 750cc Scout two years later. It took another two years for Harley-Davidson to join the fray – their effort was the Model D, which utilized an all-new 750cc sidevalve motor that was stuffed into the frame from the 350cc Model B.

The large engine featured a battery and coil ignition as opposed to a magneto, but the use of a frame designed for a motor half the size left no room for the generator in its usual place. Harley had to mount it vertically alongside the front cylinder, which led to riders on competing bikes to joke that this was a “three-cylinder Harley.”

Right around that time, small headlights came into fashion, so H-D doubled up with twin lights front and rear.

750cc V-Twin motors would go on to be a huge part of Harley-Davidson’s history on the street and the track, and this first-year bike is an early part of that story.

The seller of this HD (Engine #: 29DL2749) acquired it five years ago from a private party that was in the process of restoring the motorcycle. Per the seller, the previous owner “became ill and was unable to complete the project. I purchased the bike, as I just loved looking at it. I had no intention of completing the restoration or ever riding it, but just kept it, as it is rather unique and very rare. I just kept it as a display bike, which it does very well..”

The seller states that there are no cosmetic issues “considering how it presents and the age of the motorcycle.”

Mechanically, he adds, “I don’t know these bikes very well but the obvious missing parts are the handle grips, exhaust silencers and some wiring needs to be completed. I think it would be a very easy project for a Harley enthusiast to complete and well worth the effort.”

Currently located in Johannesburg, South Africa, this Model D is offered on a Bill of Sale only.

Have any vintage Harley-Davidson stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!

Iconic’s White Glove process for an auction winner that requires shipping out of South Africa:
This seller is a long time client who has sold quite a few bikes with Iconic Motorbikes – Adam says “it does take a little time but typically but it’s worth the wait as the examples we’ve seen so far from this particular Seller are all quite excellent!”

We release money to the seller once it’s dropped off at the transport company. From there we can assist with obtaining necessary clearances. Our container leaving South Africa has filled up so you will need to arrange shipping with a broker (we are glad to introduce you to some options). For an LCL shipment, it would cost roughly $2,000 and take 10-12 weeks to get this bike to your door in the US depending on where you live. We can also assist with obtaining a US title, depending on the state.