It’s no surprise the save gas and park anywhere qualities of motorcycles might be highlighted now with today’s pricey gas and traffic congestion but, as this ad shows, Harley Davidson was promoting those same ideas over 50 years ago. Once again, a selection from The Kneeslider research library shows how motorcycles answered the same needs back then.
Like the ad says:
“Parking lot full? Don’t give it a second thought …
It cuts through tied up traffic … handles with the greatest of ease … and averages up to 80 miles per gallon of gas.”
I guess some things about motorcycles will always be appealing.
Larger image below:
Bart - Old Bridge, NJ says
Unfortunately, even though motorcycles have these inherent qualities, New Jersey society for whatever reason refuses to recognize and exploit them. Lane splitting, even in stopped traffic, is still illegal, and certain public places, Seaside Heights comes to mind, require a one vehicle per spot parking rule. That means a group of 20 motorcyclists takes up 20 spots, instead of 3-4. I have yet to find the reason why they would do this, and then have to hold special committies to resolve parking issues during peak seasonal times.
chris says
Check out the harley hummer website.
Bryan says
Toronto, Ontario Canada offers free parking to all motorcycles. We are also working on getting access to HOV lanes with a single rider and no passenger.
Next is legal lane splitting (I can only dream).
Clive Makinson-Sanders says
thats what i miss most about california… motorcycles are king. you can be anywhere in 5 minutes and park wherever the hell you want.
And in all the accidents i heard of out there, none of them were attributed to splitting lanes.
Phloxic Haste says
I agree, motorcycles have a lot of advantages that are unfortunately illegal to take advantage of…
I chalk it up to kids that never learned to share in Kindergarten. They see us playing with a toy they don’t have, and they break it so we can’t play with it either.
willie schmitz says
Thanks Chris for the tip on the Hummers. A lot of models I don’t remember or never saw.
California does have the right idea about motorcycles. Splitting lanes behind a CHP’s cop bike for miles in stalled traffic was a new experience. A little scary a first but when you realize the cars are aware of your presence it all works fine.
Hopkins says
Harley Davidson must not have imagined the ape hangers back then. When I see the guys chicken walking their bikes through traffic I have to laugh at the claim:
“It cuts through tied up traffic … handles with the greatest of ease …”
Sean says
You know, there’s a reason I made my streetfighter as narrow as possible. Lanesplitting can be hairy though. A few people swerve inwards and cut you off, and it’s still technically illegal here, but only the greenest and newest cops will get you for it.
Clive Makinson-Sanders says
I hate those people. theres always one.
motoxyogi says
Correct me if i’m wrong but thats the first time i’ve ever heard of a harley being called a lightweight. If it’s anyway near comparable to a 50/60’s era 600cc boxer in weight it would still be a hefty old pig.
hoyt says
“Send 10¢ to Harley Davidson Motor Company”….
When a dime meant enough to write a check for ten pennies? I suppose many could have actually mailed a dime. But, maybe not.
Postage was .03 in 1950
http://1847usa.com/identify/YearSets/1950.htm
Das Boese says
@10
The Harley Hummer was a copy of the German DKW RT125 which was a very light bike, even by modern standards.
motoxyogi says
thanks i was thinkin that didn look like a v-twin
todd says
A 50/60’s era 600cc boxer (i.e. BMW) was fairly light at around 400 pounds. Not quite as light as a Hummer but still light for a 600.
-todd