The 1916 Harley-Davidson With A Twist!

Harley-Davidsons with a sidecar aren't all that unique, but one you drive from the sidecar, now that's a different story! Follow us today as we show you the only surviving 1916 Harley-Davidson that was built from the factory to be driven from the sidecar.

Dale's Wheels Through Time Museum, located in Maggie Valley, NC, features over 375 American motorcycles, unique cars, and transportation history.

[mericavids]

'Hey, let's go for a ride in my love seat'.
My great grandfather bought a new 1917 Harley model J with the side car option. He bought it because it was much faster than the cars of the day. He courted my future great grandmother on it and we enjoy the pictures to this day

[justinholmes]

I love that you got the bike back into running condition. Hearing it run and watching you drive it around is priceless…so much better than looking at it in an exhibit.

[johnniedelong]

That has to be one of the coolest bikes I have ever seen or heard, thank you guys!

[edradtke]

I am so glad that your collection isn't hidden from the world.

[jimmyd]

Amazing piece of machinery.
Imagine, over 100 years old.
Very cool.

[peanutbutter]

There's a group of us who travel down to Maggie every year and we stop and see you, (Matt) and your dad, (Dale). Your
time and efforts to keep history alive is awesome and much appreciated by thousands. I love to see these girls run and back then there were no paved roads, Yikes!!! This is the first year we missed coming due to Covid 19.. We shall return!

[mikehardesty]

Why does watching this old HD run, make me smile?

[peterbennett]

I love the originality and uniqueness of this machine

[williamrusk]

Thank you for the video, I have a treasured photo of my grandfather on the day he brought his new 1916 Harley home, it had a sidecar but certainly didn't look like this one

[budirwin]

Great story... Glad she ended up at the proper place.

[tennishatfield]

Your dedication to preserving the vintage brands is what makes this page so enjoyable. Thanks a million.

[hamansutra]

Any reactions from the Harley Davidson Company? This is a one of a kind beauty. Speechless!

[whydahell]

Also! Look this is when HD cared about their customer base!

[coreyg]

A former boss and long time friend of mine has a 1982 Gold Wing sidecar rig which he drives from his wheelchair. It was built it in the mid-80's in Spirit Lake, ID.

I sent him this video. He loved it! Such a cool piece of history. Thanks you very much for sharing these creations with us all.

[rogerwhite]

From the way it was set up it appears that the original owner had lost a leg, as there are some foot controls, it appears the owner lost his right leg . As the US hadnt entered the 1st world war until 1917 the owner wouldn'tve been a 1st world war veteran as has been speculated in the comments as its a 1916 model . Thank you for doing an episdoe on this unique historical machine, it displays how innovative americans could be during that time period. Wishing you many years of safe and fun riding .

[lonniedearing]

That was absolutely unbelievable. Much respect to you for even starting it up, let alone riding it around. I was thinking, there's no way he's going to ride such a rare one of a kind motorcycle. That was amazing.

[xlx]

So glad you guys made the trade! A rarity like that belongs in a museum where everyone can enjoy it, not locked away in someone's personal collection.

[Matt]

As some one who has lost parents its wonderful to hear you speak fondly of your father. And all the bike ls you show off are awesome. I read about a motorcycle museum that shut down and was auctioning off there biks it was sad to think about them not being seen. Thank you for all that the museum does.

[danw]

What a neat machine! For something to be in that condition after 100+ years is just amazing. The fact that it still runs and drives is even more amazing!! I really like that you guys try to keep your stuff as close to original and unrestored as possible.😉

[evankx]

This is so rad! Glad you guys spent the time to not only get running but driving while preserving its history!..now this will be around for another 100yrs to show the world.