The Harley-Davidson® Model 1 is a motorcycle that was built by Harley-Davidson® Motor Company in the early days of the company. The Model 1 was the first production motorcycle ever built by Harley-Davidson® and it was the foundation for the company's long history of motorcycle production.
The Model 1 was introduced in 1903 and it was produced until 1904. The motorcycle was built with a single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 405cc and it was capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. The Model 1 was also equipped with a primitive suspension system, which was a big improvement over the hard-tail frames of the time.
However, the Model 1 was not without its problems. The single-cylinder engine was prone to overheating, and the primitive suspension system was not always able to cope with the rough roads of the time. Despite these issues, the Model 1 was a popular motorcycle, and it was used for a variety of purposes, including racing and transportation.
Due to the age and rarity of the Model 1, it is difficult to know the exact number of surviving examples. Many of these motorcycles were ridden hard and put away wet, so they have not survived in great condition. However, a few examples are known to exist in museums and private collections, and they are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The exact number of existing Model 1 is not clear but it is considered as one of the most valuable and sought after motorcycle ever built by Harley-Davidson®.
The Model 1 has a significant place in Harley-Davidson® history and it represents the starting point of the company's journey to become one of the most iconic motorcycle brands in the world. It is a true piece of American history and it continues to be a source of inspiration for motorcycle enthusiasts.
