Harley-Davidson Model DL | 1930 Highlights: – 750 cc side-valve V-twin engine, Harley-Davidson 45 – 138 km indicated on odometer – Model DL, the higher-compression version of the 45 cubic inch D series – Valid inspection present The seller offers for sale this 1930 Harley-Davidson Model DL, powered by a 750 cc side-valve V-twin engine. Showing 138 km on the odometer, this pre-war machine has been kept in private hands and is offered with a valid inspection in place. It presents as a period-correct example of the D series in its classic form, with the deeply valanced fenders, the teardrop fuel tanks straddling the top frame tube, the sprung solo saddle and the large chromed headlamp that together define Harley-Davidson’s early thirties silhouette. The instrument panel sits atop the tank in the manner introduced at the end of the twenties, the handlebars carry period levers and controls, and the tyres are mounted on classic spoked wheels. Details such as the exposed valve gear, the bulb horn and the fishtail-style exhaust give the motorcycle the honest, mechanical character of its era. The paintwork shows only minor chips or scratches, and the machine is presented in good condition throughout, making it an appealing candidate for display, club events or classic runs. The Model D series marked one of the most significant moments in Harley-Davidson’s history, arriving in 1929 as the company’s answer to the smaller, lighter and more affordable machines then gaining ground in the American market. Its 45 cubic inch side-valve V-twin, displacing 750 cc, would go on to become one of the longest-serving engine designs in motorcycling, evolving through the R and W series and ultimately powering the WLA that served throughout the Second World War, before continuing beneath the Servi-Car well into the seventies. The DL sat above the standard D in the range as the higher-compression variant, offering more urgent performance while retaining the flathead’s famously unburstable simplicity. Its arrival coincided with the onset of the Great Depression, which makes surviving examples from 1930 comparatively scarce and gives them a particular resonance among collectors of American motorcycling history. For enthusiasts drawn to the pre-war era, the Model DL represents the very foundation of the 45 flathead legend, a machine whose engineering shaped Harley-Davidson’s identity for the following four decades. Condition of the bodywork & paint 4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts. Technical condition 4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing. Overall condition 4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time. This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only. We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment. All auction vehicles offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid. Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction. This vehicle comes from a private collection and is currently located in the canton of Solothurn, Switzerland. This vehicle drives, brakes and shifts. The vehicle has a Swiss registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction. The description of this vehicle is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the vehicle from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy. Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible motorcycles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy. Read more