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Extremely Rare 1908 Harley Strap Tank Auctioned for $850,000

By General Posts

by Janaki Jitchotvisut from https://www.rideapart.com

It’s one of the finest examples of this model known to still exist in 2023.

When you’re talking about highly collectible motorcycles, there are a few makes that consistently come up. Vincent. Brough Superior. Henderson. Occasionally, a rarity among rarities makes its way to the auction block, such as a Crocker Big Twin, or, if you’re really lucky, a Harley-Davidson Strap Tank. The latter extremely rare machine is what just took the honor of the top-selling bike at the 2023 Mecum Las Vegas auction, and one of the coolest things about it is that it’s lived in Wisconsin for its entire life.

As you can see in the video, as the bid amount quickly increased into the high six figure range, it still hadn’t met reserve. When it got to $850,000, the seller decided to lift the reserve—and indeed, that’s the selling price at which this pristine, beautifully restored, 1908 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank crossed the stage.

Under Mecum’s listing of its top ten bikes from this auction, it gives the total price (including all applicable fees) as $935,000.

For those unfamiliar, the Strap Tank is most definitely one of the most important models in Harley history—if not the most important.

This model is what evolved from William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson’s initial shed builds, and was the first model to roll out of the Chestnut Street—later Juneau Avenue—factory. It quickly established a reputation for the brand’s builds that endured through the decades.

As the story goes, 150 Strap Tanks rolled out of the factory in 1907, increasing to 450 in 1908. Of those 450 bikes produced in 1908, fewer than a dozen are thought to still exist in 2023—and far fewer in as correct a condition as this one.

What makes this particular example so special? As the story goes, Milwaukee businessman David Uihlein, heir to the Schlitz Brewing fortune, discovered it in a barn about 70 miles outside Milwaukee, all the way back in 1941. This bike was complete—so he brought it home, and kept it there for the following 66 years. It was restored at some point by noted vintage Harley restoration expert Paul Freehill, and the original tank, wheels, engine belt pulley, seat cover, and muffler sleeve were included in this auction.

Watch the Auction Video here:

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The Punishment Bikernet Weekly News for January 26, 2023

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Riding Free since 1996

Click Here to Read the Weekly News only on Bikernet.com

We sold out of my second book “OUTLAW JUSTICE.” I’m in the process of having it set up on Kindle, so I can print more. But I do have some posters of the cover art by Eric Herrmann. The next two-year Cantina Member gets a poster as part of his or hers bling package.

The poster is signed by me and Eric.

In the meantime, keep building oily motorcycles and riding free.

–Bandit

The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

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H-D1 Marketplace now accepting Private-party listings

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Private Parties Join Dealers on the Go-To Online Marketplace for Used H-D Bikes

MILWAUKEE (January 18, 2023) – H-D1™ Marketplace, the largest online marketplace for pre-owned Harley-Davidson listings, is taking the exciting step to connect a wider range of riders to their next bikes by accepting private-party listings of pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This will be the first time that individual customers will be able to list their motorcycle for sale on H-D1™ Marketplace. All motorcycles listed for sale may be viewed by the thousands of customers visiting the H-D1™ Marketplace website. Customers who are interested in purchasing a bike from the H-D1™ Marketplace can either contact the private party seller or the dealer directly through the site. Rider-to-Rider financing options are available to customers purchasing from a private party, in addition to in-dealership financing.

“H-D1 Marketplace has redefined online marketplace for pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, CEO and President, Harley-Davidson. “This new private-party feature will bring together even more buyers and sellers of Harley bikes. This is our next step in building the ultimate online home for the sale and purchase of pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles.”

Private-party listings on H-D1™ Marketplace will be limited to Harley-Davidson models located in the United States. Each listing will include photos and details about the motorcycle. All bikes will also be validated by VIN and go through a review-and-approval process before the listing is launched.

