Overview
The 1923 Harley-Davidson Model WF is the rarest of the Harley-Davidson 600cc “Flat twin” machines. There were only 641 produced in 1923 when production ceased. Production was begun in 1919 and discontinued in 1923. The 1923 production consisted of using up the components still in stock. An exception was the chain guard. All of the previous years had a completely enclosed secondary chain case. However, the 1923 used a top cover only and it is presumed that was because they had run out of the original chain guards and substituted the simpler “top only” style of guard, to satisfy production requirements.
The present owner purchased this machine in New Zealand sometime around 2001 and had it flown to the US. At the time of purchase, this particular machine was one of only two 1923 Harley-Davidson’s in the world wide registry of HD flat twins (a copy of the registry goes with the machine). In a short time he turned it over to Glenn Bator, of Bator International, and his associates for a nearly seven year museum quality restoration. Great attention was paid to procuring correct parts, and exact replica parts where they had to be fabricated, by this professional restoration team.
This machine won best of show at the long running El Camino show.
Mileage
Zero, since restoration.
Paint
New. Factory correct paint color.
Sheet Metal
New, exact replica, sheet metal where required and original sheet metal restored where possible.
Chrome
New, polished nickel plating on engine and other parts.
Mechanical
Excellent. Engine and other mechanical parts have been completely restored. No oil or gas has been introduced in the engine since restoration.
Wheels & Tires
N/A
Title
No present title. The bike was titled by the previous owner in New Zealand and a frame number tag applied. That tag was removed in the restoration
Valuation Resource Guide
N/A
Accessories
The 1923 Harley-Davidson WF model was the non-electric model and came without lights. That is the present status.
