Fred Lange hillclimbers

Thanks to Patrick for the lead on these incredible bikes. I really, really hope whoever paid for them to be built actually rides them up a hill once in a while.
1928 Hill Climber
This is one of two Fred Lange Re-Creations. It demonstrates Harley-Davidson's conservative approach to designing motorcycles coupled with their deep desire to win in competition. There is nothing exotic about the machinery except for the ingenious combination of the best materials on hand. This motorcycle used the powerful two-cam engine base from an F-head motor, and incorporated special factory-made cylinders based on Peashooter technology. Its transmission holds but a single gear. The in and out selector box was typical of hill climb specials. The rider would depress the clutch pedal, snick the transmission into gear by a small hand lever, and engage the clutch at the start of his run.
The hill climber chassis was a specialized piece of equipment, beefed up with trusses and extra reinforcement. The front fork was also not standard fare. It sported additional side trusses and a friction damper.
Everything about this motorcycle is serious, from its special front end to the chain shod rear wheel.