Harley-Davidson 1934 Model B 346cc sv 3603

Harley-Davidson 1934 Model B 346 cc side valve single engine # 34B1104

In the mid-twenties the H-D management decided that, especially in the European and Australasian markets, a small-capacity HD would be a selling point, if only to act as a “starter model”. So in 1926 some 350 cc class models were brought out; the OHV versions were rather exotic machines mainly meant for competition use, but the side valve models 26A and B (the B had an electrical lighting system) were good sellers: more than 7000 machines found a home in the first year of production. Yearly improvements included an internal expanding front brake for the 1928 model year, For model year 1929 a 500 cc engined-model became available, a stronger clutch and oil pump linked to throttle were also implemented that model year. 1931 models got a bigger rear contracting band brake, as fitted to the 500 cc and 750 cc machines.
In 1932 sales of the H-D singles were under great pressure; on top of the economic slum caused by the Depression the company was severely harmed by the decision of the British government to impose a 10 % tax on all motor vehicles. This tax was also imposed in Canada and Australasia and effectively stopped HD sales in these countries. The singles had been relatively popular in various parts of the Commonwealth. Now many already imported machines were sent back to America, mainly from Australia and New Zealand, and resold by the company between 1932 and 1934. In the 1935 model year catalogues, issued around the Fall of 1934, the singles were no longer shown but according to Harry Sucher in “Harley-Davidson, the Milwaukee Marvel”, a limited number of 346 cc machines were manufactured for the export market until 1936. In model year 1934 only 424 Model Bs were sold, so survivors must be pretty rare.
The machine we offer here has been nicely restored and comes in the “silver with teak red panels” standard colour for 1934. Power output is 8HP @ 4,000 RPM, good for a top speed of 90 km/h. She is fitted with 4 x 18 tyres.