Harley-Davidson Topper

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The Harley-Davidson Topper was the only motor scooter that the Harley-Davidson Motor Company ever produced.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Design and specifications

The Topper had a Script error: No such module "convert". single-cylinder two-stroke engine mounted horizontally between the floorboards.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The engine required a premixed gasoline/oil mixture. The starter was of the rope-recoil type similar to lawn mowersScript error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". or the Lambretta E model.[1] Unlike most scooters with enclosed engines, the Topper's engine did not have a cooling fan.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". It was expected that the low, horizontally mounted engine would be cooled by air passing under the scooter,Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". but some Toppers developed overheating problems.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The engine used a reed valve in its induction system.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

The engine powered a continuously variable transmissionScript error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". called "Scootaway Drive"Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". that included a safety device that did not allow the scooter to move from rest at engine speeds higher than 1800 rpm.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Final drive was by an exposed roller chain.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

The Topper had 5 inch internal expanding drum brakes on both wheels.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The front brake was controlled by a hand leverScript error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". on the left handlebarScript error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". with a parking brake lock;Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". the rear brake was controlled by a pedal.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

The front body, front fender and floorboards of the Topper were made of stamped steel, and the engine cover and body were made of molded fiberglass.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Storage space was provided under the seat; the manufacturer suggested storing extra containers of two-stroke oil there.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Development

The main complaint from Topper owners was with the "Scootaway Drive" continuously variable transmission. Road grime would get into the transmission and cause the belt to slip.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". A new transmission, with the primary drive sealed in an oil bath, was introduced for 1961.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

The Topper H was introduced in 1961 (sold through 1965) with a new alloy cylinder head that increased the compression ratio to 8.0:1, a reusable foam air filter, and revisions to the cylinder ports and air intake tube.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

A detuned version of the Topper was also available, with the power restricted to Script error: No such module "convert"..Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". This was advertised as the "Topper U".Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The detuned Topper was made to comply with laws in some states in the United States that allowed motorcycles with rated engine power below a stated maximum to be operated without a licenseScript error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". or to be operated on a special license by riders at a younger age than would be allowed a regular motorcycle license.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

A Topper was used by the Milwaukee Brewers as a bullpen car from 1959 through 1995.[2]

Performance

In 1959 a Topper was ridden from Bakersfield, California to Death Valley and back without repair or adjustments requiring tools. The route went through Trona, to Stovepipe Wells, then to Badwater Basin, then to Whitney Portal, Script error: No such module "convert". above sea level on the side of Mount Whitney. It then returned to Bakersfield.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

See also

Notes

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  1. ↑ Lambretta Model E – Lambretta Club of Great Britain
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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References

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Template:Harley-Davidson model families

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