When the AMA proposed a new 21 cu. in. Lightweight racing class in 1925, Harley Davidson didn't even have a motorcycle to enter, but they got busy designing two 350cc ( 21 cu in) singles, the A sidevalve and the AA OHV single (called the BA if fitted with electric lighting). That would be the machine above.
The class was jokingly referred to as the peashooter class, compared to the big Vtwin racers. The AA engine was immediately competitive against the Indian and Excelsior racers and in 1926 won 6 of 14 races. The arrival of the HD Peashooter coincided with the growing popularity of dirt track racing in New Zealand and Australia and when those riders appeared in England it was with short wheelbase racers powered by the HD engine. Those machines were the basis of the first speedway races in England.
Harley discontinued the model in 1930, some said it was too competitive against their new 45 inch side valve750 V twin.
1 comment:
Douglas was the speedway machine of choice before that, I think. D.
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