Frank Almost Fell Over When the Homeowner Pulled Back the Tarp – Underneath Was the Rarest Harley Bicycle Collection in America

In the world of antique collecting, some discoveries border on legend. Barn finds of dusty motorcycles or forgotten muscle cars often make headlines, but few moments capture the raw shock of unearthing a piece of forgotten American manufacturing history quite like the day Frank Thompson stepped into a nondescript garage in rural Wisconsin and witnessed one of the most extraordinary reveals in vintage cycling lore.

Frank, a seasoned picker and passionate historian of early 20th-century transportation, had arrived at the property after a tip from a local contact. The homeowner, an elderly man named Earl who had inherited the estate from his father, mentioned “some old bikes” stored away for decades. Expecting perhaps a few rusted Schwinns or a mismatched collection of postwar frames, Frank was unprepared for what awaited him beneath a heavy, oil-stained tarp in the back corner of the garage.

As Earl gripped the edge of the tarp and yanked it back with surprising vigor for his age, a cloud of dust billowed into the air. Frank’s eyes widened. Row after row of meticulously preserved early Harley-Davidson bicycles gleamed under the dim overhead light—frames painted in the iconic Harley olive green and red, complete with original badging, wooden rims, and components that screamed authenticity. “I literally took a step back and almost lost my balance,” Frank later recalled in an interview. “It felt like opening a time capsule from 1918.”

The Forgotten Chapter of Harley-Davidson

To understand why this collection was so staggering, one must revisit a little-known chapter in the Harley-Davidson saga. Founded in 1903 by William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson in Milwaukee, the company built its reputation on motorcycles that evolved from motorized bicycles. But in 1917, as America entered World War I and consumer interest in two-wheeled transport surged, Harley-Davidson made an intriguing pivot: they entered the bicycle market.

Rather than manufacture the bikes themselves, Harley partnered with the Davis Sewing Machine Company of Dayton, Ohio—one of the largest bicycle producers in the country at the time. Davis supplied frames and components, while Harley applied its branding, distinctive paint schemes matching their motorcycles, and even cast the iconic “H-D” initials into the sprockets. Models included the classic diamond-frame men’s bicycle, step-through ladies’ versions, and juvenile “Boy Scout” models aimed at younger riders.

Priced between $40 and $50 (equivalent to roughly $900–$1,100 today), these were premium machines marketed heavily toward children with the hope of building brand loyalty for future motorcycle purchases. Advertising campaigns featured aspirational scenes of boys dreaming of owning a “real” Harley-Davidson bicycle. Production ran only from 1917 to about 1922–1923, when disappointing sales and the end of Davis’s bicycle operations led Harley to discontinue the line. As a result, surviving examples are exceptionally rare. Most that surface today are either heavily restored or incomplete.

What made Earl’s collection extraordinary was not just the quantity—over a dozen pristine specimens spanning multiple models and years—but the condition. Several 1918 Model 318s retained original paint with minimal fading, original Troxel saddles, and even period-correct accessories. One standout was a ladies’ step-through frame in unrestored glory, a variant far scarcer than the men’s models due to lower production numbers. Another featured the distinctive “Motorcyke” styling, complete with a faux gas tank compartment designed to hold batteries for a headlamp, blurring the line between pedal bike and early motorcycle aesthetic.

The Discovery Unfolds

Frank’s visit began routinely enough. He had driven hours after hearing rumors of mechanical relics on the property. Earl, a retired mechanic whose father had worked indirectly with regional Harley dealerships in the 1920s, was initially reluctant to show everything. “Dad always said these were special,” Earl explained. “He bought them cheap when a dealer was liquidating stock in the early ’20s and stored them away thinking they might be worth something someday.”

As the tarp came off, Frank’s professional demeanor cracked. He knelt beside the nearest bike, running gloved hands over the frame, checking serial numbers (where present), and examining the cast H-D sprockets. “These aren’t just rare—they’re museum-quality,” he muttered. Documentation in the collection included original sales receipts, period catalogs, and even a faded 1919 advertisement featuring the very models now before him.

The garage itself told a story of careful preservation. Unlike many barn finds plagued by moisture, rodents, or neglect, this space had remained dry and stable. Earl’s father had covered the bikes individually with tarps and occasionally oiled moving parts. As a result, many bicycles were rideable with minimal intervention—something almost unheard of for century-old examples.

Word of the discovery spread quickly within collector circles. Forums dedicated to pre-1933 antique bicycles lit up with envy and admiration. “You just don’t see these anymore,” one enthusiast posted after Frank shared initial photos. Comparisons were drawn to legendary American Pickers episodes where rare Harleys surfaced, but this find stood apart because of its focus on the pedal-powered precursors rather than motorized icons.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Beyond their rarity, these bicycles represent a fascinating intersection of American industrial history. At a time when automobiles were still luxuries and motorcycles were emerging as practical transport, Harley-Davidson’s bicycle venture was a bold experiment in brand extension. It reflected the company’s roots—both founders began their careers tinkering with bicycles—and its forward-thinking marketing. By associating the brand with youthful adventure and reliability from an early age, Harley hoped to cultivate lifelong customers.

The collection also sheds light on the broader bicycle boom of the early 20th century. Manufacturers like Davis produced for multiple brands, including competitors like Indian, highlighting the interconnected web of American manufacturing before specialization took hold. The use of high-quality components—wooden rims, robust coaster brakes, and elegant lugged frames—demonstrated engineering standards that rivaled contemporary European offerings.

For modern enthusiasts, these bikes embody nostalgia for a simpler era. Restored examples command premium prices at auction, with well-documented specimens fetching thousands. One unrestored 1917 model sold for over $4,000 in recent years, while complete, original-paint survivors can exceed $10,000–$30,000 depending on rarity and provenance. Earl’s collection, however, was in a league of its own—potentially the most comprehensive private holding of authentic Harley-Davidson bicycles known to exist in the United States.

Negotiations and Legacy

Negotiations were intense but respectful. Frank, ever the enthusiast rather than a pure flipper, emphasized preservation. After several hours of conversation over coffee, a deal was struck that allowed Frank to acquire several key pieces while leaving others with Earl’s family. Some will head to private collectors, others potentially to museums or the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, which already celebrates the brand’s broader history but has limited bicycle representation.

The discovery has sparked renewed interest in Harley’s bicycle chapter. Restoration specialists report increased inquiries, and online communities are buzzing with calls for more research into surviving examples. Frank himself has become something of an ambassador, sharing the story at vintage events and cautioning new collectors about the prevalence of replicas and misidentified bikes.

In an age dominated by digital distractions and mass-produced goods, unearthing a cache like this reminds us of the tangible connections to our industrial past. These bicycles weren’t just transportation—they were symbols of aspiration, engineering ingenuity, and the enduring allure of the Harley-Davidson name.

As Frank loaded the first bike into his trailer, he paused for one last look at the garage. “Moments like this are why we do it,” he said. “You pull back a tarp expecting dust and cobwebs, and instead you find history staring back at you—polished, proud, and ready to ride again.”

The rarest Harley bicycle collection in America had been hiding in plain sight. Thanks to one homeowner’s decision to finally reveal it, a forgotten legacy has rolled back into the light. For Frank Thompson and countless enthusiasts, it was a discovery worth nearly falling over for.