About H-D1™ Marketplace

H-D1™ Marketplace was created in July 2021 to provide consumers with the most-comprehensive opportunity to search, experience, sell, customize and purchase used H-D® motorcycles from the inventories of participating authorized Harley-Davidson dealers. Today H-D1™ Marketplace offers the largest selection of dealer pre-owned H-D® motorcycles in the United States, with more than 34,000 listings by 540 participating U.S. Harley-Davidson® Dealers.

Currently focused on the USA, H-D1™ Marketplace showcases the entire selection of pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles from participating dealers, and now also those offered by private parties. H-D1™ Marketplace is the only place to easily search for H-D Certified™ motorcycles, the ultimate in pre-owned Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Through the “Sell My Bike” feature, customers are able to sell their motorcycles directly into the Harley-Davidson® dealer network. Supported by Harley-Davidson Financial Services, H-D1™ Marketplace customers have access to innovative, industry-leading financing solutions, to make purchasing even easier. For complete details on making a private-party listing, go to H-D1™ Marketplace.

Go to H-D.com to learn more about the complete line of 2023 Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring, Sport, Adventure Touring, Cruiser and Trike motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Certified™ pre-owned motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories, Harley-Davidson MotorClothes and gear, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services.

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Harley-Davidson Kicks Off 120th Anniversary

By General Posts

2023 Location Photography. Anniversary Lineup

HARLEY-DAVIDSON KICKS OFF 120TH ANNIVERSARY WITH REVEAL OF 2023 MOTORCYCLES

Limited-Edition Anniversary Models Plus Four New Motorcycles

MILWAUKEE (January 18, 2023) – A year-long celebration of 120 years of Harley-Davidson pride and craftsmanship was launched today with the introduction of the first release of new models in the 2023 Harley-Davidson® motorcycle lineup, including the CVO™ Road Glide® Limited Anniversary model and six additional limited-edition motorcycles featuring exclusive 120th Anniversary commemorative paint, finishes and details. The 2023 offering from the world’s most desirable motorcycle brand includes a refreshed Harley-Davidson Breakout® performance cruiser model, the exciting Road Glide® 3 trike model, the new Nightster® Special middleweight sport motorcycle, and a restyled and blacked-out Freewheeler® trike model.

The complete line of 2023 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Genuine Harley-Davidson® Accessories and Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® gear and apparel are now available at authorized Harley-Davidson® dealerships and can be viewed at H-D.com.

“Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has pioneered American motorcycle design, technology, and performance, and today marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of Harley-Davidson’s 120th Anniversary,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “We’re excited to share the first release of 2023 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, with more to come later in the year. 2023 is going to be an unforgettable milestone for the Company, celebrating the history, culture and community of Harley-Davidson – we hope you can join us.”

120th Anniversary Models

The very limited-edition, super-premium CVO™ Road Glide® Limited Anniversary model celebrates 120 years of craftsmanship with one of the most intricate paint schemes ever offered by Harley-Davidson. Panels of Heirloom Red are applied over a base coat of Anniversary Black, each outlined with a bright red pinstripe and a hand-applied gold paint scallop. Subtle details added within the panels portray the head and wings of a soaring eagle. The gold-plated tank medallion depicts an Art Deco rendition of the eagle, an iconic Harley-Davidson design element. Additional details include luxurious Alcantara seat surfaces with gold and red contrast stitching accents, gold-tone powertrain inserts and bright red rocker boxes and pushrod tube collars. Only 1,500 examples of this fabulous motorcycle will be produced for global distribution, each serialized with a laser-etched panel on the fuel tank console.

Special 120th Anniversary paint in a different scheme will be offered on six additional limited-production Harley-Davidson® models, with color and design combinations inspired by early Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Each features a classic paneled paint scheme with gleaming Heirloom Red as the base color. Panels are outlined with a bright-red pinstripe and filled with a darker Midnight Crimson fade. Additional details include an Art Deco eagle tank medallion, seat covers with red side panels and gold embroidered Harley-Davidson logo, and red fade powertrain inserts.

