Harley-Davidson 1929 29 C 493 cc sv 1 cyl 3505

Harley-Davidson 1929 “29 C” 493 cc side valve single frame & engine # 29C1781

After the discontinuation of the 565 cc singles in 1918 the company tries to win customers in the 600 cc class with the flat twin model W Sport Twin, produced from 1919 up to including 1923. Sales are relatively modest, but it’s clear that especially in the European markets a small-capacity H-D will be a selling point, if only to act as a “starter model”. Consequently, in 1926 350 cc class models are brought out; the OHV versions are rather exotic machines mainly meant for competition use, but the side valve models 26A and B (the B has an electrical lighting system) are good sellers: more than 7000 machines find a home in the first year of production. In the course of 1929 a 500 cc version becomes available as the Model “C” . This essentially is a 750 Model D rolling chassis with a single cylinder engine. The new 500 is not shown in the 1929 sales literature and is first mentioned in the 1930 brochure.
Interesting features are the four-tube exhaust system and of course the distinctive double “bullet” headlamps, only used in 1929 and 1930. There’s a toggle switch on the right handlebar with two positions, one position powers both headlights and the other switches the right off while dimming the left. Under the headlights sits the “Clear the Way” horn, that, according to the 1929 Model D description, “has a pleasing yet penetrating tone that clears the road far ahead”. Another new feature is the lighted “Electrical Panel” or dashboard, that features two light switches with keys and an amp gauge. The Model C engine delivers 10.5 hp @ 3,600 rpm and has a top speed of almost 100 km/h. Interestingly, the redesigned 1930 model is about 40 kg heavier than the 1929 “C”, that tips the scales at 154 kg.

The machine we present here was originally sold in Sweden in 1929, the owner was a Mr Olle Zetterström in the village of Norberg, as witnessed by the identification plate on the toolbox. The original Swedish registration plate shows a tax disc from 1946, that might be the last year the machine was in use. She came to the Netherlands some years ago and now has a current Dutch registration. The former owner fitted new 25 x 3.85 Coker tyres but preferred to keep the machine’s pleasant mature vintage look. She comes with correct full electric lighting, horn and complete and original dashboard.