Harley-Davidson 1924 JE 989 cc 2 cyl IOE 3607

Harley-Davidson 1924 “JE” 989 cc IOE V-twin frame # 24F4203 engine # 24JE4408

1924 is not a good year for the firm: the losses amount to almost $ 120,000 and the workforce is trimmed down from 2,500 to 1,000 employees. Sales in the USA have seriously diminished in the early twenties because of the competition of the cheap automobile. A positive thing is that export sales are still looking good. More than 6000 machines are exported oversees this year; this amounts to almost half of all Harleys manufactured. The sturdy “J” (electric) and “F” (magneto) models have been developed and improved year after year. Their massive construction and simple and easily maintained engines fitted with rugged clutches and gearboxes are excellently suited to the stern demands of colonial service over bad roads. Some of the new features for the 1924 model year are a box-shaped silencer and the installation of 12 Alemite grease fittings. The front forks become wider, as does the centre rib on the front mudguard. With every new motorcycle an Alemite grease gun and a can of grease is supplied. The “JE” designation means the machine has been fitted with aluminium pistons. The 1924 model is the last of the “old style” Harleys; from the 1925 model year the machines get a completely different look. They have a new type of frame that causes the saddle position to be 3 inches lower than before, the wheels go from 28 to 26 inches and the petrol tank gets a dynamic teardrop shape.
The electrically equipped models had a tank top mounted toolbox with ammeter because the standard toolbox position was used for the battery box. The basic FE was 20 Dollars cheaper than the JE, but most customers chose for the models with electric lighting.
Our JE is an older restoration with a refurbished petrol tank that has the correct detail finish: the earlier three Gold stripes on the tank were changed for the 1924 model year for two Black and one Gold pinstripes, with a Maroon broad stripe. She has spent all her life in The Netherlands and was sold by agent G. Perebolt in the village of Doetinchem, as witnessed by the brass dealer plate on the front mudguard. In 1955 her provincial registration number was changed to a national registration, that was introduced around that time. She has been owned for many years by a now deceased well-known Harley Davidson enthousiast and collector.