Classic Harley-Davidson Models of the 1920s
The Bikes That Defined an Era
If the 1910s were about proving motorcycles could replace horses, the 1920s were when Harley-Davidson made them fast, stylish, and built to last. This was the decade when motorcycles stopped being just utilitarian machines and became symbols of freedom and engineering excellence—and no brand embodied that more than Harley.
From the race-winning JD series to the rugged D-Series Peashooter, the 1920s saw Harley-Davidson refine its designs, push boundaries, and set the stage for the motorcycles we know today. So, let’s take a ride back in time to an era of roaring engines, Art Deco aesthetics, and game-changing innovation.
The JD Series (1920-1929): The King of the Roaring Twenties
By 1920, Harley-Davidson was no longer a scrappy startup in a Milwaukee shed—it was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, with bikes in over 67 countries. And the JD series? That was the company’s crown jewel.
What Made the JD Special?
✅ 74-cubic-inch V-Twin – A serious powerhouse for its time, delivering around 18 horsepower (which, in 1920, was like riding a rocket).
✅ Springer Front Suspension – A design that would stick around for decades, giving riders a smoother ride on rough roads.
✅ Classic Tank-Mounted Hand Shifter – The early ancestor of today’s foot-shift transmission, adding to the bike’s mechanical charm.
✅ Striking Two-Tone Paint Jobs – The 1920s were about style as much as performance, and Harley leaned into it with gorgeous color schemes.
Harley-Davidson wasn’t just building motorcycles—they were crafting legends.
The 1926 Peashooter (BA & B Series): The Racer’s Weapon of Choice
Not every Harley from the 1920s was a heavyweight V-Twin. Enter the Peashooter—a single-cylinder racing machine designed for speed demons and dirt track racers.
✔️ 350cc single-cylinder engine – Lightweight but quick, perfect for board track and dirt racing.
✔️ Stripped-down frame – No excess weight, no nonsense, just speed.
✔️ The Birth of the Racing Harley – The Peashooter dominated early competition circuits, proving that Harleys weren’t just for cruising—they were for winning.
The Peashooter’s influence can still be seen in Harley’s modern racing efforts, making it one of the most significant models of the decade.
Why the 1920s Mattered for Harley-Davidson
By the end of the 1920s, Harley-Davidson had cemented its reputation as the leader in American motorcycling. The innovations from this era—bigger engines, smoother suspension, and stylish designs—laid the groundwork for the Knuckleheads, Panheads, and Shovelheads that would follow.
The motorcycles of the 1920s weren’t just machines; they were rolling pieces of history that shaped the future of two-wheeled adventure.
Own a Piece of Classic Harley DNA?
Whether you ride a vintage JD or a modern Harley that carries the same spirit, CycleVisions has the parts and accessories to keep your ride looking and performing its best.
Final Thoughts
The 1920s were a golden era for Harley-Davidson, marking the beginning of a century of dominance. From the rugged JD series to the lightweight Peashooter, these bikes weren’t just machines—they were the foundation of the Harley legacy.
And if history has taught us anything, it’s that a great motorcycle isn’t just built—it’s ridden, raced, and remembered.