1930 Harley Davidson VL - Rare / First Year Model

$42,000.00
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Rare Restored / First Year Model
1930 Harley Davidson VL

New to the Market!  Here is your chance to own a rare first year model Harley Davidson VL.  Nice correct ones rarely come up for sale and this one is a 99 point AMCA winner circle machine.  

Year:  1930
Make:  Harley Davidson
Model:  VL
Color:  Green
Engine Size:  1200cc - 74"cu
Cylinders:  2
Transmission:  3 Speed
Mileage:  000100
VIN Number:  30VL10907
Belly Numbers: Matching (30-12860)
Frame Number:  No Frame number in 1930
Motorcycle Currently Registered:  Yes
Ownership:  Clear Title in Owners Name
Motorcycle Location: South Dakota

Sheet Metal:
Fender and Tanks are original and in excellent condition.

Paint Condition:
All paint conditions are in excellent condition, Fresh paint and restoration with in the last 10 years, there is no wear, scratches or chips present. Beautiful Green paint with correct 30 Harley Davidson Logo and pinstriping.  

Chrome / Nickle / Misc. Plating Condition:
All Chrome, Nickel, and Packetized plating's are in perfect condition.

Wheels and Rims:
Front Wheel Size and Make:  19" Drop Center Rim
Rear Wheel Size and Make;  19" Drop Center Rim
Front Tire Size and Make:  4.00x19 Coker Diamond Tread
Rear Tire Size and Make:  4.00x19 Coker Diamond Tread

Wheel and Tire Condition:
Wheels and Spokes are in great condition, appears to have new CAD Plated spokes. Rolls very well, Tires are brand new with no mileage on them 

Mechanical Condition
Is in perfect mechanical condition, Engine and Transmission were completely rebuilt and restored when restoration was completed. This Motorcycle only has now a few hundred miles on it. It is now broke in and sorted out very well and ready to make a trek across the country, The motorcycle has been on display in a private collection and always stored in an environmental safe location. The Schebler DLX72 carburetor was rebuilt with a nitrile float. 

Additional Descriptions of Motorcycle:
This is the rarest models of the VL model.  Features are Dual Solar Headlights, Factory Original Harley Tandem Seat with Messinger Leather seats, 1 Year only Generator Cover, 1 Year only exhaust and Cast iron Exhaust coupler. 

There are many more Photos and Videos upon request


Valuation:
This 1930 Harley VL is in better that excellent condition and close to concourse 

Hagerty Value Guides: 

1 Concours      $48,000
#2 Excellent      $37,600
#3 Good             $19,700
#4 Fair               $17,900


1930 Harley-Davidson Model VL - History & Technical Information

History:

The 1930 Harley-Davidson Model VL marked the debut year of the 74 cubic inch (1200cc) Flathead Big Twin, which replaced the aging JD series of inlet-over-exhaust (IOE) engines. This model represented a significant step forward for Harley-Davidson, designed to compete with Indian's popular Chief and Scout models.

Key Historical Notes:

  • Introduced to the public as a new generation of V-Twin motorcycles.

  • The VL used a side-valve (Flathead) engine design, which was simpler, more reliable, and easier to maintain compared to the older IOE engines.

  • The introduction of the VL coincided with the early years of the Great Depression, impacting sales but establishing the platform for Harley's V-Twin dominance.

  • The VL series gained a reputation for toughness and reliability, particularly favored by police departments and long-distance riders.

Technical Specifications:

Specification Detail
Model Harley-Davidson VL (Big Twin Flathead)
Year Introduced 1930
Engine Type Side-Valve (Flathead) V-Twin
Displacement 74 cubic inches (1212cc)
Bore x Stroke 3.44 in x 4.00 in (87.4mm x 101.6mm)
Compression Ratio Approx. 4.3:1
Horsepower Around 30 HP
Top Speed Estimated 80 mph (130 km/h)
Ignition Battery and coil ignition
Carburetor Schebler carburetor
Transmission 3-speed hand-shift, foot clutch
Primary Drive Chain drive
Final Drive Chain drive
Frame Steel tubular frame
Front Suspension Springer front fork
Rear Suspension Rigid (no rear suspension)
Brakes Mechanical drum front & rear
Wheelbase Approximately 58.5 inches (149 cm)
Tires 4.00 x 18 inches
Weight (Dry) Around 440 lbs (200 kg)

Additional Notes:

  • The VL's large, robust frame and engine made it a favorite for sidecar use.

  • The Flathead design became iconic for Harley-Davidson and continued for decades in various forms.

  • Styling featured the traditional teardrop gas tanks, springer forks, and solid build quality associated with Harley-Davidson.

Harley-Davidson produced approximately 6,600 units of the 1930 Model VL.

This production number reflects the challenging economic conditions of the time — the Great Depression had just begun, significantly impacting motorcycle sales worldwide.

For context:

  • 1930 was the first year of the VL, making it particularly desirable among collectors today.

  • Production numbers increased in later years as Harley improved the design and overcame some early mechanical issues.