Onions 45 Tech Sheet

Harley Davidson 45 cu. in. Flathead Twin 1936-1974

Did you know that the 45 Cubic Inch Harley Davidson was the longest running model of motorcycle engine manufactured anywhere in the world 1936, Up to the 1952 model year with solo's, Up to the 1974 model year with Servi-car's.

The W, WL, WLA, WLC, WLD, WLS, G, GE Models shared the same engine with the difference being. Heads, Iron & Aluminum  High & Low compression, Cams, Carburetors and Minor other parts but the basic engine is the same and 99 % of the parts will fit one another.

That's 38 years of H-D 45's, Any takers on that longevity streak.

Even the transmission is the same. The addition of 2 parts makes the solo tranny into a Servi-car tranny with reverse. You also have to use a shift gate with a reverse position. Right and Left hand shift!  So the next time you look at that pile of parts and see something that you think is a butt scratcher look close. If it looks like a stock hand shift lever but the part for the shifter rod to mount is gone and mount hole is a square you have got a right hand shift lever in your hand. At least that is how old Kapone said he found the one on my 45. 

They even added an electric start in the 60's, That tranny is a little different because the kick start lever is gone in exchange for the electric start unit. Bet you got one of them cutout primary covers in your parts stash.

The 45 came with all the options and gear that the big twins had, Bags (special because they use a mounting plate that is an inch and a quarter shorter). Now it may not look like much until you want to put the crash bars back on. If you put big twin bags on your 45 the bags will hang to low and get in the way of the crash bars. Windshield, Leg Guards, Spotlights, Police Siren, Tire Pump, Buddy Solo Seat, And a separate Baby Seat that fit behind the solo seat. Rear Jiffy Stand even a very rare Front Jiffy Stand.

Hydra Glide forks! 45's had a hydra glide fork that looks just like the big twin remember that 45 is a 7/8" stem. When you find that set of wide trees that have been sittin around forever, Because they "Don't fit my big twin" They could be 45. Wouldn't a solo look great with a Hydra Glide. If you had a late model servi-car and a early solo you could swap the forks and the whole rig would fit like a glove And you would never have to cut or destroy the stock parts. Only with a HARLEY!

What about the WR?

WR Models are a special breed some important things are different. They may look the same but their not. The frame was reinforced for racing. The engine mounts are the same but the motor had special parts and clearances. The heads were a little different. The Valves were at a different angle not much but enough to make them unique. Special carbs and cams were used. These WR type machines were raced for a long time. WR's and the Indian Scout 45 provided volumes of racing action for many years and are a rare piece if you can get your hands one.

OLD TIME TECH:I have heard of using Indian 45 flywheels "modified" in H-D 45 cases. Use K Model heads a little trick work and outboard motor pistons you got a 45 magnum about 55 cu. in. and a lot more umph. Mount up a cool carb and pop the whole thing in a racing frame and ZZZZoooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!

Just some trivia about 45's         For you 45 Freaks

You got any others I would like to hear it, Tell me I'm full of crap. Tell me what's right.

Let's chew the cyber-fat about 45's   Indian 45's Too

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