Description
Harley-Davidson 1931 “VL” 1208 cc side valve V-twin combination frame # SC-engine # 31 VL 3205
In 1930 the Model “V” came on the market to replace the F-head models J and JD.
The model “V” was a medium compression model, the “VL” was its high-compression brother, designed for sidecar and package truck use.
The Big Twin produced some 30 HP and it was the top of the line for Harley-Davidson customers in the 30s. In 1936 the VL was replaced by a heavier model, the 80 cu inch ( 1340 cc) VLH.
That machine produced 34 HP and weighed 247 kg. Some of the new features for the 1931 model year were the “Sunburst Face” horn, constant mesh starter and cadmium-plated clutch and brake pedals.
Approximately 6,850 Big Twins were produced in 1931; it was more popular than the 750 cc model D, of which some 2,550 were produced.
1931 was a tough year for the company; sales were so low that the factory ran at about 10% of its total capacity.
This machine is a well-sorted older restoration and comes complete with Corbin speedometer.