The Harley Servi-Car: An Enduring Legacy
The Harley-Davidson Servi-Car is a unique and iconic three-wheeled vehicle that has been in production for over 80 years. Originally designed as a commercial delivery vehicle, the Servi-Car has also been used by police departments, fire departments, and the military.
The Servi-Car is powered by a Harley-Davidson V-twin engine, and it features a sturdy frame and a comfortable seat. It is also equipped with a variety of features that make it ideal for commercial use, such as a large cargo box and a sturdy rear axle.
The Servi-Car has undergone several changes over the years, but it has always retained its basic design. The current model is powered by a 750cc V-twin engine, and it features a variety of modern amenities, such as a digital instrument panel and a fuel-injected engine.
Design and Features
Body
A 1954 Harley-Davidson Servi-Car
The Servi-Car’s body is made of stamped steel, and it features a distinctive rounded shape. The front of the body is dominated by a large grille, and the rear of the body features a large cargo box.
The Servi-Car’s body is also equipped with a variety of features that make it ideal for commercial use. These features include:
- A large cargo box with a capacity of up to 500 pounds
- A sturdy rear axle that can handle heavy loads
- A comfortable seat with a backrest
- A variety of storage compartments
Engine and Transmission
The engine of a Harley-Davidson Servi-Car
The Servi-Car is powered by a Harley-Davidson V-twin engine. The current model is powered by a 750cc V-twin engine, but older models were powered by a variety of different engine sizes.
The Servi-Car’s engine is coupled to a three-speed transmission. The transmission is operated by a hand lever on the left side of the handlebars.
Suspension and Brakes
The front suspension of a 1954 Harley-Davidson Servi-Car
The Servi-Car’s front suspension consists of a leading-link fork with coil springs. The rear suspension consists of a swingarm with coil springs.
The Servi-Car’s brakes are hydraulically operated. The front brake is a single disc brake, and the rear brake is a drum brake.
History
A 1932 Harley-Davidson Servi-Car poster
The Harley-Davidson Servi-Car was first introduced in 1932. It was originally designed as a commercial delivery vehicle, and it was quickly adopted by businesses of all types.
The Servi-Car was also used by police departments, fire departments, and the military. It was especially popular in the United States during World War II, when it was used to transport troops and supplies.
The Servi-Car remained in production after the war, and it continued to be popular with businesses and government agencies. However, sales began to decline in the 1970s, and production of the Servi-Car was discontinued in 1974.
In 1998, Harley-Davidson reintroduced the Servi-Car. The new model was powered by a 750cc V-twin engine, and it featured a variety of modern amenities, such as a digital instrument panel and a fuel-injected engine.
The Servi-Car has remained in production ever since, and it continues to be popular with businesses and government agencies. It is also a popular choice for collectors and enthusiasts.
Conclusion
A Harley-Davidson Servi-Car in Ghiffa, Italy
The Harley-Davidson Servi-Car is a unique and enduring vehicle that has been in production for over 80 years. It is a versatile vehicle that has been used for a variety of purposes, and it continues to be popular today.
The Servi-Car is a testament to Harley-Davidson’s commitment to innovation and quality. It is a vehicle that is built to last, and it is a vehicle that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
