senor honda

The Harley-Davidson X8E was only produced for the 1912 model year, which makes it a rare and collectible bike. This particular specimen also once belonged to the legendary Steve McQueen and features the larger 60 cubic inch engine that was added on only for the latter part of the year – making this one something extra special.
This was the first all-chain model produced by Harley-Davidson and it had a clutch, skirted fenders, and a 1000cc engine with mechanical valves. The initial engine was a 49 cubic inch V-twin that was replaced about mid-year by a more powerful 60 cubic inch engine capable of — wait for it — 8 horsepower. It has proved more popular with collectors both for its additional power and its rarity.


McQueen’s bike first came up for auction at the 1984 Steve McQueen estate auction, which was held at the Imperial Palace hotel in Las Vegas and has been in private hands since. It also has a certificate of authenticity signed by Terry and Chad McQueen as proof of its heritage. As for how much McQueen used the bike, it’s believed that he rode it at least once in a pre-1916 motorcycle event.
You might also notice the wonky paint job, which has one tank still showing the original factory paint. Legend blames this firmly on a drunken McQueen and his friend Von Dutch who purportedly took a spray can to the bike late one night. Of that, there’s no proof, but it seems a believable story given McQueen’s reputation. The fully-functioning bike will be going up for auction through Bonhams on Jan. 8 with an expected price between $120,000 and $140,000.

senor honda

1931 Harley-Davidson VL Steve McQueen

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- Steve McQueen Harley-Davidson motorcycle
- Sold originally in Las Vegas at Imperial Palace
- Rare 1931 California license plate
- Cosmetically restored
- Not in running condition
- 74 CI motor
- 1200ccm
- 3-speed transmission
- Front and rear wheel stands
- Single tube muffler
- Single headlight
- Option of static or running bike
- Offered on original bill of sale from McQueen estate sale in 1984, fully documented
- Key included
- Quick Specs -

• Make
  
  Harley-Davidson
• Model
  
  VL
• Year
  
  1931

Source: Mecum Auctions as part of the Houston auction in April, 2014

senor honda

More on the bike in post #1 of this thread
1912 Harley Davidson X8E Big Twin owned by Steve McQueen

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1912 was an important year for Harley-Davidson, as they first introduced an all-chain drive model, a clutch, skirted fenders, and a 1000cc motor (60.34cu”) with mechanical valves. For rider comfort, the ‘full floteing’ seat incorporated a spring in the saddle downtube. Harley was slowly moving into the modern era, although another three years would pass before a proper 3-speed sliding-gear transmission was added. For 1912, a rider had his choice of single or twin-cylinder Harleys, with belt or chain drive, and magneto ignition. The X8E was Harley’s top of the range model, with all the options, and cost $10 more than the standard 6.5 HP twin.
[h=3]- Quick Specs -[/h]

• [h=4]Make[/h] Harley-Davidson
• [h=4]Model[/h] 8XE
• [h=4]Year[/h] 1912
• [h=4]Engine[/h] 989 Cc

This matching-numbers 1912 Harley-Davidson twin is the first Big Twin in Harley’s lineup, as mid-year the capacity of all twins was increased from 49cu” (810cc) to a full 60cu” (989cc); thus late-year 1912 8 HP twins are rather rare. This machine retains its original cylinders (with perfect fins) and matching engine barrel stampings. The primary chain uses a one-year-only crankcase breather/chain lubricator. It was purchased from the 1984 Steve McQueen estate auction at the Imperial Palace hotel in Las Vegas, and comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Terry and Chad McQueen. It is believed that the winning bidder rode this machine in at least one Pre-1916 event, and the curious paint scheme, with one tank bearing its original paint, is the subject of some speculation – some claim McQueen and his buddy Von Dutch removed the paint from one of the tanks after a late-night drinking session and discovered the original paint underneath.
This ex-Steve McQueen 1912 Harley-Davidson X8E is in running order, and the original paint lurks under the red paint job. Since McQueen’s ownership, the wheel rims were changed (for riding) and a period-correct headlamp added to make the bike roadworthy for vintage rallies.
Source: Mecum Auctions

senor honda

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/v...last-mile.html

senor honda

Steve McQueen the Man & LeMans
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/v...ml#post9393625

Steve McQueen On Any Sunday
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/video-post/820047-any-sunday-original-movie-full-length.html

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/bike-tech/820043-any-sunday.html

I am Steve McQueen
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/video-post/824546-i-am-steve-mcqueen-full-length.html

The Sand Pebbles
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/v...ll-length.html

The Getaway
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/video-post/824549-steve-mcqueen-getaway.html

The Last Mile
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/v...last-mile.html

Steve McQueens $120,000 Harley Davidson
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/b...-davidson.html

senor honda

Steve McQueen The Last Mile
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/v...last-mile.html