Harley Davidson 1936 VD

[Dave Swanson]

Well shucks, and thanks   Kinda speechless.

Bud's father Bill was a HD flathead and sidecar fan going way back.  Here is a picture of Bud's dad Bill with the bike soon after Bill had purchased it which was in the 70s. The story goes that the bike was found sitting in a garage by a friend of the family who was a garbage man while working his route. He knew that Bill was looking for another old flathead to mess with and the deal was made.

Bill soon found a sidecar for it but unfortunately did not live too many years after. Bud purchased it from his father's estate and owned it for about 30 years until I bought it.

That's as far back as I know about the bike's history.  Since it was found locally I am theorizing that it has been in the immediate area since sold new.  Our local dealer is the oldest continuous family owned HD dealer in the country.  Perhaps they sold it 85 years ago.

[Dave Swanson]

Here is a much younger Bill with his 2 boys, Bud in the dark sweatshirt and his little brother Wayne.  They are parked in front of the old dealership location in downtown Rockford, IL.   The V  Bill is perched on appears to be a 1932, 33, or 34. 

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I have always thought Bud maintained an uncanny resemblance to his young self even when I met him in his early 80s.

[Rough Edge racing]

 Every rider needs a bike like the Harley or something similar....

[s1120]

WOW she is STUNNING!!  Ive always liked flathead HD's, and the early ones are so cool.