BMW K1 1992 - World Of Classc Cars

BMW K1 1992

BMW’s break from tradition started in 1982, when it announced their inline four-cylinder K100. Its 987-cubic centimetre engine featured dual overhead camshafts, liquid cooling, and Bosch electronic fuel injection, and it was positioned horizontally, unlike any BMW before.
After continuous development, BMW announced the upgraded, fully faired K1 in September 1988. Although based on the standard K100, the new K1 was in fact a different animal altogether. The K1 received a new four-valve cylinder head, which, when partnered with the improved version of the Bosch fuel injection, added 10 horsepower and 10 foot-pounds of torque, making it the most powerful motorcycle BMW had produced at the time.

BMW K1 1992

Along with engine upgrades, the K1 also received BMW’s new Paralever system, which helped to eliminate the rise and fall from acceleration and deceleration common to shaft-driven motorbikes. Whilst the frame appears much like the standard K100, it was in fact strengthened substantially with larger diameter tubing and slightly revised geometry, along with a longer wheelbase to improve stability at higher speeds. Ultimately, as the bike was designed for the autobahn, it was capable of reaching top speeds in excess of 225 km/h!

BMW K1 1992

The K1 was a marketing success, as it helped to shift public perception of BMW from a builder of reliable tourers to a manufacturer of modern high-speed sports bikes. From its wind-tunnel-tested fairing, which had the lowest drag coefficient of any production motorcycle to date, to its eye-catching red and yellow colour scheme, the BMW K1 demanded attention wherever it was ridden.

Transitron Mk II Electric Prototype 1978 - World Of Classic Cars -

Transitron Mk II Electric Prototype 1978

The electric vehicle can be traced back to before the mid-1800s, when Robert Anderson, of Scotland, invented the first electric carriage, which was powered by an electric motor and non-rechargeable primary cells. Many of the first automobiles were electric, and at one point throughout history, they out-sold gasoline-powered vehicles. But with the expansion of lightweight, powerful internal-combustion engines, the introduction of the electric starter, and the cheaper availability of gasoline, the early 1900s saw the decline of personal electric vehicles.
References to the first electric motorcycle can be found in patents as early as the late 1860s, and over the next 100 years, numerous attempts to mass-produce two-wheel electric vehicles hit the market, including efforts by Popular Mechanics, the Indian Motorcycle Company, and Corbin-Gentry. In 1973, Mike Corbin set the first electric motorcycle land speed record at just over 101 mph.

Transitron Mk II Electric Prototype 1978

The 1978 Transitron Mk II Electric Prototype presented here is a one-of-a-kind machine that was built in Honolulu, Hawaii, by the Transitron Electric Corporation. Designers utilized the chassis from a 1971 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster and reengineered the entire drivetrain by replacing the 900-cubic centimeter OHV internal combustion engine with a variable-speed electric motor and a series of deep-cycle batteries. Power is put to the rear wheel through an automatic four-speed transmission with chain-drive. Use of a proprietary control system with an integrated circuit mini-controller allows the machine to accelerate from 0–30 mph in 5–6 seconds. The machine’s instrument panel is mounted to the handlebars, which features an electric speedometer, a tachometer, and dual ammeters.

Transitron Mk II Electric Prototype 1978

The motorcycle was formerly part of the renowned collection of industrial designer Brooks Stevens. Stevens was often credited with the concept of “planned obsolescence,” and his impact on the transportation industry was legendary, as he designed such iconic vehicles as the Jeep Wagoneer, the Excalibur, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, and the Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide. He also had a fine museum of automobiles and motorcycles in Mequon, Wisconsin, where the Transitron was displayed until its acquisition by the previous owner in 1995. The current owner acquired the prototype soon thereafter and has continued to display the unique Electric amongst other historic motorcycles.
This is a wonderful survivor from the dawn of the modern electric vehicle.

Indian 4 HP Single 1911 - World Of Classic Cars -

Indian 4 HP Single 1911

With the days of the motorized bicycle behind them, Indian took the lead in the American motorcycle industry, producing rugged, powerful, and reliable machines for a network of thousands of dealers both at home and abroad. In the early 1910s, Indian ramped up production more than three-fold, eventually producing 30,000 machines in 1913. They planned to further expand their operations with numerous additions at their Springfield, Massachusetts, factory. Racing victories, including a sweep of the first three places at the Isle of Man Senior TT in 1911, helped propel the company into the mainstream, and increased advertising aided in making Indian a household name.