This commemorative design will be offered on the following serialized models:

Ultra Limited Anniversary (production limited to 1,300 examples globally)
Tri Glide® Ultra Anniversary (1,100 examples)
Street Glide® Special Anniversary (1,600 examples)
Road Glide® Special Anniversary (1,600 examples)
Fat Boy® 114 Anniversary (3,000 examples)
Heritage Classic 114 Anniversary (1,700 examples)

Breakout is Back

The Breakout® model returns to the North America model line, flexing more muscle and flashing bright new styling over its long-and-lean chopper profile. The muscle is provided by the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin engine, the pinnacle of torque and displacement in a factory-installed, regular-production Harley-Davidson® powertrain that gives the Breakout rider instant bragging rights on the street.

Other new features include:

A five-gallon fuel tank topped with a low-profile chrome console shaped to lengthen the motorcycle profile and extend riding range.
A new handlebar riser and polished stainless steel handlebar is ¾-inch taller than previous model for improved rider reach to controls.
A dazzling chrome finish is applied to the rear fender supports, side covers, muffler shields, turn signals, mirrors, Heavy Breather intake, and new 26-spoke cast-aluminum wheels are finished in gloss black with machined details.

A Harley-Davidson® Softail® chassis maintains classic hard tail lines without sacrificing thoroughly modern ride and handling performance. The Breakout model is designed to rule the street with style and power.

More Cruise Control and Traction Control

Electronic cruise control will be a standard feature for the Fat Boy®, Fat Bob®, Breakout®, Low Rider® S models, and remains standard on Low Rider® ST and Heritage Classic models.

Traction Control System will be offered as a new option for the Breakout®, Low Rider® S and Low Rider® ST models. Traction control is designed to prevent the rear wheel from excessive spinning under acceleration. The rider may turn traction control off using a button on the hand control.

Own the Fast Lane on the New Road Glide® 3 Trike

The all-new Road Glide® 3 model combines the advantages of three wheels and a load of hot rod attitude with the comfort, convenience and style of the frame-mounted Road Glide fairing. The rider will enjoy wind-and-weather protection for the long haul plus BOOM!™ Box GTS infotainment, with Milwaukee-Eight® 114 on-demand performance available with a twist of the throttle. The Road Glide 3 is a first for Harley-Davidson, and a new reason to never stop riding.

Key Road Glide 3 features include:

· A frame mounted aerodynamic fairing features triple splitstream vents to help reduce rider helmet buffeting for improved comfort at highway speeds, dual Daymaker® LED headlamps for outstanding style and performance, and a low-profile windscreen for hot rod style.

· The Boom!™ Box GTS 6.5-inch color TFT touch screen navigation/infotainment system powers two 5.25-inch fairing speakers, and supports standard Bluetooth connectivity to a mobile device that enables hands-free calling (requires Bluetooth headset).

· Gloss Black cast aluminum wheels with machined details with exposed lug nuts on rear wheels and bobtail rear fenders. Choose menacing black or brilliant chrome finish in each color.

Weather-proof rear trunk with top-mounted door; capacity is two cubic feet.
Electric reverse gear

· Trike-specific Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson: Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking, Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System and Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System.

Exhilarating New Nightster® Special Model

This new middle-weight contender amplifies the Nightster motorcycle riding experience with a host of style, convenience and technology upgrades. Exhilarating performance is delivered by the Revolution® Max 975T liquid-cooled V-Twin engine, tuned to make tremendous torque at low RPM. To minimize overall motorcycle weight the engine is integrated into the vehicle as the central member of the chassis.

Key Nightster® Special model features include:

Passenger pillion and footpegs enable two-up adventure.
Cast aluminum wheels with Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Handlebar and 5-inch handlebar riser move hand controls two inches up and one inch back to put the rider in a commanding position on the motorcycle.
Four-inch round TFT screen displays all instrumentation and infotainment functions managed using buttons on the hand control array.

The display supports infotainment generated by the rider’s Bluetooth®-equipped mobile device. Most infotainment functions also require a Bluetooth headset and speakers worn within a helmet.
Using voice commands through the headset, the rider can receive or place calls through a mobile device.
Navigation is supplied by the Harley-Davidson® App for iOS or Android downloaded into the rider’s mobile device. When navigation is enabled, the rider may select a moving map display or turn-by-turn map displayed on the screen, assisted by audio instructions through the headset.

