Month: March 2017

1912 saw the introduction of Harley-Davidson’s first all-chain drive model, which also featured a clutch, skirted fenders, and a 1,000cc engine with mechanical valves. Harley’s ‘full floteing’ (sic) seat featured a spring in the frame’s rear downtube. Harley offered a single- and twin-cylinder models in 1912, with belt or chain drive, and magneto ignition. The X8E was Harley’s top of the range model, and at $310 cost $10 more than the standard 6.5hp twin. 1912 Harley 8hp twins are rare, as the engine capacity was only increased from 49ci to 60ci mid year, making it a more powerful and desirable machine, and the first ‘Big Twin’.