Harley-Davidson 1921 8-valve V-twin Board Track racer in action –motorcycle

Description

A superb and rare photo of a true classic board track scene, showing the incredible
Harley
-Davidson 8-valve V-twin racer
in action!
The engine of the 8-valve H-D racer featured 4 valves per cylinder!  It was a frighteningly fast and very powerful machine that was an excellent mount against the 8-valve racing machine from Indian.  The Harley factory racing team used the 8-valve racer extensively during the 1910’s and 1920’s.  Together with its riders, the 8-valve racer was responsible for the famous nickname of Harley’s factory racing team of that era: the “ Wrecking Crew “, as that was how it would treat its competition!
Board track racing
was as popular as it was dangerous in the 1910s and 1920s.  Basically racing was done on a wooden, banked oval that was made up of two by fours.  The rough wooden surface was often heavily splintered due to the unleash of raw motorcycle power on the soft, easy to deteriorate, wood.  Not only that, but the bikes normally had a total-loss oiling system.  After its lubrication duty, the oil simply seeped out of the engine on the wooden track, making it besides splintery also very slippery.  Combine this with the fact that the riders did not have the protective clothing as they have now and mix in the speeds that easily exceeded
100 mph
and you will understand that board track races were greeted with great excitement, fear, and anxiousness by both the public as the riders.  Clearly the board tracks were not the most ideal venues for racing, but in an era where spectator orientated bicycle racing domes initially were also considered ideal for motorized bicycle racing, it was hard to change locations.
So on the Nations biggest board tracks heavy battles were fought out between the various factory riders of many American motorcycle factories.  Excelsior, Indian and Harley all did their best to obtain the highest result possible.
Board track racing was a true American specialty.  The men that raced on these early tracks were specialists that rode on the limit of what the motorcycle could possibly offer, despite all the dangers.  No wonder that these men grew out to symbols of pure motorcycling heroism, and no wonder that their name and fame now symbolizes H-D ‘s glorious history!
This wonderful photo reflects that golden era of board track racing as no other.  How exciting where those times!
This is a very nice and very rare
non period
photo that reflects a wonderful era of Harley ‘s motorcycle history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 10" (ca.
20 x 25
cm). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.