Harley-Davidson 1929 model DL 742 cc 2 cyl sv 3610

Harley-Davidson 1929 model DL “Three Cylinder” 742 cc side valve V-twin frame & engine # 29DL5140

At the end of the twenties the HD sales people realize it’s high time to do something about the gap in the HD model range between the light single and the 1000 cc twin. Indian is very successful with their upgraded 750 cc Scout so the HD design office is pressed to offer a model in that segment too. In August 1928 the 742 cc model D was introduced, with bore x stroke dimensions of 69.85 x 96.85 mm. It’s the first side valve V-twin to be produced by the Milwaukee make, offered as a “D” with a low 4.3 : 1 compression ratio, or a “DL” with a 5:1 compression that produces 18.5 HP. Top of the range is the DLD which gives 20 HP @ 4000 rpm with a ratio of 6.0 : 1. Standard paint finish is olive green with maroon striping with a centre gold stripe. Handlebars and wheel rims are finished in black. Potential buyers can choose though from a range of new colours: black, maroon, grey, blue cream and coach green, all at extra cost. In 1929 in all 6856 750 cc models are sold, the 1000cc models are still more popular with around 13,000 machines leaving the factory.
To rationalize production, the new engine is placed in the frame of the 500cc model “C” single. This model has a straight down tube which necessitates an unusual positioning of the dynamo: it is mounted vertically just ahead of the front cylinder. Hence the bike’s nickname: the three cylinder Harley. Twin bullet headlights, “pipes of Pan” exhaust and a new dashboard with amp gauge are new features of the 1929 models.
The restored machine we present here comes in the new maroon colour that was available as an extra and has a current Dutch registration. She has originally been sold in Sweden (some old docs available).