Buzz
The 1934 Harley-Davidson VLD was one of the key models that helped the brand survive the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. Explore more images of this remarkable motorcycle.The 1934 Harley-Davidson VLD motorcycle marked a daring new direction for the company, one of the rare motorcycle manufacturers to weather the aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash.
Harley's signature Olive Green paint, which had been a constant since 1917, was phased out as the standard color after 1932. It was replaced with bolder two-tone options like black paired with Orlando Orange on the featured bike, though Green was still available for those loyal to tradition.
The Flathead V-twin engines, which had replaced the F-head versions in the late 1920s, were available in two sizes: the 45-cubic-inch and the more powerful 'Big Twin' 74-cubic-inch versions.
These engines were a milestone in motorcycle history; the 45 engine would power the three-wheeled Servi-Cars all the way into the Seventies, while the Big Twin would serve as the foundation for the iconic 1936 EL overhead-valve 'Knucklehead.'
The Great Depression, triggered by the stock market crash on October 29, 1929, wiped out all major U.S. motorcycle manufacturers except Harley-Davidson and Indian. Even those surviving brands were on the verge of collapse due to the economic downturn.
However, Harley-Davidson's extensive dealer network and timely product offerings helped the company regain stability, and by 1934, signs of recovery were becoming clear.
Harley's two-person Buddy Seat with a sprung seatpost debuted in 1933 and quickly became one of the brand's most popular accessories. Prior to this, passengers rode on a separate seat, typically attached to the luggage rack.
To view more images of the 1934 Harley-Davidson VLD motorcycle, continue to the next page.
Explore more fantastic motorcycle articles and images here:
- Classic Motorcycles
- How Motorcycles Operate
- Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
View 1934 Harley-Davidson VLD Photos
VLDs came in striking color combinations, such as this bold black and orange design.The 1934 Harley-Davidson VLD motorcycle featured elegantly designed, sweeping fenders and a horn prominently adorned with the iconic Harley bar-and-shield logo.
Although the more advanced "Knucklehead" Big Twin was introduced in 1936, the flathead version continued to be in production until the late 1940s.
The rear fender’s taillight section was designed to be hinged, allowing it to swing upward for easy tire changes.For more fantastic motorcycle articles and images, explore the following links:
- Classic Motorcycles
- How Motorcycles Operate
- Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
