Description
Harley-Davidson 1934 model “ 34CB” 500 cc side valve single frame# 34/1540 engine# 34/ CB 1416
The 35 ci singles were discontinued at the end of the model year 1918.
The company tried to win customers in the 600cc class with the flat twin model W Sport Twin that was produced from 1919 up to including 1923.
Sales were relatively modest, but it was clear that especially in the European markets a small-capacity HD would be a selling point, if only to act as a “starter model”.
In 1926 some 350 cc class models were brought out; the OHV versions were rather exotic machines mainly meant for competition use, but the side valve models 26A and B (the B had an electrical lighting system) were good sellers: more than 7000 machines found a home in the first year of production.
From 1929 on a 500 cc version was also available in the 350 rolling chassis.
This 500 had the wider mudguards of the twin models.
The “CB ”is a rather rare model: it has the 500 engine but the narrow mudguards of the 350 single.
This gives the machine a less “massive” look. Furthermore, it was only 10 dollars more expensive than the 350.
In 1934, the last year of the production of the singles, 310 “CBs” were sold.
This vintage Harley single is in original, unrestored condition and retains much of its original factory finish.