12 bhp, 348 cc OHV one-cylinder engine.

Harley-Davidson remains the definitive American motorcycle manufacturer, and though it is known for big V-twins today, the company has built nearly every configuration of engine in the past 108 years. The first Harleys were belt-driven single-cylinder models, and progress was rapid: 50 bikes in 1906, 150 in 1907, when it incorporated, and 18,000 in 1917. The first V-twin was built in 1911 and the first three-speed transmission in 1915.

While V-twins took hold, Harley-Davidson also continued with single-cylinder bikes, and when the AMA launched a 21-cubic inch racing class in 1925, Harley scrambled to build a bike to compete. The result was a 348-cc OHV single, which was introduced in 1926. Known as the “Peashooter” for its distinctive popping exhaust note, the model became famous as a board and dirt track racer and, at only 215 pounds, was capable of the magic “ton.”

This sublime Peashooter is finished in olive green paintwork and has been restored in recent times with little use since its restoration. An extremely purposeful-looking machine with its drop-down racing handlebars, un-silenced exhaust pipe and racing roundels, it makes an interesting alternative to a British sporting motorcycle of the period. With its low overall weight, the overhead valve engine and tank-mounted gear change, one can be assured this 350-cc Harley will be an exciting machine to ride.