Premium Brembo braking components provide outstanding braking feel and performance for added rider confidence. Single front brake with axial-mount four-piston caliper and 320mm rotor. The single rear brake features a floating single-piston caliper and 260mm rotor.
A 3.1-gallon fuel cell located below the seat moves the weight of fuel low in the chassis, which lowers the center of gravity for improved handling and easier lift off the side stand. The fuel fill is reached by lifting the hinged locking seat.
Selectable Ride Modes: Road, Sport, Rain or create a set of custom modes

Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson: Antilock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System, and Drag-Torque Slip Control System.
All-LED lighting
Standard cruise control and USB charging port.

Freewheeler® Model Goes Dark

The Freewheeler® model, an attitude-soaked, cruiser-inspired trike, gets a blacked-out restyle for 2023. The front end, headlamp nacelle, tank console, hand and foot controls, powertrain and exhaust all have black finishes in place of previous bright finishes. The result is a dramatic change in appearance that reinforces this model’s raw, hot-rod attitude.

New Gloss Black cast aluminum wheels feature exposed rear-wheel lug nuts for performance styling. Rear 18-inch wheels replace 15-inch wheels to give the Freewheeler® model a dramatic new stance. Riding on three wheels has never been so awesome.

Other features include:

Milwaukee-Eight® 114 powertrain for on-demand power.
Electric reverse gear
Mini-ape handlebar for fists-in-the-wind attitude.
Classic custom bobtail rear fenders.
Weather-proof rear trunk with top-mounted door for easy loading; capacity is 2 cubic feet.
Dual mufflers with slash-down tips
Trike-specific Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson: Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking, Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System and Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System.

Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure and freedom for the soul. Go to H-D.com to learn more about the complete line of 2023 Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring, Sport, Adventure Touring, Cruiser and Trike motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Certified™ pre-owned motorcycles, Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories, Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® gear, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services.

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Answer Racing Partnership with BarX Suzuki 250

By General Posts

Answer Announces Partnership with BarX Suzuki 250 Team for 2023 Season

Fort Worth TX – January 5, 2023 – Answer Racing today announced its sponsorship of the BarX Suzuki racing team for the 250cc class in the 2023 Supercross and motocross seasons.

The BarX Suzuki team, which features riders Derek Drake, Carson Mumford, Robbie Wageman and Ty Masterpool, will sport Answer Racing jerseys, pants and gloves for their races in 2023. Team jerseys and pants will be from the company’s Elite product line and each race will feature a different color scheme, including an All-American design for Military Appreciation Day at the race in San Diego.

“Everyone at Answer Racing is thrilled to return to Supercross and motocross racing in 2023, this partnership with BarX Suzuki makes it really special. We are confident this will be a breakout year for these motivated young riders,” says Brent Ash, Brand Manager for Answer Racing.

“BarX is a great addition to Answer Racing’s support of elite amateurs and grass roots marketing efforts. Their young team will be exciting to watch,” says Nick Wey, Brand Ambassador for Answer Racing.

“We are thankful to have the support of Answer, with the style and quality they bring, our riders’ confidence is over the top,” said Myron Short, managing partner of Team BarX. “BarX Suzuki has very big goals for this year, and we strive to achieve them. Our riders and crew are working very hard leading into the 2023 season.”

“Wearing our top-of-the-line Elite gear, with a dynamic set of BarX and Answer Racing colors and graphics, will give the athletes a look that will stand out from the rest of the class,” Ash continued.

Answer Racing apparel products have long been the standard for high performance racing and off-road riding gear. The 2023 Supercross season will kick off at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California on January 7, 2023.

About Answer Racing: Answer Racing was started in 1976 with a goal of providing hardcore motocross enthusiasts with products they could trust. Decades of champions were forged in the hearts and minds of Answer Racing’s creative engine. Fast forward to today and Answer Racing has not lost sight of the original vision, putting its nearly five decades of experience behind bars into every product. More information can be found at answerracing.com.

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