The 1913 Harley-Davidson Single is a significant model in the history of Harley-Davidson, representing the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation. In 1913, Harley-Davidson proudly announced that they had secured contracts and deposits for all 17,000 motorcycles produced that year, emphasizing their dedication to craftsmanship over quantity. This rare example, a 1913 Model 9A single, comes from the renowned Bud Ekins Family Trust Collection.

The Model 9A features an F-head single engine with a belt drive, officially designated as the “5-35” due to its 35 cubic inch (CI) engine that produces 5 horsepower. The increased power was achieved by adding a half-inch of stroke, bringing the displacement to 34.47 CI (565cc). Harley-Davidson took pride in being the only brand on the market with such specifications at the time. The 1913 model also introduced mechanical inlet valves for the first time, and each motorcycle in the lineup came with a Schebler carburetor, Bosch magneto ignition, and a “free wheel” clutch. Two single-cylinder models were available: the chain-drive 9B and this belt-drive 9A. Both models featured Harley-Davidson’s loop frame, sprung fork, and the innovative Ful-Floteing sprung seat post.

This particular Model 9A is one of only 1,510 built in 1913 and was restored by David Bettencourt. It carries the added heritage of being part of the Bud Ekins collection, a testament to its historical and cultural significance. Ekins, an early and avid antique collector, acquired this motorcycle in the mid-1980s from his friend Bettencourt.

The 1913 Harley-Davidson Single remains a prized piece of motorcycling history, showcasing the craftsmanship and innovation that have defined Harley-Davidson for over a century.