The Missing Davis - Harley Davidson HD Link!

[byke!punk]

Was the Harley Green painted over on the HD by the dealer because of legal? The extra markings on BB shell are curious.

 

[Goldenindian]

Your HD has many of the attributes shared by Davis made bicycles stamped with a “D”.
I have noticed over the years a lot (not all) of Davis bicycles have a lug at the seat, “Dayton type” chain adjusters, and in some cases a made in the u s america sticker on the seat post.

keeps those eyes on these features
Maybe we can solve the “D” mystery

 

[New Mexico Brant]

Was the Harley Green painted over on the HD by the dealer because of legal? The extra markings on BB shell are curious.

I don’t think so; there have been two or three overpaints. I didn’t have time yesterday to figure it out.
I think Davis was on the skids, first they lost the 1920 contract with Sears and a couple years later Harley Davidson unexpectedly cancelled their contract. Harley stuck them with parts and inventory; this is better described in the Davis thread. I think this bike was Davis’ way of giving Harley the middle finger. (I have to watch the way the say this as my posts keep getting edited .)

 

[billyjones]

effin rad bro!! Im so honored the 1923 Columbia you purchased from me will be in the same collection as this fine example.. amazing find bro!!! Congrats!! Id love to visit your museum some day!

 

[Goldenindian]

Also….whenever I see a bottle cap badged Harley Davidson bicycle it seems to have these “Dayton type” adjusters and a seat lug….no decal…..

 

[razinhellcustomz]

Finally I got back to Pennsylvania and was able to pick up the Davis HD badged bicycle that I purchased last fall.

To explain further, the HD badged bicycles were produced by Davis after Harley Davidson abruptly cancelled their contract with Davis. Davis was trying to use the remaining parts and partially completed bicycles Harley Davidson stuck them with. At some point Harley sent Davis a “cease and desist” letter but the bicycles were continued to be made. After which it took a train ride by Arthur Davidson to meet the Huffmans at Davis Sewing Machine Co. in Dayton, Ohio to ultimately resolve the issue.

This bicycle was originally painted Harley green. There are two or three paint histories over the original finish. I will work on getting it down to what remains. Serial number: D over 653921. It still retains all the tasty bits: Davis drop stand, Ideal pedals, and a lovely saddle.

Anyone ever seen another with this badge?

Enjoy!

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Great old Davis Sewing Machine bike Brant. You really scored a great bike here. I've never seen one with the HD badge like yours has. Congrats on your new ride. Mark.