Indian 4 HP Single 1911

The lineup for the 1911 model year saw several improvements over that of the previous year. The 19-cubic inch Singles were discontinued due to the desire for more power, and a heavier clutch, which is operated by the standard lever on the left side of the tank, was designed for all of the chain-drive models.
This 1911 Indian Single is preserved in remarkable, unrestored, original condition. It features Indian’s reliable four-horsepower, single-cylinder engine with the original magneto ignition and Hedstrom carburetor. A single-speed countershaft transfers power from the motor to the rear wheel via front and rear drive-chains. The machine still retains its original red paint and countless accessories, including the original front-wheel drive speedometer, an acetylene-powered headlight and taillight, a manual Indian horn, an accessory air pump, a leather tool bag with the original tool kit, extremely rare leather saddlebags, and an original Indian flag, which mounts to the handlebars. Importantly, the Indian is in fully operational running condition.

Indian 4 HP Single 1911

Few examples of early teens Indians still in running condition exist today. Perhaps none are more complete and original than that which is presented here.

Indian 4 HP Single Board-Track Racer 1911 - World Of Classic Cars -

Indian 4 HP Single Board-Track Racer 1911

Almost immediately, the Indian Motocycle Company realized the importance of participation in racing and its effect on sales. With board-track racing emerging as the most popular motorcycle sport in the United States, riders such as Paul “Dare-Devil” Derkum, Jake DeRosier, and Charles “Fearless” Balke brought the company into the limelight during the last part of the first decade of the 1900s, and coupled with increased advertising, phenomenal racing victories, and expanded production capacity, Indian ascended to the forefront of the industry, boasting over 1,200 dealers around the country.

Indian 4 HP Single Board-Track Racer 1911

The outstanding single-cylinder 1911 Indian Board-Track Racer presented here is among the most original early racing machines in existence, and it remains in virtually as-raced condition. The machine features a four horsepower, 30.5-cubic inch pocket-valve engine with a mechanically operated intake valve, a Hedstrom carburetor, and single-speed drive. This motorcycle retains its original factory paint and has remnants of the dealer decal still present on the tank. It features factory-dropped racing handlebars and an original Messinger seat, as well as the original Hedstrom racing spark plug. Aside from the tires, all other parts are original, including the 28x2.25-inch racing-type rims.

Indian 4 HP Single Board-Track Racer 1911

This machine has been on display at the Wheels Through Time Museum in North Carolina for over a decade, and it has been run for visitors on a regular basis. Few genuine examples of early Indian racing machines exist today, and even fewer remain in original running condition.

Indian 5 HP Light Twin 1909 - World Of Classic Cars -

Indian 5 HP Light Twin 1909

During the first decade of America’s fast-growing motorcycle industries existence, Indian swiftly emerged at the forefront as one of the more prominent makes. The company’s participation in various sporting events rewarded them with valuable publicity, which, in turn, popularized their machines to the masses beyond the capabilities of production.
These first years saw the production motorcycle develop from not more than a motor-driven bicycle to rugged, reliable means of transportation. Progress was rampant, and the company’s racing endeavors continued to fuel its advancement.

Indian 5 HP Light Twin 1909

By 1909, the Indian lineup was entirely redesigned. The bicycle-inspired diamond frame was replaced with the more conventional loop frame, which had previously been fitted to the racing machines of the company’s top riders. A new, streamlined torpedo-type gas tank was fitted between the upper and lower tank rails, and oil was carried in a large capacity half-gallon tank that was fixed to the frame beneath the seat. In addition to the improved 2.75-horsepower, single-cylinder model, two new twins were offered, the five horsepower, 38-cubic inch Light Twin and the sturdy seven-horsepower, 61-cubic inch Big Twin. Mechanical intake valves were also now standard equipment on all models.

