1918 Harley Davidson Model 18-J Electric

The following story was what accompanied this motorcycle when I purchased it in June of 2014. I have not started the motorcycle since I owned it but it was running when I purchased. I have other investments taking priority that need attention and am selling part of my motorcycle collection. I do not have a title to this bike. Serial No. L18T18047

The model 18-J represented the top of the line for Harley-Davidson in 1918. It was equipped with a factory sidecar and electric lighting, hich was revolutionary for the time. It boasted a 1000cc V-Twin and a top speed of 60mph.
The example presented here was acquired from the granddaughter of the original owner who had it stored in her basement, ntouched, or many decades. As the story goes, randpa loved his motorcycle and pampered it during his lifetime. Upon his passing, he bike was placed in storage and was last run in the 1950’s at which time the correct tire size could not be found, o the original hubs were laced to a different diameter that was not correct for the bike. After the current owner took possession, e contracted Dayton Wire Wheels to replicate the correct “clincher” type rims for the bike and sidecar, tilizing the original hubs. It was assumed that the correct size battery could not be sourced and the original battery box was discarded. Other than these items – rims and battery box – this motorcycle is believed to be 100% original.
When found, he motorcycle and sidecar were not assembled as one unit. At some point during its early life, he sidecar was removed from the bike & stored outside. One night, fter an altercation with a neighbor, randpa woke up to find the sidecar engulfed in flames! By the time the fire was put out, ll the remained was the metal shell; the seat & interior trim had been burned beyond repair. The sidecar was put in a barn and not touched until it was acquired by the current owner. During the extensive mechanical refreshing, he decision was made to have the sidecar trimmed out in leather to replicate what would have been done in that era.