Harley-Davidson 1930 model DL 742cc 2 cyl sv 3607

Harley-Davidson 1930 model DL 742cc side valve V-twin frame # 123078 engine # 30DL2747

The HD company introduced the side valve concept for the V-twins for the 1929 model year when the 742cc model D was introduced. The model D is sometimes referred to as the “three cylinder Harley“, because of the remarkable vertical position of the dynamo: in a cost saving idea, the new motorcycle was designed to use the existing frame from the 350cc Model B single. This required the generator to be mounted vertically to miss the front downtube of the frame.
Another special feature of the early 750cc models are the twin bullet headlights, used in 1929 and 1930 only. The DL designation refers to the medium compression engine that was fitted: the D had a ratio of 4.3:1, the DL came to 5.1. There was also a high compression version, that had a compression ratio of 6:1. The DL developed about 18hp@4,000rpm. Some new features for 1930 were: new frame that lowered the saddle height and increased the ground clearance, drop forged I-beam front forks and double chain primary drive with automatic oiling. About 5,700 model Ds found an enthusiastic owner in 1930.
We presume the DL we present here has always been in The Netherlands, where Harley-Davidson was a very popular make in the teens, twenties and thirties. She has been owned for many years by a now deceased well-known Harley Davidson enthousiast and collector. The registration was issued in 1956, shortly after the provincial registration system was changed for a national system. She is in well-used, authentic condition and comes with 160 km Corbin speedo.