The Little Engine that Could: Adventure and the Harley-Davidson Sport model

Travelers could now cover distances much more quickly and were no longer bound to train schedules. But the nation’s roads were not yet built for these faster, horseless vehicles. This led to some creative forms of motorcycling. 

Climbing steep grades, dealing with mud or sand, and navigating forests were journeys that tested machines and riders alike. Soon enough, timing of “runs” between two cities or topping mountain roads meant bragging rights for riders.

For the 1919 model year, in the midst of a recession and worldwide pandemic, Harley-Davidson introduced the new Model W, also called the Sport. Although its production run only lasted until the 1923 model year, the Sport left an indelible mark on the motorcycle world.

The Sport’s power-to-weight ratio gave it an advantage in climbing hills and handling rough conditions. Los Angeles rider Jack Fletcher climbed 10,080 feet of burro trail with his Sport on California’s Mt. San Antonio (aka Old Baldy).

"Hap" Scherer was a motorcycle enthusiast and accomplished endurance rider in the early 1910s. He eventually worked for Harley-Davidson, first as a test rider, and later in sales. He continued to compete, specializing in endurance contests, and he often rode the Sport model.

Hap and his Sport Model set a “Three-Flag Record." This was a contest of making the quickest possible run between the Canadian and Mexican borders over U.S. roads. He did it in 64 hours and 58 minutes.

Also among their achievements, Scherer and his Sport were awarded the first trans-continental tour medal by the Motorcycle and Allied Trades Association in 1920. The MATA was the predecessor to the present-day American Motorcyclist Association (AMA).

In the Spring of 1919, William Brazenor rode from Milwaukee to New York City in just over 70 hours’ time. William was the son of Brooklyn Harley-Davidson® dealer Bob Brazenor.

Brazenor’s father wrote to The Harley-Davidson Enthusiast magazine, “My son William rode from the factory... through blinding storms and muddy roads a foot deep in mud and rain. He tells me he never could have made it on a heavy machine at this time of the year.”

The Sport model was the first H-D® motorcycle that had female riders in mind. Harley-Davidson frequently marketed the agile lightweight to women. 

An entertainment luminary of the 1910s and 20s, Gertrude Hoffmann was widely known to the public as a free spirit who did not hesitate to be recognized as motorcyclist — and Harley-Davidson did not hesitate to capitalize on her fame.

Lillian Hauerwas of Milwaukee was another passionate rider. She penned an opinion piece in The Harley-Davidson Enthusiast magazine touting the benefits of motorcycling and her Sport model.

At times, promotion of the Sport model for both women riders and adventure touring was simultaneous.

From extreme rides and competitions to motorcycle camping and transcontinental sightseeing — experience it all by visiting the Off-Road Harley Davidson® exhibit at the Harley-Davidson Museum.