Ironhead Sportsters being assembled at Harley Factory - 1972 - Page 4

83XLX · #31 18th September 2012

Thanks for posting those pictures. That's the way I want to remember "The Motor Company". The pic with the guy wielding the hammer reminds me of what the old Harley shops looked like back in the 1960's.

Rsail2005 · #32 18th September 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Bentwrench

Amazing photos and thanks! I expected the old factory to be far more modern. I didn't expect the old wooden structure and almost a Model T production line.

As a point of reference, 1972 was the first year for the 1000cc, last year for the front drum brakes and also the last year of production in the original HD factory? For the 1973 model year, Sportsters came out of AMF's new York, PA facility? Is this why some claim that 1972 was the last real HD Sportster?

BTW, great shot of the honest to God correct 1972 tank graphics.

I am certain that those photos are from the old Juneau Ave. Factory, the pillars and the spacing of the window panes are a dead giveaway. That's one of the reasons I am so attached to my 1971: I know that it is one of the last true Milwaukee Sportsters, and seeing as I used to live a few blocks away from that beautiful old building, it really takes me back there.

RigidIronhead · #33 18th September 2012

Thanks for posting those pictures.. very cool!

doodah man · #34 19th September 2012

i think my favorite part is there are no robots on the assembly line. all hand assembled. by real people.

79sportster · #35 20th September 2012

i grew up in york,pa,graduated high school in 1972 and got a job at harley after graduation.i thought i'd get to make motorcycles.they put me in the factory with bombs laying all over the floor,smoke in the air from welding ,it looked like dante's version of hell.bombs meant to go to vietnam.i told them i didn't want to make bombs.end of job!