Harley-Davidson UH

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Motorworld’s newspaper № 5
Launched in 1937,the U Series of Harley-Davidson, which replaced the V Series, consisted of six models: U, US and UL with 1,213 cc engine capacity, and UH, USH and ULH with 1,311 cc engine capacity. During the 12 year production period, the U Series motorcycles have been repeatedly improved and upgraded.

Harley Davidson EL from «Motorworld by V.Sheynov» collection

Harley Davidson U from «Motorworld by V.Sheynov» collection

Among the Harley-Davidson motorcycles with a 1,311 cc L-head engine, the 1937 UH model was one of the first to undergo design changes: deeper cooling fins, vertically arranged crankcase cover, circulating lubricating system, 4-speed gearbox, and Linkert carburetor. It was a medium compression motorcycle that looked like the 1936 EL model with its double tubes frame, curved oil tank, drop-shaped dashboard (consisting of a speedometer, ammeter, oil pressure gauge, ignition indicator, and light switching block) and skirted fenders.

The UH model was used by U.S. police and not only as a personal vehicle. Until the mid-1940s, police officers were allowed to use personal motorcycles on duty, and at their own expenses to purchase police paraphernalia — siren, special lights, etc. Motorcycles were an ideal means of transportation in urban environment due to their maneuverability, high efficiency, and power.

There is a single case of Harley-Davidson UH being delivered to the US Army (contract number QM-9043, registration number USA 65446). The model was supplemented by an RCA radio station, probably in order to check out the possibility of using motorcycles for communications purposes. However, the availability of Jeep ended this experiment.

Within five years, 698 copies of the UH model were produced.