There were two brothers way ahead of the curve in the late 40′s. Harley Davidson didn’t offer hard bags for their motorcycles until 1952. “Royalite Plastic” bags first appeared on the 1952 “K” model Harleys and then on Big Twin models in 1954.
Back to the two brothers, Resto’s dad and brother came up with this mock-up and offered it to the Harley Davidson Motor Company sometime around 1949. The HD Motor Company decline the brothers hard bag idea, due to the effort and popularity they had in their leather bag line. Harley Davidson offered about five different leather saddle bags for 1950.
Back to the hard bags on the 1948 Panhead, the brothers Hand crafted these bags using Cadillac fender and bumper shapes as the core. Then incorporating the Caddy’s glove box door and lock. Restoman tells me, he remembers seeing these bags when he was a little kid, before his dad let someone talk him out of them. I wonder was that someone a young Arlen Ness?
You can click on the pic’s below to get a larger image. If you feel the need to share these please link back here to my site, or use the sharing buttons below. Thanks for dropping by, these are truly some rare photos from back in the day.
If you are thinking of buying a new Victory motorcycle, you can go to the official Victory web site and build your very own custom machine, and when your done get a quote on the cost for your new custom Victory motorcycle.
One look at the all-new Victory Vision™ Street tells you everything about the effort put into design and engineering. It’s a new generation of an American luxury-touring motorcycle, which takes modern style and comfort as far as it’s ever been. The chassis is long & low with remarkable balance & maneuverability. The seat, floorboards, controls, and modern design are engineered for optimal riding comfort, while a new 106-cubic-inch Freedom® V-Twin™ with 6-speed overdrive produces smooth, powerful performance.
American made and manufactured in Minnesota. The Victory motorcycle’s history dates back to 1997. So it has been a little over a decade since the very first unit roared right out of the assembly plant and soared its way through the streets. Victory motorcycles come in three different forms and styles – motorcycle tourers, cruisers, and sport tourers. They even offer a NESS Series. Yes, custom bike builder, Arlen Ness, came aboard for 2008 as a design consultant. Which one is going to be yours?
Check out the Victory Motorcycle home page at, www.polarisindustries.com
