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4 Minutes
Introduction: A Vintage Hillclimb Icon Reborn
Hill climbing is one of motor sport’s oldest challenges — a direct test of traction, torque and bravery that began alongside the earliest motorized machines. Among the pioneers who helped define the discipline was Harley‑Davidson. In the late 1920s the company produced purpose‑built competition machines, including the legendary 1928 Hillclimber FHAD. One of only a handful built, this blue‑and‑white example restored by Fred Lange Restorations is a rare slice of racing history and is being offered at auction in Monterey, California.
Design and Heritage
The 1928 Hillclimber was conceived as a pure race bike: stripped, strengthened and tuned specifically for short, brutal uphill sprints. Its visual character is immediately identifiable — a minimalist frame, exposed race engine, slim fenders and a rear wheel wrapped in a chain to maximize traction on loose or muddy hills. This example stays faithful to period aesthetics with original or period‑correct fenders, tank, rims and footboards bearing the Harley‑Davidson logo and distinct striping.
Key Visual Features
- Blue and white paintwork with red lettering and striping on the fuel tank
- Chain‑wrapped rear tire used for added traction in hillclimb conditions
- Simple race footboards and exposed mechanicals for easy service and light weight
Specifications and Mechanical Details
Rather than a roadgoing engine detuned for longevity, the Hillclimber uses a race‑only powerplant. Notable specifications include:
- Engine: 61 cu in (approx. 1,000 cc) two‑cam racing engine
- Transmission: period three‑speed gearbox
- Chassis: modified frame and suspension tuned for short, high‑traction climbs
- Traction aid: chain wrapped around the rear tire — a classic hillclimb modification
Exact output figures are not documented like modern bikes, but the focus was on low‑to‑midrange torque and reliable power delivery to launch up steep grades.
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Restoration, Authenticity and Ownership
Fred Lange Restorations, known for meticulous vintage motorcycle work, restored this Hillclimber with an emphasis on originality. Where original parts were unavailable, period‑appropriate reproductions were used — for example, the rear tire chain and rear stand. The build retains the original 61ci engine and three‑speed transmission and uses the original frame with sympathetic changes to preserve authenticity while ensuring structural integrity.
Performance and Riding Character
Compared with modern motocross or hillclimb machines, the 1928 Hillclimber delivers a raw, mechanical experience rather than refined performance. Riding one is about throttle control, clutch feel and chassis feedback. Its chain‑wrapped rear tire and tuned suspension helped early riders conquer loose, steep runs — a testament to early engineering solutions for traction and stability.
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Market Positioning and Comparisons
As a rare factory race bike, the FHAD Hillclimber sits in the collector niche for vintage motorcycles and classic race machines. Harley is believed to have produced only six FHAD hillclimbers in 1928; two are known to survive in largely original, restored condition. Comparable examples have fetched significant sums — with a sibling model appearing in Bonhams listings in 2008 — so estimates above $100,000 are plausible for such rarity and provenance. Compared to modern collector bikes, the Hillclimber appeals to enthusiasts of early racing technology, restoration authenticity and American motorcycle heritage.
Why It Matters to Enthusiasts
This Hillclimber is more than a motorcycle: it’s a preserved piece of early motorsport history. Whether you follow classic motorcycle auctions, appreciate period race engineering, or collect Harley‑Davidson’s competition legacy, this 1928 FHAD offers tangible connection to the era when hillclimbs helped shape performance innovation.
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