Indian 5 HP Light Twin 1909

This rare 1909 Indian Twin is preserved in unrestored, original condition, and it still retains its unusual Green factory paint. The machine features the five-horsepower, 38-cubic inch, twin-cylinder, pocket-valve engine and its original Hedstrom carburetor and Bosch magneto. Other high-wear items, such as the seat, pedals, and grips, are also original to this machine. This remarkably preserved bike is among the earliest original twin-cylinder Indian motorcycles in existence.

Indian 'Hendee Special' 7 HP Twin 1914 - World Of Classic Cars -

Indian 'Hendee Special' 7 HP Twin 1914

The early 1910s saw the motorcycle come into its own. Past the days of the motorized bicycle, Indian’s popularity was fueled by its reputation for reliability, and in 1913 alone, the company produced a record 31,950 units.
The company was also renowned for its innovation and leading technology. In the Springfield firm’s most innovative technological step yet, Indian debuted the Hendee Special for the 1914 model year. The Hendee Special featured the company’s seven-horsepower, 61-cubic inch Twin engine in the now-standard cradle-spring frame, and it was also equipped with an electric starter, electric lighting, and an electric horn. The model was advertised for $325.

Indian 'Hendee Special' 7 HP Twin 1914

While sound in its engineering, the Hendee Special came too far ahead of its time. Battery technology during the mid-1910s was not sufficient for day-to-day operation, and batteries would often become completely exhausted after only a few dozen starts. Due to the public’s dissatisfaction from repeated battery failures, the factory halted production of the new model in March 1914, and the rest of the 1914 model year featured machines built without electric equipment. The financial loss to the company was more than considerable, as an estimated $100,000 was expended for the model’s development the previous year.
Further, an electric starter would not return to motorcycling for another four decades.

Indian 'Hendee Special' 7 HP Twin 1914

The extraordinary 1914 Indian presented here is among less than a handful of Hendee Specials known to exist today. It has been preserved in unrestored condition, with its original paint. It also still retains its electric starter, which was commonly removed from most examples. Most importantly, the present caretaker has maintained the bike in running and fully operational condition, and except for its tires, all components remain original.

Harley-Davidson FL Sport Solo 1952 - World Of Classic Cars -

Harley-Davidson FL Sport Solo 1952

Harley-Davidson comprehensively updated the old Knucklehead engine with hydraulically adjusted valves in 1948, creating the much more modern Panhead engine. They elected to let customers get accustomed to that and then waited a year to make more changes.
With the Panhead proven successful, Harley-Davidson reinvented their bike as a showcase around it. The look of the new 1949 E- and F-series models was anchored by huge telescopic hydraulic forks and a completely new front end. Unofficially, these Hydra-Glide forks soon lent their name to the whole line; time would show that these would be the most classic of the Panheads, and they would be the inspiration for countless other motorcycles over the next 60 years, including Harley-Davidson’s own Heritage Softail.

Harley-Davidson FL Sport Solo 1952

The first major update since the 1949 redesign came in 1952, when the optional hand clutch/foot shift arrangement was added to compete with European motorcycles that used the configuration almost exclusively. By 1953, the foot shifter outsold the hand shifter by a two-to-one margin. In general, Big Twin sales were in a steep decline, as they were off by 20% over the already down year of 1951 and only 5,554 FLs were moving off of the showroom floors. Of those, it is safe to assume that a minority retained the hand shifter, and there are a total of only 162 FLs from 1952 in the Panhead Register.

Harley-Davidson FL Sport Solo 1952

This highly collectible and easy-riding bike has had a meticulous restoration from renowned FL specialist James Beck. Since its restoration was performed, the FL was test driven for only two miles and then put on display as a show bike example. The Persian Red over white paint is lustrous, and the vast expanses of exposed metal are burnished to a deep glow. Even though it is used as a show bike, Harley-Davidson built the Panhead for the highway, and with preparation, one could see its Hydra-Glide forks work up front, living up to their name, gliding over the road, and proudly informing the world that this is a real American motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson FL Sport Solo 1952

Even more than its low production numbers, it is the retro period styling that makes a Panhead collectible today, and features such as the unique and distinctive hand shifter only add to this Panhead’s collectability. Even today, when one thinks of Harley-Davidson, the classic style of the FL Hydra-Glide comes to mind.