We previously wrote about Harley Davidsons Enthusiast magazine in 2011, and so as to bring those of you up to speed as to what we said here is part of our thoughts of the time –
Manufacturers have always been keen to promote their products to the world. Sales brochures, wall posters of the latest models, sponsorship deals for riders, racers and clubs were just some of the efforts made to encourage riders to buy their products. Harley Davidson was no different and to get the message out there they produced a magazine called The Harley Davidson Enthusiast. First published in 1916 it was referred to as the ‘now and then magazine’ due to the sporadic nature of publication however later on it became more regular and was produced 4 times a year, cost a mere 5c each and was the bugle for all parties – manufacturer, dealers and owners to share their news with the world.
You can click here to see the first part of our HD Enthusiast collection.
So filling in the gap since that first publication 14 years ago here are four more magazines for your reading delight, each with some really interesting articles. Click on the covers below to see what was happening.
October 1931 – For 5c this edition would have been great reading. The cover is a great shot of well known Harley Davidson racer Joe Petrali in fierce form navigating his 61 cu in racer to the crest of a hill climb at Muskegan in Michigan. New Zealand features with photographs of racer SD McLeod in winning form at Gisborne and Norman Spraggon from Takoroa (probably Tokoroa) on a rural jaunt with two friends. The usual library of riders on various trips and stories, and aerial stunts being performed by A.L. Lessard piloting a older 1918 Harley through the air in Texas. The magazine finished off with a comedic cartoon of Sergeant Streak and his Harley Davidson.
The quality of photographs is excellent. It is 3.6M, and 22 pages.
July 1932 – A delightful cover with an owner doing what most of us like doing – riding and fishing. There is a line up of new machines for the law and usual pictures of Harleys in competition. Lady riders are represented with 2 enthusiasts aboard a 1928 J/JD harley in Tapanui, Otago, NZ.
The centre fold is impressive with more action shots including the tree climbing Harley and rider from Western Australia. And an article on Crashing the Wall with rider Daisy May Hendrick (a stage name perhaps?) a 21 year old male rider out to prove the durability of Harley Davidsons. There are a few adverts of Harley accessories, including the optional rear carrier which was available for $5.50. Interestingly one such item just sold at auction in Australia for $950 (ouch!!)
It is 4.6M, and is 22 pages.
October 1935 – Still priced at 5c there is more racing action starting with the cover shot again of Joe Petrali in action at the National Championship Hill Climb at Hornell, New York. And how impressive is that? There are more brave riders in the Hornell hill climb throwing around machines which would be at least twice the weight of modern day motorcycles as well as an article on Harleys successes at the National Jack Pine Run. Next was more wins at the Miniature T.T. Championship at Marion, Indiana. So some real positives for the Harley Davidson brand.
And to finish off some advertising for those riders who will be venturing into winter and want to keep dry and warm.
It is 5M and is 24 pages.
January 1944 – A wartime issue that is perhaps a little more reserved in what was published, not wanting to divulge possible secrets to the enemy, you know the saying ‘Loose Lips Sinks Ships’ but still promoting Harley Davidsons and the freedom that could be had. This issue is a little bit scruffy but to have been published then survive those harrowing war years it has done well, and the message was clear from Harley HQ – to carry on as normal as possible.
So what is in this issue? A cover photo showing the Canadian Army riders on a training ride at Camp Borden in Ontario, an entertaining story of 2 female riders journeying across the U.S. to attend a bowling tournament, one on a red and chrome HD 45 that is called Lotus Blossum, and letters from military riders aboard their machines. There is also a fair bit of Home Front Club News to keep every bodies hopes up of better things to come.
It is 4.3M, and is 23 pages.
