Offered From The Larry Bowman Collection
1929 Harley-Davidson JDH Racer
Engine no. 29 JDH 4309
The American Motorcycle Association was formed in 1924, from the riders' division of the Motorcycle and Allied Trades Association, the M&ATA. The new AMA assumed control of competition and the premier division was Class A, reserved for prototype motorcycles and professional racers. Amateur riders had no chance of racing with the big guns, but riders were capable of purchasing highly tuned motorcycles to fight it out amongst themselves. The major manufacturers all offered these over-the-counter competition machines. Harley-Davidson's answer was their high performance two-cam motors which debuted in 1928. The JDH was their 74 ci pocket valve engine that incorporated several "trick" items, and tucked into a slimmer chassis with a 3-speed transmission. As much respect this motorcycle was capable of gaining on the street and the track, Harley-Davidson discontinued the production of all F-head motors after 1929.
This 1929 Harley-Davidson JDH being offered was originally owned and raced by Glen Kleckner of Omaha, Nebraska and was a regular competitor into the 1930's at several Nebraska tracks. One photograph of Kleckner shows a 1934 tank decal on his JDH. At the time, there was an "unlimited class" for engines up to 80 ci, plus he was grandfathered in due to his motorcycle being manufactured prior to 1930 when Class C racing was implemented in 1933.
Legendary Harley-Davidson competitor, Connie Schlemmer assisted in the restoration of this unusual and magnificent motorcycle, and the engine rebuilt by noted engine builder and Harley-Davidson racing historian, Mike Lang. The engine features special oilers normally reserved for 8-vavle engines to prevent piston seizures. The engine cases and cylinders are genuine Harley-Davidson while some modern internal components were used in the restoration to modernize the motor as it was intended for vintage races. The chassis is a competition keystone frame, strikingly finished in white and black, with a direct transmission from the engine as there is no transmission utilized. Competition front forks and handlebars complete the frame and it rides on 28 in. X 2 ¼ in. racing tires.