Wheels Via Time Receives Tremendous-Uncommon Harley Peashooter Engine

The American Motorcyclist Affiliation (AMA) launched 21-inch (350cc) racing in 1925. The small-capacity class shortly gained traction, with Indian and Excelsior combating for board and grime monitor supremacy. It’s secure to say that Harley-Davidson instantly felt omitted, becoming a member of the brand new class only one yr later, in 1926, with its iconic “Peashooter” racer.

Designated as AA and BA variants, the race fashions got down to dominate the competitors. Because of its overhead-valve (OHV) configuration and vestigial exhaust system, the racing Peashooter gained 50 % extra energy than its manufacturing counterpart. That additional oomph equated to a 30-mph benefit and an almost 100-mph high pace. Oh, by the best way, Harley maximized the bike’s velocity by foregoing brakes.

H-D couldn’t take such dangers on the manufacturing facet, nevertheless. Whereas 21-inch racing introduced a proofing floor for the mini-Hog, the single-cylinder-powered mannequin additionally opened new markets for the Motor Firm. European nations, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand generally turned to small-capacity motorbikes for reasonable transportation.

Harley met that demand with its Mannequin A and Mannequin B Peashooters. In contrast to their hopped-up siblings, the manufacturing variants opted for a side-valve structure. The A codename pertains to fashions with a magneto whereas the B trim signifies a battery/coil. Even with the arrival of the Mannequin S race bike, Harley continued producing the Peashooter household till the mid-Thirties.

With such an illustrious historical past, it’s no surprise Wheels Via Time Museum Affiliate Director Matt Walksler was so blown away when he acquired a serial primary 1931 Peashooter engine. From the race-specific head to the dual-port exhaust, Walksler instantly places his Peashooter information on show.

The uncommon Peashooter engine could require some elbow grease, an identical carburetor, and a complete chassis, however we are able to’t assist however hope that the tiny, mighty mill anchors a brand new challenge for the grasp restorer.