One-Family-Owned 1917 Harley-Davidson Model F with Harley-Davidson Sidecar Project

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1916 Harley-Davidson 16F marked an important step in the company’s fast‑advancing V‑twin lineup. It continued to use the reliable 61-cubic-inch (989 cc) inlet‑over‑exhaust engine that Harley-Davidson had been refining since its 1911 reintroduction, but the 1916 model brought notable improvements.

A newly contoured fuel tank replaced earlier flat‑sided designs, giving the motorcycle a cleaner, more modern look, while new four‑lobe cams simplified valve‑timing adjustments and improved overall maintenance. These updates built on major changes introduced in 1915, including the optional three‑speed countershaft gearbox that transformed the V‑twin into a capable touring machine. Chassis upgrades — wider forks, stronger rims, and increased fuel capacity — further enhanced durability. The 1916 model year also marked the second year Harley-Davidson produced its own sidecars, after previously relying on outside suppliers like Rogers Manufacturing.

This motorcycle was discovered in a small southern Illinois garage, remarkably still owned by the same family that purchased it new from Olive Cycle and Motor Company of St. Louis, Missouri. It was purchased in December 1917; likely a 1916 model left over from the previous year. It came with extensive documentation and a tub of original parts. In the gallery is a photo of the granddaughter and great granddaughter of the original owner. As found, it remains partially disassembled, and its mechanical condition is unknown.

A Harley-Davidson Standard Passenger Sidecar also accompanies the sale, as shown in the 100+ photo gallery.

This one-family-owned 1916 Harley-Davidson Model F and sidecar are now offered at no reserve in Wisconsin on behalf of the current owner with factory and dealer documentation, its owner’s manual, a letter from 1968 documenting family ownership, and an Illinois title.

Highlights

• Rare 1916 Harley-Davidson 16F motorcycle

• Matching Harley-Davidson Standard Passenger Sidecar

• Owned by one family from new

• Accompanying factory and ownership documentation

Factory Equipment

• 61-cu-in (989 cc) inlet‑over‑exhaust (F‑head) V-Twin

• Magneto ignition on the F models

• Four‑lobe camshaft

• Three-speed manual gearbox

• New curved fuel tank

• Larger fuel capacity

• Wider front forks and stronger wheel rims

• Sidecar compatibility

Known Imperfections

• Disassembled project

• Mechanical condition unknown

• Unknown if the motorcycle or sidecar are complete

Ownership History

• This 1916 Harley-Davidson 16F and sidecar have been owned by the same southern Illinois family since new.

Included Items

• Factory and dealer documentation (see photo gallery)

• Factory owner’s manual (see photo gallery)

• Letter from 1968 documenting family ownership (see photo gallery)

• Photo of the granddaughter and great granddaughter of the original owner

Additional Information

The selling broker states, “We rescued this bike out of a small garage in Southern Illinois. Most amazing is that this bike has been in the same family since new with every piece of documentation imaginable. It has been sitting partially disassembled with a tub of parts. In the photo is the granddaughter and great granddaughter of the original owner. Note that the mechanical condition of this motorcycle is unknown and will need a complete restoration. We are also unaware if it is complete.”