Description
Additional photos on this 1935 Harley-Davidson VLD are available here for your perusal.
When the stock market crashed in ’29, most American motorcycle manufacturing firms went out of business. H-D, of course, was one of the few that survived. With only a little bit of money to play with (thanks to Harley’s bottoming out of sales in 1933), the company was limited to incremental changes. The VLD got the company back on the right foot.
The 74 cubic inch flathead motor had aluminum alloy pistons and a 5:1 compression ratio that yielded 36 horsepower at 4,500 rpm. There was no rear suspension, though the seat had a ‘full floater’ spring. A 3-speed hand shift took care of gearing duties, but the foot-operated clutch was interesting in that you could lock it in place. You could come up to a stop, lock the clutch and leave your bike in 1st while you waited for the light to turn green. When you weren’t sitting around at lights, this bike could hit about 85 miles per hour – it was Harley’s top-of-the-line model for the time.
This example is VIN/Engine #: 35VLD3452. The seller purchased the bike from Walneck’s Classic Cycle Trader magazine twenty years ago.
The seller has put 5 on miles on the bike since owning it. The odometer shows 37 miles how true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
The seller has a detailed list of work performed by the restorer, as well as a CD with 500+ photos of the restoration process:
https://youtube.com/watch/_VEyEiUbezg
Modifications:
“Period correct luggage rack, fender light, front axle covers, dash light trim, and Corbin speedometer.”
Cosmetic Blemishes:
“Top front of rear fender where bottom of seat touched once.”
This VLD is being sold as a non-running bike, the seller has used this as a show bike in the past. “I only rode it briefly after the restoration. I have stored it for years and it would require a qualified mechanic to get it up and running. There are no known issues. It would not take much if one wanted to ride it.”
The sale includes a H-D accessories catalog and several period advertisements (more in the album up top).
Currently located in Yuba City, California, this Harley-Davidson is offered on a clean California title.
Have any Harley-Davidson VLD stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
